Denver (5-0, 4-1 ATS) at Miami (4-1 SU and ATS)
The Nuggets try to match their best start in franchise history – and continue their dominance of the Heat – when they resume their six-game Eastern Conference road trip with a stop at American Airlines Arena.
Denver exploded in the second half at New Jersey on Wednesday night, outscoring the Nets 72-43 to turn a 51-50 halftime deficit into a 122-94 win, easily covering as a nine-point road favorite. The Nuggets have started out 6-0 just once in team history, back in the 1985-86 season, and they come into tonight having scored more than 110 points in four of their five games, with four of the five wins being by nine points or more.
Miami rebounded from its first setback of the season – Tuesday’s 104-96 home loss to Phoenix – with a 93-89 upset of the Wizards as a two-point road pup on Wednesday. Since opening the season with a 115-83 rout of New York, Dwyane Wade and Co. have scored just 96, 95, 96 and 93 points in the past four games, but the defense has allowed 93 points or fewer in four of the team’s five contests, holding three opponents under 90.
This hasn’t been much of a rivalry lately, with the Nuggets winning eight consecutive meetings, going 6-1 ATS in the last seven. That includes four straight wins (3-1 ATS) in Miami. Last year, Denver rolled 108-97 as a 5½-point home favorite, then went to South Beach and clobbered the Heat 99-82 as a 1½-point chalk. Four of the Nuggets’ last five wins in this series were double-digit routs.
Although Denver is still only 3-8 ATS in its last 11 against Eastern Conference foes, it is otherwise on positive pointspread streaks of 24-8 overall, 13-3 on the road, 12-4 when playing on one day of rest, 11-3 after a SU victory and 8-1 when coming off a double-digit win. Meanwhile, in addition to cashing in four of its five games this season, Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home and 13-6 ATS in its last 19 on Friday.
The under is on runs of 5-1 for the Nuggets on the road, 4-0 for the Heat overall, 5-1 for the Heat at home, 12-2 for the Heat after a victory and 5-0 for the Heat when playing on one day of rest. However, the over is 15-7 in Denver’s last 22 on Friday and 26-9-1 in Miami’s last 36 against Northwest Division opponents. Finally, seven of the last 10 in this series have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
Phoenix (4-1, 2-3 ATS) at Boston (6-0, 4-2 ATS)
The Celtics return home with their perfect record intact as they entertain the Suns, who look to rebound from their first loss of the season as they continue a five-game Eastern Conference road swing.
Phoenix took a 4-0 record into Orlando on Wednesday, but was no match for the Magic, losing 122-100 as a 7½-point road underdog. After posting solid numbers to start the year, point guard Steve Nash was limited to just 12 points and four assists in 22 minutes, and the Suns’ defense was nonexistent, as the Magic shot 52.3 percent overall and 52.2 percent from three-point range. Wednesday’s loss snapped the Suns’ seven-game winning streak that dated to the end of last year’s regular season.
Boston kept pace with the Nuggets – the only remaining unbeaten teams in the league – by barely holding off the lowly Timberwolves 92-90 on Wednesday, coming up woefully short as a 10-point road chalk. The Celtics have been ridiculously tough on defense all year, holding all six opponents to 90 points or less while yielding just 81.5 ppg on 40.7 percent shooting. By comparison, the Suns give up 107.6 ppg on 47.1 percent shooting.
Phoenix won four straight against the Celtics from 2006-08 (going 2-2 ATS), but Boston has regained control of the rivalry with three straight double-digit wins (3-0 ATS). Last year, the Celtics cruised 104-87 as an 8½-point home favorite and 128-108 as a two-point road ‘dog. The visitor has cashed in nine of the last 12 meetings, with the Suns going 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Beantown.
Phoenix is on ATS runs of 5-1-1 on Friday, 8-0 after a non-cover and 5-1 after a SU defeat, but the Suns are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine against the Atlantic Division and 3-10-1 ATS as an underdog of five to 10½ points. Boston is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 after a non-cover and 5-1 ATS in its last six on Friday, but 5-11 ATS in its last 16 as a favorite of five to 10½ points. Also, the Suns have alternated spread-covers in their five games this year, and Boston has done so in its last four contests.
