NBA News and Notes Friday 12/11

Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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

The Rockets jumped out to an early lead and went on to defeat the Cavaliers 95-85 on Wednesday. The Rockets covered the 3-point spread, while the 180 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.

Trevor Ariza led the way with 26 points and five rebounds.

Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia with 18 points, nine assists, and six boards in its 90-86 loss to Detroit on Wednesday night.

Detroit cashed as 4-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 190-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 11 straight games.

Team records:
Houston: 12-9 SU, 13-8 ATS
Philadelphia: 5-17 SU, 9-13 ATS

Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 3-7

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a loss are 0-10

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

Next up:
Houston at Toronto, Sunday, December 13
Philadelphia home to Golden State, Monday, December 14

New Jersey Nets vs. Indiana Pacers

The New Jersey Nets and the Indiana Pacers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Brook Lopez went for 21 points and 10 boards for New Jersey in its 105-89 loss to Golden State on Wednesday night.

Golden State covered as 1-point road favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 219-point total set by sportsbooks.

Brandon Roy went for 29 points and seven rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers past the Pacers 102-91 on Wednesday night.

Portland covered as 4-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 192-point total set by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Indiana has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
New Jersey: 2-20 SU, 7-14-1 ATS
Indiana: 6-13 SU, 6-13 ATS

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

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of New Jersey's last 21 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of New Jersey's last 24 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Indiana's last 21 games when playing New Jersey

Next up:
New Jersey at Atlanta, Sunday, December 13
Indiana at Washington, Saturday, December 12

Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors

The Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.

Jamal Crawford dropped 29 points off the bench, as the Hawks drilled the Bulls 118-83 on Wednesday night.

Atlanta covered as 10.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 196-point total posted by sportsbooks.

The Raptors were defeated 117-95 by the Bucks on Wednesday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.

Chris Bosh collected a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Current streak:
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 15-6 SU, 15-6 ATS
Toronto: 10-14 SU, 10-14 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 2-8
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Atlanta's last 20 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Toronto's last 20 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Toronto is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Next up:
Atlanta home to New Jersey, Sunday, December 13
Toronto home to Houston, Sunday, December 13

Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

The Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Dirk Nowitzki netted 33 points and hauled down eight rebounds to lift the Mavericks over the Suns 102-101 on Tuesday night.

Dallas couldn't cash as 4.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 216-point total posted by sportsbooks.

The Heat defeated Sacramento 115-102 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (203.5).

Dwyane Wade scored 34 points and handed out 10 assists for Miami, while Quentin Richardson and Michael Beasley each netted 20 points in the win.

Team records:
Dallas: 15-7 SU, 12-10 ATS
Miami: 11-9 SU, 10-10 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a win are 6-4

Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Miami's last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Miami is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home

Next up:
Dallas home to Charlotte, Saturday, December 12
Miami home to Memphis, Sunday, December 13

Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls

The Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at United Center.

Monta Ellis finished with 18 points, eight assists, and four steals, as the Warriors handled the Nets 105-89 on Wednesday night.

Golden State covered as 1-point road favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 219-point total set by sportsbooks.

Derrick Rose had 19 points and seven assists for Chicago in its 118-83 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Atlanta covered as 10.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 196-point total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Chicago has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Golden State: 7-14 SU, 12-9 ATS
Chicago: 7-13 SU, 5-14-1 ATS

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Golden State is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Golden State is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

Next up:
Golden State at Detroit, Saturday, December 12
Chicago home to Boston, Saturday, December 12

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Friday.

Dahntay Jones scored 19 points for Indiana in its 102-91 loss to Portland on Wednesday night.

Portland covered as 4-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 192-point total set by oddsmakers.

The Cavaliers were defeated 95-85 by the Rockets last time out, as 3-point underdogs. The 180 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.

LeBron James tossed in 27 points and had six rebounds in the loss.

Current streak:
Cleveland has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Portland: 14-9 SU, 11-12 ATS
Cleveland: 15-7 SU, 11-11 ATS

Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 1-9
After a win are 6-4

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Oklahoma City are 9-1
After playing Houston are 9-1
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Portland's last 17 games on the road
Portland is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland

Next up:
Portland at Milwaukee, Saturday, December 12
Cleveland at Oklahoma City, Sunday, December 13

New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Hornets

The New York Knicks and the New Orleans Hornets will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at New Orleans Arena.

