Friday's Best NBA Bets
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
It’s been 166 months since the Hawks last won in the Lone Star State against the Spurs. And things don’t look to be improving anytime soon.
The streak, which started in February of 1997, includes plenty of lopsided wins. Last year, the Spurs posted a 105-90 victory in Texas, behind forward Tim Duncan, who had 21 points, 27 rebounds and six assists. And if the Hawks find a way to contain Duncan on Friday night, it still must contend with the team’s dynamic guards in Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
The Hawks are using a starting lineup with Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jason Collins due to an injury to All-Star guard Joe Johnson and an illness for forward Zaza Pachulia. That greatly effects the team’s depth and will hamper its ability to close out on shooters with such a bulky starting five. It may be able to shut down Duncan, but stopping the pick-and-roll he runs with Ginobili and Parker will be a whole different issue.
Atlanta may be better than it was 13 years ago. But it still isn’t good enough to win in San Antonio.
Pick: San Antonio
New York Knicks at Washington Wizards
Quick, who leads the NBA in road wins? That’s right, the Knicks. New York has an NBA-high 9 road wins in 13 away games this season, proving that the team doesn't need friendly home rims to execute its high-octane attack.
Overall, the team has won six straight and is surging because of its ability to beat the teams it should. Mix in an 8-point road win at New Orleans and the Knicks look like a squad that can make some noise in the Eastern Conference. They key for the team has been the outstanding play of free-agent acquisitions Raymond Felton and Amar’e Stoudemire. Felton is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game and Stoudemire has been even better, throwing up 25.7 points and 9.1 boards per night.
Together, the duo is averaging more combined points than any other newly acquired set of teammates in the NBA. Even LeBron James and Chris Bosh in South Beach.
The Wizards would love to run against New York with guards Gilbert Arenas, Kirk Hinrich and rookie John Wall, if he is healthy enough to play. But there will be no answer for Stoudemire inside, as the Knicks will pound the ball down low for a big win.
Pick: New York
NBA Odds: Sizzling Spurs host Atlanta Hawks
By: Michael Robinson
The best team in the Western Conference hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night and we’re not talking about the Los Angeles Lakers.
The San Antonio Spurs (18-3 straight-up, 13-7-1 against the spread) have shocked the basketball world with the NBA’s best record. Their conference future odds (plus 325) as still solidly behind the two-time defending champion Lakers (minus 125), but don’t count out this Texas team.
The big question mark for San Antonio continues to be age. Tim Duncan is 34 and Manu Ginobili 33. Fellow starters Richard Jefferson and Tony Parker are 30 and 28 respectively.
Coach Gregg Popovich has a done great job reinventing his squad, having a faster-paced offense generating 106.9 PPG (fourth in the league.) San Antonio was 15th in the league last year (101.4 PPG) and at 98.5 PPG during its last NBA title season in 2006-2007.
The Spurs last game was a 111-94 Wednesday home win over Golden State. Six players scored in double-digits and they ‘covered’ as 10-point favorites. Their home ATS record is 7-5 compared to 6-2-1 away. They’re 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in this current six-game homestand.
The 205 combined points scored in the game with Golden State went ‘under’ the 212-point total. The ‘under’ is now 4-0 in the last four games after the ‘over’ started 12-5. The Spurs are seeing higher totals to reflect their newfound scoring prowess.
Popovich has also done a great job keeping the minutes down of his stars. Parker leads at just 33 per game and it helps to have several contributing bench players like George Hill, Matt Bonner, Antonio McDyess and Gary Neal.
The Spurs haven’t had to face the Lakers yet and lost 103-94 as 4 ½-point home favorites in their only meeting against red-hot Dallas (17-4). Atlanta would be the best win in this homestand so far after beating Golden State, Minnesota and a suddenly struggling New Orleans team.
Atlanta (15-8 SU, 10-13 ATS) is still trying to establish itself as an Eastern Conference powerhouse. Having to play in the Southeast Division along with Orlando and Miami doesn’t help and neither does getting swept in the second round of the playoffs the last two years despite averaging 50 wins.
The Hawks started out slowly this year at 8-7 SU and 5-10 ATS. They’ve gone 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS since, last beating New Jersey on Tuesday, 116-101 as 6 ½-point home favorites. Forward Josh Smith had 34 points.
Leading scorer Joe Johnson (17.1 PPG) missed that game, and the four previous, with an elbow injury. He’s out until mid January after surgery.
Center Jason Collins moved into the starting lineup two games ago (both wins and covers) and forms a big frontline along with Smith and Al Horford. There is a loss of quickness with Smith moving to small forward.
Collins is only averaging 17 minutes the last two games, but one of them was an 80-74 win at Orlando last Monday as 6 ½-point ‘dogs. The Hawks were just 1-11 SU and 2-10 ATS in the last 12 against the Magic including last year’s playoff sweep.
The whole team will need to keep playing well to make up for Johnson’s loss. The Hawks are a very solid 8-3 SU and ATS on the road this year. The ‘under’ is 4-0 in their last four road games.
The home team won and ‘covered’ both meetings between Atlanta and San Antonio last year. The home team is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings overall.