The Suns are on “under” rolls of 7-3 overall, 5-1 on the road and 4-0 after an ATS setback, but the over is 4-1 in their last five against the Atlantic Division and 22-10 in their last 32 as a road underdog. Boston carries “under” streaks of 8-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-0 against the Western Conference and 5-1 when playing after one day of rest, but the over is 5-0 in the Celtics’ last five Friday contests. Lastly, the over is 9-4-1 in the last 14 meetings between these teams and 6-2 in the last eight battles in Boston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
San Antonio (2-2 SU and ATS) at Portland (2-3 SU and ATS)
The struggling Trail Blazers continue a three-game homestand when they welcome the Spurs to the Rose Garden for a Western Conference battle.
San Antonio came off a five-day layoff on Thursday and dropped a 113-99 decision at Utah as a one-point road favorite. The Jazz made 53 percent of their shot attempts in the win, and opponents are shooting 47.3 percent for the season against San Antonio. The Spurs have scored 113 points in each of their first two wins (both at home) while averaging 92 ppg in their two defeats (both on the road).
The Blazers are coming off Tuesday’s 97-91 loss to Atlanta as a seven-point home favorite, falling to 1-3 SU and ATS in their last four games, including back-to-back upset defeats at the Rose Garden. Going back to last year’s first-round playoff series against the Rockets, Portland has held eight of nine opponents to 97 points or less, but offensively, Nate McMillan’s team has scored more than 96 points just once during that nine-game span, including tallying 88 or less five times.
Portland took three of four from the Spurs last year both SU and ATS, winning two home games by scores of 100-99 as a 2½-point underdog and 102-84 as a four-point chalk. Prior to last season, San Antonio had defeated the Blazers 12 consecutive times. Portland has covered in four of the last five meetings overall and four straight at the Rose Garden, and the host is 5-1 ATS in the last six series clashes.
Going back to last year, San Antonio is in ATS slumps of 1-5 on the highway, 2-6 against the Northwest Division, 2-6 as an underdog and 10-21 as a road pup of less than five points, but the Spurs have covered in four of their last five Friday outings. Portland has cashed in six straight on Friday, 15 of 22 against Western Conference foes, eight of 11 when going on two days’ rest, 15 of 22 as a favorite and seven of eight when laying less than five points.
The Spurs have topped the total in five of their last six overall and eight of their last 10, and the over is 9-3-1 in their last 13 against the Northwest Division and 8-3-1 in their last 12 as an underdog. However, the under is 4-2 in San Antonio’s last six on the road and 5-1 in itss last six when playing on back-to-back nights. Portland is riding “under” streaks of 8-1 overall, 4-0 at home, 5-1 as a favorite, 4-0 as a home chalk and 5-1 versus Southwest Division opponents. However, the Spurs and Blazers have hurdled the total in six of their last nine meetings overall and four of their last five clashes at the Rose Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Time Warner Cable Arena.
The Hawks dominated the fourth quarter as they came away with a 113-105 victory over the 1-4 Kings last time out. The Hawks covered the 6-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 207.
Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson poured in 26 points apiece to lead the Hawks in the win.
Gerald Wallace went for 24 points, 20 rebounds, and four steals to lead the Bobcats past the Nets 79-68 on Monday night.
Charlotte covered as 7-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 175-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS
Charlotte: 2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Atlanta's last 18 games
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Denver, Saturday, November 7
Charlotte at Chicago, Saturday, November 7
Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers
The Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Dwyane Wade dropped a game-high 40 points to help the Heat get past the Wizards 93-89 on Wednesday. The Heat won the game as a slight 2-point underdog, while the 182 points went UNDER the posted total of 195.
Quentin Richardson had 19 points with nine rebounds.
The Pacers dominated the second half and went on to defeat the Knicks 101-89 on Wednesday, as 5-point underdogs. The 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 223.