Larry Hughes had 21 points and six rebounds off the bench to lead the Knicks past the Trail Blazers 93-84 on Monday night.

New York won as 3-point home underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 201-point total listed by sportsbooks.

The Hornets scored with a few seconds left for a thrilling 97-96 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Hornets failed to cover the 3-point spread, while the 193 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.

Peja Stojakovic led the way with 21 points and Marcus Thornton added 20 in that win.

Current streak:
New York has won 3 straight games.
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 7-15 SU, 11-11 ATS
New Orleans: 10-11 SU, 9-12 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Portland are 1-9
After a win are 3-7

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 11 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans's last 11 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

Next up:
New York at Charlotte, Tuesday, December 15
New Orleans at Dallas, Monday, December 14

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at FedExForum.

Kevin Durant dropped 28 points and hauled down nine rebounds, as the Thunder cruised past the Warriors 104-88 on Monday night.

Oklahoma City covered as 7.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 222-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Zach Randolph had 32 points, 14 rebounds, and four steals to lift the Grizzlies past the Cavaliers 111-109 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Memphis cashed as 7.5-point home underdogs, while the teams played OVER the 194-point total set by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Memphis has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Oklahoma City: 11-9 SU, 12-8 ATS
Memphis: 9-12 SU, 10-11 ATS

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a win are 3-7

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a win are 4-6

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

Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Cleveland, Sunday, December 13
Memphis at Miami, Sunday, December 13

Charlotte Bobcats vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Charlotte Bobcats and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at AT&T Center.

Gerald Wallace had 25 points and 16 rebounds, as the Bobcats upset the Nuggets 107-95 on Tuesday night.

Charlotte cashed as 3.5-point home underdogs, while the game played OVER the 199.5-point total set by sportsbooks.

Richard Jefferson scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to help the Spurs defeat the Kings 118-106 on Wednesday. The Spurs covered the 12.5-point spread, while the 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 201.

Manu Ginobili chipped in with 20 points for the Spurs, and Tony Parker added 18 points.

Current streak:
Charlotte has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Charlotte: 9-11 SU, 12-8 ATS
San Antonio: 10-9 SU, 8-10-1 ATS

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 2-8
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After playing Sacramento are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Charlotte is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte

Next up:
Charlotte at Dallas, Saturday, December 12
San Antonio at LA Clippers, Sunday, December 13

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at STAPLES Center.

The Timberwolves lost a thrilling 97-96 game to the Hornets last time out, as 3-point underdogs. That game's 193 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.

Chris Paul netted 15 points and dished out 14 assists in the loss.

Kobe Bryant dropped 27 points with six rebounds and six assists on Wednesday, as the Lakers defeated the Jazz 101-77. The Lakers covered the 10.5-point spread, while the 178 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 206.

Pau Gasol added 19 points for the Lakers, and Ron Artest chipped in with 16.

Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 10 straight games.

Team records:
Minnesota: 3-19 SU, 10-11-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 17-3 SU, 10-10 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 1-9
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Utah are 9-1
After playing Utah are 8-2
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Next up:
Minnesota at Sacramento, Saturday, December 12
LA Lakers at Utah, Saturday, December 12

Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns

The Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at US Airways Center.

The Magic fell 120-111 to the Jazz on Thursday, as 3-point favorites. That game's combined 231 points sailed OVER the posted total of 201.5.

Vince Carter netted a game-high 34 points in that loss.

Steve Nash led Phoenix with 27 points and eight assists in its 102-101 loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.