Fox Sports Southwest will have the 5:30 p.m. (PT) tip-off from the AT&T Center.
NBA Betting Preview: LA Lakers visit Bulls
By: Joe Freda
The Los Angeles Lakers have a 1-7 spread record in their last eight games, with the ‘under’ going 6-2. Phil Jackson’s club travels east for the second contest of a seven-game road journey in Friday’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who are 1-4 ATS in their last five trips to the floor.
The Lakers began donning their road jerseys in Wednesday’s 87-86 win as 7 ½-point favorites against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jackson’s crew came from behind, outscoring the Clippers in the fourth quarter, 22-15.
Lakers guard Derek Fisher made a driving layup with no time remaining to give his squad the win. The 15-year veteran finished with six points and four rebounds.
Fisher’s mate Kobe Bryant notched a team-high 24 points, while adding four assists. The 12-time All-Star hit 9-of-15 from the field, while adding one steal.
The tight battle’s combined 173 points plunged ‘under’ the NBA odds number of 204 ½. Both foes united to drain 16-of-42 from beyond the arc, while connecting on 25-of-38 free throws.
The Lakers dropped to 5-5 ATS in their first 10 road games, with the ‘total’ also moving to 5-5. Bryant and Co. have put up 104.9 PPG in that span.
Chicago picked up its third straight win in Wednesday’s 88-83 triumph as a 7 ½-point road favorite against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bulls held Cleveland to 38.3 percent field-goal shooting, while being outscored on fast breaks, 16-14.
Bulls guard Derrick Rose logged team-highs of 29 points and eight assists. The 22-year-old drained 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while finishing with four rebounds.
Chicago’s Joakim Noah notched his third double-double in four games, piling in 13 points and 14 boards. The New York native connected on 5-of-13 from the field, while committing five personal fouls.
The low-scoring duel’s combined 171 points dipped below the ‘total’ of 196 ½, bringing the ‘under’ to 5-2 in Chicago’s last seven games. Both squads struggled from the charity stripe, uniting to hit 23-of-38 free throws.
Chicago is 4-4-1 ATS in its first nine home dates, with the ‘under’ cashing at 6-3. Tom Thibodeau’s team has given up 100 PPG in that stretch, allowing 43 percent field-goal shooting from its opposition.
The Bulls are 3-2 ATS in their last five meetings against the Lakers, with the ‘over’ also going 3-2.
Chicago was defeated, 98-91, as an eight-point road dog in a Nov.23 battle between the foes. Rose notched 30 points and eight assists for the Bulls, while Fisher struggled for Los Angeles in a 0-for-6 night from the field.
Friday’s tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. (PT), with ESPN providing the national television coverage as the front end of a doubleheader broadcast. The second game features the Miami Heat visiting the Golden State Warriors.
Chicago will have no rest before Saturday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers will have one day off before Sunday afternoon’s visit to Newark against the New Jersey Nets.
Inside the Paint - Friday
By Chris David
Hot and Hotter
New York at Washington: Break up the Knicks! Seriously, New York has won 11 of 12 and six straight games heading into Friday’s encounter against Washington. The team has also helped gamblers go 10-2 against the spread during this span. Even more impressive, seven of the wins have been on the road. The Knicks have a great shot to keep the streak going here, if you look at the recent history. New York has won and covered four in a row against Washington, including a 21-point (112-91) home win on Nov. 5 this season.
Also, this is the Wizards first game at home after a three-game set on the West Coast. Washington went 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS, largely due to its defense that gave up 125, 115 and 116 points. The ‘over’ cashed in all three games. Before you run to the counter, make a note that Washington has gone 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS at Verizon Center this season.
Miami at Golden State: It took a while but Miami is starting to live up to its ability. The Heat has ripped off six consecutive wins, all of them coming by double digits too. The club has gone 5-1 ATS during this run and even though some of the wins came against losing clubs, recent road wins over the Bucks (88-78) and Jazz (111-98) is a great sign. The four-game road trek continues tonight in the Bay Area against Golden State, who just got beat up on the road.
The Warriors went 0-3 SU but 2-1 ATS in losses to the Thunder (109-114), Mavericks (100-105) and Spurs (94-11). Keith Smart’s debut season with Golden State started out well but it’s been a disaster lately. The Warriors have gone 1-10 (4-6 ATS) in their last 11 and that includes a 0-4 record at ORACLE Arena. On the season, Golden State has gone 5-4 SU and 4-5 ATS at home. With its recent road wins, Miami has improved to 5-5 both SU and ATS on the road. One injury note to mention is with Golden State, who will be without Stephen Curry (ankle) tonight.
ESPN will provide coverage of this contest at 10:35 p.m. EST.
Non-Conference Showdowns
L.A. Lakers at Chicago: The Lakers and Bulls both bring three-game winning streaks into tonight’s battle and both have gone 1-2 ATS during their mini-runs. This series has been dominated Los Angeles, who has won the last seven encounters including three at Chicago. The Bulls have saved a little face by covering four contests during this span. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST, with ESPN providing national coverage.