Dahntay Jones netted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Indiana: 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing New York are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Washington is 6-10-2 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Washington
Indiana is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Indiana's last 19 games at home
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Washington home to Phoenix, Sunday, November 8
Indiana home to Golden State, Wednesday, November 11
New Jersey Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Friday when the New Jersey Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers meet at Wachovia Center.
The Nets were crushed 122-94 by the Nuggets last time out, as 9.5-point underdogs. The 216 made it OVER the posted total of 200.
Chris Douglas-Roberts had 19 points with seven rebounds in the loss.
Andre Iguodala dropped 17 points to lead Philadelphia in its 105-74 loss to Boston on Tuesday night.
Boston cashed as 6.5-point road favorites, while the game played UNDER the 190-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 0-5 SU, 0-4-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 3-7
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
New Jersey is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
New Jersey is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Boston, Saturday, November 7
Philadelphia at Detroit, Sunday, November 8
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
The Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at
The Pistons lost 110-99 to the Raptors on Wednesday, as 8-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.5.
Ben Gordon netted 30 points in a losing cause for the Pistons.
The Magic dominated with 63 second half points on Wednesday, as they toppled the Suns 122-100. The Magic covered the 7.5-point spread, while the 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 218.
Ryan Anderson had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Team records:
Detroit: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Orlando: 4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Detroit home to Philadelphia, Sunday, November 8
Orlando at Oklahoma City, Sunday, November 8
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat
The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The Nuggets remained undefeated after defeating the winless Nets 122-94 on Wednesday. The Nuggets covered the 9.5-point spread, while the 216 made it OVER the posted total of 200.
Ty Lawson led the way with 23 points, while Carmelo Anthony added 22 in the win.
The Wizards were defeated 93-89 by the Heat last time out, as 2-point favorites. That game's 182 points went UNDER the posted total of 195.
Gilbert Arenas collected 32 points for the Wizards.
Current streak:
Denver has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS
Miami: 4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Washington are 2-8
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Denver at Atlanta, Saturday, November 7
Miami home to Washington, Tuesday, November 10
Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics
The Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at TD Garden.
The Suns were defeated 122-100 by the Magic last time out, as 7.5-point underdogs. The 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 218.
Amare Stoudemire netted 25 points and hauled down 14 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Celtics extended their season-opening win streak to six games on Wednesday, as they defeated the Timberwolves 92-90. The Celtics failed to cover the 12-point spread, and the 182 points went UNDER the posted total of 187.
Rajon Rondo collected 18 points with four rebounds and six assists in leading the way.
Current streak:
Boston has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS
Boston: 6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 9-1
After playing Orlando are 9-1
After a loss are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Phoenix at Washington, Sunday, November 8
Boston at New Jersey, Saturday, November 7
Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.
Andrea Bargnani poured in 22 points to go with 12 rebounds for a double-double Wednesday, leading the Raptors to a 110-99 victory over the Pistons. The Raptors covered the 8-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.5.
Chris Bosh dropped 25 points with eight rebounds.
The Hornets blew an early lead and then clawed their way back with a 114-107 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Hornets managed to cover the 4-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.
Chris Paul netted a game-high 39 points for the Hornets, while David West added 125 in that win.
Team records:
Toronto: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
New Orleans: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing LA Lakers are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 13 games at home
New Orleans is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at Dallas, Saturday, November 7
New Orleans at LA Lakers, Sunday, November 8
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Friday.
Brandon Jennings scored 25 points to lead Milwaukee in its 83-81 loss to Chicago on Tuesday night.
Chicago couldn't cover as 9-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 192-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Timberwolves were defeated 92-90 by the Celtics last time out, as 12-point underdogs. The 182 points went UNDER the posted total of 187.
Oleksiy Pecherov had 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds in that loss.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS
Minnesota: 1-4 SU, 3-1-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 1-9
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 2-8
After playing Boston are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 12 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 11 games
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Minnesota is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to New York, Saturday, November 7
Minnesota at Portland, Sunday, November 8
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
The fans at Madison Square Garden will be treated to a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks when they take their seats on Friday.
The Cavaliers were upset 86-85 by the Bulls last time out, as 11.5-point favorites. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 191.