Dallas couldn't cash as 4.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 216-point total posted by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 17-5 SU, 13-9 ATS
Phoenix: 15-7 SU, 13-9 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Orlando is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando

Next up:
Orlando home to Indiana, Monday, December 14
Phoenix at Denver, Saturday, December 12

Dallas (15-7, 12-10 ATS) at Miami (11-9, 10-10 ATS)

The Mavericks will try to make it seven straight wins over the Heat when these two square off inside the American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Dallas hasn’t lost to the Heat since their NBA Finals matchup in 2006, winning six straight but going just 2-3-1 ATS. The Mavericks went to Miami and scored a 111-96 win last season, easily cashing as two-point road favorites. They have won three straight in Miami (2-1 ATS) and gone 4-1-1 ATS in their last six trips to South Beach. Furthermore, Dallas is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings and the road team is on a 7-0-1 ATS run in this rivalry.

Dallas edged the Suns on Tuesday, winning 102-101 but coming up short as a 4½-point home chalk. The Mavs have dropped two of their last three games (0-3 ATS). They are only managing 96 points a game in their last five contests, more than five points behind their overall average of 101.7.

Miami wrapped up a 2-2 road trip (3-1 ATS) with Sunday’s 115-102 drubbing of Sacramento as a 1½-point chalk. Miami has had trouble scoring at home this season, where they are just 4-7 ATS, averaging just 94.1 points a game and shooting just 31.3 percent from beyond the three-point line.

The Mavericks are just 1-5 ATS in their last six overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four against Southeast Division teams, but they are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games after getting two days off and 6-2 ATS in their last eight on the road. The Heat are on ATS slides of 4-9 overall, 0-6 at home, 2-7-1 against Southwest Division teams and 4-13 after getting three or more days off.

Dallas has stayed below the total in four straight against Southeast Division teams, but it is on “over” runs of 6-1 on the road, 4-1 on the road against teams with winning home records and 7-1 against Eastern Conference teams. Miami has topped the total in eight of 11 overall and five of six against Western Conference squads, but it is on “under” streaks of 10-4 at home, 16-5 after a straight-up win, 13-3 after a spread-cover and 11-3 against Southwest Division squads. Finally, the “under” has been the play in five of the last seven meetings between these two squads.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Portland (14-9, 11-12 ATS) at Cleveland (15-7, 11-11 ATS)

The Cavaliers are looking to snap a two-game losing streak when they welcome the Trail Blazers into Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland lost back-to-back games on the road Tuesday and Wednesday, falling in Memphis 111-109 in overtime as a 7½-point favorite on Tuesday and following it up with Wednesday’s 95-85 loss in Houston as a three-point chalk. The Cavs had won seven of eight overall and four straight before the brief road trip. They are on a six-game home winning streak.

Portland has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, including Wednesday’s 102-91 win in Indianapolis, cashing as a four-point road favorite. The victory snapped a six-game ATS losing streak for the Blazers, who had also dropped four of five SU.

The Cavaliers have won four straight (3-1 ATS) in this series and eight of the last 10 (7-3 ATS). They scored a 97-92 home win in overtime last season but came up short as a 10½-point favorite. Cleveland is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 series clashes, including 5-1 ATS in front of the home fans.

Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last six against Central Division teams and 8-2 ATS on Friday, but it is on pointspread slides of 1-6 overall, 1-4 on the road, 2-6 after a day off and 6-13 as a road ‘dog. The Cavaliers are on ATS runs of 19-7 on Fridays, 10-3 against Northwest Division foes, 36-17 after a straight-up loss and 8-1 against teams with winning records.

The Blazers are on a plethora of “under” streaks, including 12-5 on the road, 9-4 after a spread-cover, 4-1 on Fridays and 7-2 on the road against teams with winning home records. Cleveland has stayed below the total in four of five overall (all as a favorite), but it is on “over” runs of 4-1-1 after an ATS loss and 4-1 at home against teams with winning road records. In this series, the “under” is 4-2 in the last six matchups.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND

Orlando (17-5, 13-9 ATS) at Phoenix (15-7, 12-10 ATS)

The Suns will try to remain perfect at home this season as they take on the Magic at the US Airways Center.

Phoenix opened the season with seven straight home wins (3-3-1 ATS) but they’ve dropped four of their last five overall, including two in a row. So far this week, the Suns got crushed at the Lakers on Sunday, losing 108-88 and coming up well short as a 9½-point underdog, then fell 102-101 in Dallas on Tuesday, though they snapped a four-game ATS losing streak as they cashed as a 4½-point ‘dog.