Atlanta at San Antonio: Even though the Hawks don’t have All-Star Johnson, the team has still managed to play at a high level. Atlanta has gone 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS in its last eight, which includes two wins in two nights over Orlando (80-74) and New Jersey (116-101) this week. A bigger test is on tap tonight against the best team in the NBA, San Antonio. The Spurs are 18-3 SU and 13-7 ATS, but two of the losses have come at home.
Total Tendencies
Below are some ‘over/under’ trends that have developed so far this season for teams on the road or at home.
Denver at Toronto: The Nuggets have watched the ‘under’ go 1-9 on the road.
Charlotte at Indiana: The ‘under’ has gone 7-3 at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Oklahoma City at New Orleans: The Hornets have watched the ‘under’ go 15-6 this year, but five of the ‘over’ tickets have occurred in “The Big Easy.”
Detroit at Minnesota: The Pistons have seen the ‘under’ go 11-2 away from The Palace.
Orlando at Utah: The Magic has watched the ‘under’ go 7-3 on the road.
Back-to-Back Spots
Playing on zero days rest can be troublesome for certain teams, while others thrive. Two teams, Orlando and Portland, will be in those situations on Friday.
Orlando at Utah: The Magic has posted a 4-2 SU record, but gamblers have burned with a 1-5 ATS ledger. The two straight up losses happed on the road and were by double digits, against Miami (70-96) and Milwaukee (85-96).
Portland at Phoenix: The Trail Blazers have gone 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS on zero days rest this season. Portland has already rallied past Phoenix twice this season, which includes a 106-99 win this past Tuesday. Both wins and covers came at the Rose Garden.
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Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
LAKERS: The Lakers have won their past 3 games SU and are 16-6 SU for the season. Despite their success, Los Angeles has lost 7 of their past 8 games ATS. The Lakers are 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS on the road this season. Despite their prowess offensively this season, the Lakers have been held under 100 PTS in 6 of their last 8 games. Los Angeles has won their past 7 games SU against Chicago. G Kobe Bryant is 2nd in the NBA in scoring this season, averaging 26.6 PPG. Bryant helps the Lakers average 107.8 PPG this year, 3rd most in the NBA. F Pau Gasol is averaging 19.8 PPG and a team high 11.6 RPG this year. The Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Friday games overall. Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600%. Los Angeles is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win. The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Lakers are 1-7 ATS last 8 games overall.
Under is 9-2 last 11 games against the Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (knee) is questionable.
Projected Score: 96
BULLS: (PK, O/U 200) Chicago has won their past 3 games, which has led them to the top of the Central Division. Chicago is 12-8 SU and 11-8-1 ATS overall this season. The Bulls are 7-2 SU and 4-4-1 ATS at home this season. Chicago has played especially sound defense over their past 2 games, holding their opponents to 90 and 83 PTS respectively. 5 different Bulls players average double figures in PPG this year. PG Derrick Rose continues to prosper this season, as he's averaging team highs of 25.1 PPG and 8.2 APG. F Taj Gibson is averaging 10.2 PPG and 6.5 RPG this year. The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss. Chicago is 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games against a team with a winning SU record. The Bulls are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Chicago is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Friday games overall. The Bulls are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.
Bulls are 4-0 ATS last 4 games against the Pacific division.
Under is 9-0 last 9 games following a SU win.
Key Injuries - None Reported.
Projected Score: 102 (SIDE of the Day)
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
HAWKS: Atlanta is the least talked about 15-8 team in the NBA this year. The Hawks are tied for 2nd in the brutal Southeast Division this year, 1 game behind Orlando. The Hawks are 8-3 both SU and ATS overall this season. Atlanta is 4-1 ATS as the listed underdog this year. The Hawks are averaging 99.2 PPG this year, while allowing just 96.1 PPG. C Al Horford is averaging 17 PPG and 9.5 RPG this season. F Josh Smith is averaging 15.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG this year to form a dynamic frontcourt for the Hawks. Atlanta has lost 7 of their past 8 games against the Spurs overall. The Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. Atlanta is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Friday games overall. The Hawks are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. The Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. The Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games against the Western Conference.
Hawks are 7-2 ATS last 9 road games.
Under is 6-0 last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.
Key Injuries - G Joe Johnson (elbow) is out.
Projected Score: 99
SPURS: (-8, O/U 196) San Antonio has the best record in the NBA at 18-3 SU. The Spurs are motivated to play as strong in the regular season as they typically do in the playoffs over the past decade. San Antonio is 10-2 SU and 7-5 ATS in home games this year. The Spurs are 7-5-1 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. G Manu Ginobli leads the Spurs in scoring this year, averaging 20.1 PPG. His backcourt mate, PG Tony Parker is averaging 17.1 PPG and a team high 7.1 APG this season. Overall, San Antonio is averaging 106.9 PPG, 3rd most in the NBA. The Spurs are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games against the Eastern Conference. San Antonio is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against a team with a winning SU record. The Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS win. San Antonio is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games overall. The Spurs are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Spurs are 7-1 ATS last 8 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
Over is 5-2 last 7 games against the Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - G James Anderson (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 106 (OVER-Total of the Day)