LeBron James had 25 points with seven rebounds and six assists.
The Knicks were defeated 101-89 by the Pacers last time out, as 5-point favorites at home. That game's 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 223.
David Lee added a double-double for the Knicks with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Team records:
Cleveland: 3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS
New York: 1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 11 games at home
Next up:
Cleveland at Orlando, Wednesday, November 11
New York at Milwaukee, Saturday, November 7
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
The fans at Toyota Center will be treated to a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets when they take their seats on Friday.
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 28 points in their 101-98 overtime loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles couldn't cover as 7.5-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 194-point total set by sportsbooks.
The Rockets were defeated 103-102 by the Lakers last time out, as 2-point underdogs. The 205 points made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Chuck Hayes netted 14 points and hauled down 14 boards for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS
Houston: 3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 2-8
After playing LA Lakers are 1-9
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 9-1
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Houston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Orlando, Sunday, November 8
Houston at Dallas, Tuesday, November 10
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Friday when the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors meet at Oracle Arena.
Chris Kaman finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds to lift the Clippers over the Timberwolves 93-90 on Monday night.
Los Angeles failed to cover as 7.5-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 196.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 24 points and dished out 12 assists in leading them past the Grizzlies 113-105 on Wednesday. The Warriors covered the 6-point spread, while the 218 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 227.5.
Anthony Morrow chipped in with 24 points off the bench.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS
Golden State: 1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 1-9
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 11 games
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Golden State
LA Clippers are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games on the road
LA Clippers are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Golden State is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Golden State is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
Next up:
LA Clippers home to Memphis, Saturday, November 7
Golden State at Sacramento, Sunday, November 8
San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Rose Garden.
The Spurs were defeated 113-99 by the Jazz last time out, as a pick'em. That game's 212 points sailed OVER the posted total of 197.
Tim Duncan had 15 points to go with 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
LaMarcus Aldridge went for 20 points and 14 rebounds for Portland in its 97-91 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday night.
Atlanta cashed as 7-point road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 192-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
San Antonio: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
Portland: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Utah are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
San Antonio is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 9 games
Portland is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games at home
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Toronto, Monday, November 9
Portland home to Minnesota, Sunday, November 8
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Grizlies were defeated 113-105 Wednesday night by the Warriors, as 6-point underdogs. That game's 218 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 227.5.
Rudy Gay had a game-high 28 points to go with eight rebounds in a losing effort.
Kobe Bryant dropped a game-high 41 points and the Lakers pulled off a 103-102 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday. The Lakers failed to cover the 2-point spread, while the 205 points made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Andrew Bynum had 17 points with 17 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 3 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS
Los Angeles: 4-1 SU, 0-5 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 9-1
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Memphis's last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Lakers last 10 games at home
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
LA Lakers are 18-3 SU in their last 21 games at home
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at LA Clippers, Saturday, November 7
LA Lakers home to New Orleans, Sunday, November 8
Points-A-Plenty
By SportsPic
The Toronto Raptors defeating a depleted Piston team 110-99 Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre moving the mark to 2-2 on the season embark on a three game road swing starting in New Orleans Friday. Little doubt Raptors can score but they're flat defensively allowing the opposition 107.5 PPG on 43.6% from the field with teams a scorching 46.2% from outside. Meanwhile, Hornets putting the boots to the Mavericks in OT (114-107) on Wednesday are 2-3 with both victories coming on New Orleans Arena hardwood. Like Raptors the Hornets can knock them down (101.0 PPG) but suffer on the defensive end allowing 105.2 PPG (46.8% FG, 35.7% 3pt) well up from last seasons 94.0 PPG. A shoot-out in the making with the edge going to Hornets and their downtown specialist Chris Paul hitting an amazing 12-of-15 (80%) from long range. Interesting note, the past 2+ years home favorites who make more 3’s than their competitor are 356-76 in the record books cashing 60.8% of the time (262-163-6). Have these same teams hit >45% from outside they cash at a sparkling 70.4% clip (114-46-2). Expect Hornets to sting Purple Dinos from long range in what will be a high scoring affair. Consider Hornets knowing they're a powerful 42-2 at home reaching the century mark in scoring cashing thirty-six of the contests (36-7-1 ATS) while Toronto enters 6-41 (8-37-2 ATS) on the highway allowing 100 or more points.