Orlando had its six-game overall (4-2 ATS) and eight-game (6-2 ATS) road winning streaks snapped in Utah on Thursday, losing 120-111 to the Jazz as a 2½-point road favorite. The Magic tighten up the defense on the road, limiting the opposition to 93.6 points a game.

Orlando has already crushed Phoenix once this season, scoring a 122-100 home win back on Nov. 4, cashing as a 7½-point favorite. The Magic have won and covered two straight over the Suns after losing the previous six meetings (4-2 ATS), and they have cashed in each of the last four played in the desert. Additionally, the visitor is riding a 6-2 ATS streak in this series with the ‘dog cashing in 13 of the last 18 meetings.

Despite Thursday’s setback in Utah, the Magic continue to sport several ATS hot streaks, including 7-4 overall, 14-5 against Pacific Division teams, 40-17-1 as an underdog, 5-1 on Friday and 35-16-2 as road ‘dogs. Phoenix is just 1-4 ATS in its last five overall, but it is on positive pointspread runs of 11-5 at home, 16-7-1 as a home chalk, 6-2 after two days off and 7-1-1 on Friday.

The “over” is 5-1 in Orlando’s last six overall and 4-1 in its last five when playing the second night of a back-to-back, but the team is also on several “under” streaks, including 10-5 on the road, 4-0 as an underdog and 10-5 against the Western Conference. The Suns have gone over the posted number in five of eight Friday games, but they are on “under” streaks of 9-1-2 overall, 4-0-1 against the Eastern Conference and 9-2 against the Southeast Division. Finally, in this series, the over is 9-3 in the last 12 clashes, with the last five in a row in Arizona topping the posted total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO

Home-Again
By SportsPic

The Los Angeles Lakers taking Jazz behind the woodshed for a 101-77 spanking on Wednesday put a ten-game win streak on the line when they host T-Wolves. Playing sixteen of their first twenty games at Staples Center the Lakers enjoying home-cooking benefits enter the contest a league-best 14-2 (9-7 ATS) on home hardwood behind 104.7 points/game while allowing visitors a measly 94.0 PPG. Meanwhile T-wolves have opened 3-19 (11-11 ATS) including 1-9 (6-4 ATS) on the highway where they score 93.5 PPG while allowing a whopping 106.1 points per game. A mismatch to be sure, considering Lakers have won eight straight vs T-Wolves (5-2-1 ATS) and ten of eleven meetings (6-5-1 ATS). Yet, laying 16 to these bush dogs who are a profitable 13-7-1 ATS the past twenty-one on the road seems excessive. Take the points, knowing Lakers are 2-4 ATS last six laying 12 or more and that T-Wolves are 12-5-1 ATS as a road underdog of 11 or more, 23-6-1 ATS away vs. a team with a winning home record.

Two NBA Televised Betting Choices Friday
By Doug Upstone

The Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly find themselves on a two-game losing streak against Western Conference opponents after winning their previous 13, but both of those came away from Quicken Loans Arena. The Portland Trailblazers know rather well they're much tougher to beat at home.

LeBron James has had a triple-double the last two times the Cavaliers hosted Portland, and he'll try to help Cleveland avoid a rare three-game skid Friday night as it seeks a seventh straight home win both overall and against the Trail Blazers.

The Cavaliers (15-7, 11-11 ATS) won their final eight games against Western opponents in 2008-09 and their first five this season, but that streak was snapped Tuesday in a 111-109 overtime loss in Memphis.

Twenty-one turnovers plagued Cleveland against the Grizzlies, and they were a problem again Wednesday in Houston. The Cavaliers gave it away 20 times against the Rockets in a 95-85 loss.

"You have to take pride in avoiding them and we didn't. We just can't have unforced turnovers," said James, who had 27 points but committed five turnovers for the third straight game. "We needed to play with a sense of urgency earlier than we did."

Cleveland hasn't lost three straight since March 22-29, 2008 and is 17-3 ATS off a road loss over the last two seasons.

James is averaging a career-high 3.8 turnovers, though he's also dish out a career-best 8.2 assists per game, and Cleveland is at its best when he's getting his teammates involved. The Cavaliers are 9-2 when he has at least nine assists and 7-1 when he attempts 17 shots or fewer. Cleveland has covered 17 of their last 24 Friday night assignments.

The production of point guard Mo Williams, Cleveland's second-leading scorer at 16.8 points per game, has also been consequential to the Cavaliers' success. Cleveland is 11-2 if Williams hits 40 percent of his shots and 13-3 when he scores 12 points or more.

Williams averaged 22.5 points as the Cavaliers swept Portland (14-9, 11-12 ATS) last season - pouring in 33 in a 104-98 win at the Rose Garden on Jan. 21 - but James has been Cleveland's catalyst against the Blazers at home. The reigning MVP has averaged 27.7 points in leading the Cavaliers to a 6-0 record during his career when Portland visits, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 97-92 overtime victory March 19.

Three of James' 25 career triple-doubles have come against the Blazers. With Portland sporting a 6-5 road record (spread mark is the same), the Cavs are 14-4 ATS at home vs. a team with a positive visitors record.

Portland, meanwhile, has had to lean even more on its multitalented All-Star recently with its lineup depleted by injury. The Blazers lost Rudy Fernandez (sciatic pain), Greg Oden (knee) and even coach Nate McMillan to a ruptured Achilles' last week, and had lost four of five heading to Indiana on Wednesday.

Brandon Roy had averaged 25.0 points during that rough patch, but another big effort against the Pacers paid off. The 2007 rookie of the year had 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists in lifting Portland to a 102-91 win and they are 26-13 ATS off a double digit victory.

"I could almost fall asleep when (Roy's) got the ball," said assistant Dean Demopoulos, who's assuming head coaching duties while McMillan recovers. "That's how comfortable I feel with him. He always comes through."

Like the Cavaliers' success when James involves his teammates more, the Blazers don't typically thrive on Roy's big games - they're 3-5 when he scores 25 points or more.

Roy has averaged 19.4 points on 40.5 percent shooting in his career against Cleveland.

Portland's biggest advantage may be up front, where Shaquille O'Neal has been battling foul trouble lately and J.J. Hickson has averaged just 2.9 points in the Cavaliers' seven losses. Hickson and reserve Anderson Varejao will likely draw duty on Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, whose averaged 23.0 points in his last two games against the Cavaliers.

Betonline.com has Cleveland as nine-point favorites with total of 184 and they are 23-12 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points since last season. Portland is 3-9 and 4-8 ATS in last 12 visits near the shores of Lake Erie and is 14-3 UNDER in road games on Friday nights over the last three seasons.

This ESPN game starts at 8:00 Eastern and is immediately followed by Orlando heading into the Arizona desert.

After a fruitless road trip, the Phoenix Suns probably can't wait for their next game at U.S. Airways Center. Awaiting the NBA's only unbeaten home team, however, is one of the league's best road squads. The Suns will attempt to keep their perfect record intact Friday night with their eighth consecutive home win against the Orlando Magic, who will try to put a second-half collapse behind them.

Following a 14-3 start, fatigue appears to have set in for Phoenix, who has played a league-high 15 road games. The Suns (15-7, 12-10 ATS) have gone from averaging 112.0 points during their hot start to 98.6 while losing four of five this month all away from home.

In the finale of a winless two-game swing Tuesday, they stayed close with Dallas before falling behind by 10 in the final period. Phoenix rallied to within a on Steve Nash's 3-pointer with seven seconds left, but couldn't catch the Mavericks in a 102-101 defeat.

"We've had 15 road games, so we're a little bit tired," Nash said. "We've got to fight through that. The legs are a little tired, but nobody cares. Nobody's going to feel sorry for us." That is particularly true when you have covered 11 of last 16 home games.

The Magic are definitely not one of those teams after seeing their six-game win streak and run of eight consecutive road victories end Thursday in Utah.