NBA News and Notes
Lakers could be without Gasol, Bynum on Friday
The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, who have yet to cover a spread this season, will likely be without frontcourt stars Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum for Friday's game vs. Memphis.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Gasol, who has yet to play this season due to a hamstring strain, said he was "very doubtful" for the matchup with his brother's team. He did walk-throughs and shooting at Thursday's practice but did not participate in contact drills or a scrimmage.
Bynum had an MRI Thursday that revealed a strained right elbow suffered in overtime of Wednesday's win at Houston. The report said he was unable to use his arm while getting dressed after the game but had better mobility Thursday.
Bynum said he wasn't sure if he could play against New Orleans Sunday.
The Lakers can plug in Lamar Odom at power forward for Gasol but probably will have to start D.J. Mbenga at center for Bynum.
The Lakers are 4-1 straight up but 0-5 against the spread. There is no line yet on the game, but the Grizzlies have been a double-digit underdog for their last five visits to L.A.
Kings star guard Kevin Martin has fractured left wrist
Sacramento Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin has a displaced hairline fracture in his left wrist, the team announced Thursday.
The Sacramento Bee reported that Martin, a right-handed shooting guard, is considering playing with the injury; putting it in a cast, which would sideline him for six to eight weeks; or having surgery, which would have a longer timetable.
Martin is third in the NBA in scoring at 30.6 points per game. He hurt the hand while scoring a league season-high 48 points in Monday's win over Memphis and added 29 in Wednesday's loss to Atlanta.
Sacramento's second-leading scorer is center Spencer Hawes at 11.8 points. It ranks 25th or worse in points allowed, opponents' field-goal percentage and opponents' rebounds.
The Kings are 1-4 straight up and 2-3 against the spread. They visit Utah Saturday.
Tips and Trends
Milwaukee Bucks at Minnesota T'Wolves
Bucks: Bucks coach Scott Skiles is still experimenting. This is Milwaukee’s fourth game and the Bucks have used three new starting lineups with eight different players having gotten at least one start. Lack of offense has been the Bucks’ biggest problem. Milwaukee is lucky to be 1-2 considering it ranks second-to-last in scoring at 87.7 points per game and second from the bottom in field goal percentage. The Bucks have made just 40.2 percent of their field goals. Milwaukee is last in free throw percentage making only 64.5 percent from the foul line. The Bucks’ opponents have sunk more free throws than Milwaukee has even attempted from the foul line. The Bucks miss their best scorer, Michael Redd. He’s out with a knee injury. The Bucks haven’t won at the Target Center since 2006. They have dropped nine of their last 10 in Minnesota.
Milwaukee is 5-11 ATS as an underdog.
The Under is 4-0-1 in Milwaukee’s last five games.
Key Injuries - Michael Redd (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (Side of the Day)
Timberwolves (-2.5, O/U 185): Minnesota nearly handed Boston its first loss of the season on Wednesday night, but lost 92-90 at the Target Center as 10-point underdogs. Al Jefferson had his most productive game of the season with 18 points. Jefferson is coming back after undergoing knee surgery last year. The Timberwolves received a huge game from unsung Olekiy Pecherov, who was getting minutes with power forward Kevin Love out. Pecherov scored a career-best 24 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Minnesota is 7-1 against the spread following a loss. Ramon Sessions is splitting time at point guard with rookie Jonny Flynn. Sessions should be motivated. He was with Milwaukee last season and was unhappy when the Bucks failed to re-sign him. He then signed a $16.4 million dollar deal with the Timberwolves. Minnesota has lost its last three games, but covered the spread in each of the three games.
The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS when favored.
The Under has cashed in 13 of the Timberwolves’ last 16 home contests.
Key Injuries - Forward Kevin Love (hand) is out
PROJECTED SCORE: 94