Orlando (17-5, 13-9 ATS) scored 60 in the first half and led by as many as 18, but saw its advantage cut to eight at halftime and allowed the Jazz to start the second half on a 14-3 run. "Once we gave them confidence, gave them an opportunity to really get rolling, it was tough to stop that machine," swingman Vince Carter said.

The Magic never recovered from there in a 120-111 defeat, their first away from home since Nov. 8. They had also previously won 23 straight dating back to last season when scoring at least 100, including a 122-100 home win over Phoenix on Nov. 4.

Despite playing without an injured Carter, Orlando had six players in double figures, led by Dwight Howard's 25 points. Ryan Anderson had his fourth career double-double - 20 points and 10 rebounds - to hand the Suns their first loss this season.

Carter, who scored a season-high 34 Thursday, has helped the defending Eastern Conference champions to a 10-3 (8-5 ATS) road record this season. Playing in 11 games away from home, Carter has averaged 21.7 points. Orlando is outstanding 18-5 ATS off a road loss over the last two seasons.

He leads the Magic with 20.1 points, just ahead of Howard (18.4). Carter also has scored an average of 25.6 points in 10 career games at U.S. Airways Center.

Amare Stoudemire, meanwhile, has led the Suns to a 7-0 (4-3 ATS) mark at home with 22.4 points on 61.7 percent shooting, but he also appears to be dealing with fatigue lately with one 20-point performance in his last seven contests overall.

Stoudemire led the Suns with 25 points and 14 rebounds earlier this season at Orlando. He missed last season's final meeting with the Magic, a 111-99 loss on March 3, with a partially detached retina in his right eye. The Suns big man and his teammates are superb 7-1-1 ATS in last Friday night contests.

Along with its third straight win in the series, Orlando is searching for its first victory in Phoenix since Nov. 14, 2001 (0-7 SU & 5-2 ATS) and they are 1.5-point road underdogs with total of 215.5. The Magic are 10-1 ATS after playing three consecutive road games 14-4 ATS after scoring 60 points or more in the first half last contest. The Suns haven't fared as well against quality road clubs with 2-6 ATS mark if they have win percentage of .600 or higher.

The total figures to be a dichotomy with these two teams and Orlando is 17-7 UNDER versus offensive teams scoring 103 or more points a game, while Phoenix is 21-4 OVER at home after playing consecutive road games. Yet it is interesting to find the Suns are 7-0 UNDER after allowing 100 points or more three straight games this season.

Tips and Trends

Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers

Trail Blazers: Portland is 14-9 SU on the season, but that's about the only good news this team has had of late. Portland is still coming to grips with the loss of C Greg Oden for the season. The Blazers are 11-12 ATS this year, including 6-5 ATS on the road. Portland has lost 4 of their past 6 games SU, and have an even worse stretch ATS. Portland has lost 6 of their last 7 games ATS. Today represents only the 3rd game this season the Blazers are an underdog, with today being the biggest underdog number to date. G Brandon Roy leads the Blazers with 21 PPG, and he's stepped up even more since the injuries to his teammates. Roy has scored 25 PTS or more in his last 4 games. Defensively, the Blazers are 3rd best in the NBA allowing only 91 PPG. 4 of their past 5 losses have come when they've given up more than 100 PTS.

Blazers are 6-13 ATS last 19 games as a road underdog.
Under is 12-5 last 17 road games.

Key Injuries - G Rudy Fernandez (back) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 82

Cavaliers (-9, O/U 184): Cleveland is 15-7 SU, including a home record of 8-2 SU. The Cavaliers are an even 11-11 this season ATS, including 4-6 ATS at home. Cleveland has won their past 3 home games ATS to get to the record of 4-6. The Cavaliers are 2-1 ATS this year as a single digit home favorite. F LeBron James is 4th in the NBA in scoring and 6th in assists per game (28 PPG and 8.2 APG) helping the Cavaliers to average 99 PPG for the season. G Mo Williams is averaging 16.8 PPG, which includes 53 three pointers. This Cavaliers offense has scored more than 100 points in 5 of their past 6 games. Cleveland has held 9 of their last 10 teams under 100 points. For the season, Cleveland is allowing 94.4 PPG which is 4th best in the NBA. During their current 2 game losing streak, the Cavaliers have had 20 turnovers in each game.

Cavaliers are 8-1 ATS last 9 games vs. a team with a winning SU record.
Under is 4-1 last 5 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - G Daniel Gibson (thumb) is questionable.
F Jawad Williams (stomach) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (Side of the Day)

Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns

Magic: Orlando is 17-5 SU this season, which is the 3rd best record in the NBA. Orlando is also a solid 10-3 SU on the road this season, incuding an ATS road record of 8-5. Today is only the 3rd game all season the Magic have been an underdog, with both games coming on the road. Both times, the Magic won the game SU. The Magic have 6 players scoring double figures, led by G Vince Carter. Carter is averaging 19.3 PPG, while making 33 three pointers on the season. C Dwight Howard is averaging 18 PPG and 12 RPG, which places him 3rd in the NBA in rebounding. The Magic are 9th in the NBA in scoring at 101.8 PPG. Orlando has been especially hot offensively of late, as they've scored more than 110 PTS in 4 of their last 5 contests. Orlando is also solid defensively, as they are 6th in the NBA in points allowed, at 95 PPG.

Magic are 6-1 ATS last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-0 last 4 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 105

Suns (-1.5, O/U 215.5): Phoenix is 15-7 SU, and a perfect 7-0 SU at home to start the season. While perfect SU at home, they are only 4-3 ATS in those home games. Phoenix has scored at least 115 points in 6 of their 7 home games this season. Today represents the smallest the Suns have been favored by in any home game this season. Phoenix has lost 4 out of their past 5 games both SU and ATS, mainly because of their offense. After scoring 100 PTS or more in their first 17 games, they've been held under 100 PTS in 3 of their past 5 games. Six Suns average double digits, led by F Amar'e Stoudemire with 19.1 PPG. G Steve Nash averages 17.5 PPG and an NBA high 11 APG. Phoenix is 2nd in the NBA in numerous offensive categories, including scoring, field goal percentage, and 3 pointers made per game.

Suns are 11-5 ATS last 16 home games.
Under is 9-2 last 11 vs. NBA Southeast.

Key Injuries - G Leandro Barbosa (ankle) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 103 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

Trend Report - Friday
By Ed Meyer

Warriors at Bulls - The Warriors are 0-13 ATS (-9.5 ppg) since November 19, 2000 as a dog when they allowed at least ten points fewer than their season-to-date average for two straight games. The Warriors are 7-0 ATS (5.6 ppg) since March 21, 1996 on the road with at least one day of rest after a road win in which they had at least 12 steals. The Warriors are 0-7 ATS (-6.3 ppg) since January 16, 2008 as a dog after a win in which their DPS was negative.

Trailblazers at Cavaliers - The Cavaliers are 8-0 ATS (7.2 ppg) since April 27, 2008 with at least one day of rest after a game in which they had more turnovers than assists. The Cavaliers are 8-0 ATS (7.9 ppg) since April 19, 2008 as a favorite after a loss in which their DPA was negative.

Thunder at Grizzlies - The League is 10-0-1 ATS (11.1 ppg) since December 28, 2004 as a home favorite with two or more days of rest off an overtime game as a home dog. The League is 0-9 ATS (-10.0 ppg) since November 20, 2004 as a favorite with two or more days of rest off a win as a home dog in which they trailed at the end of the third quarter. The Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since March 01, 2006 as a home favorite after a win in which their DPA was positive.

Mavericks at Heat - The League is 10-0-1 ATS (7.3 ppg) since April 04, 2008 as a dog with two or more days of rest after a road win in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Heat are 7-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since March 27, 1998 after a double digit road win in which they shot at least 10 percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Heat are 0-7 ATS (-9.3 ppg) since November 21, 2007 at home after a game in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted.

Knicks at Hornets - The Knicks are 0-7 ATS (-7.5 ppg) since December 08, 2001 with two or more days of rest when their DPA was minus 15 points or less in their previous game. The Hornets are 11-0 ATS (6.5 ppg) since November 14, 2007 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line.

Timberwolves at Lakers - The Timberwolves are 0-8 ATS (-10.1 ppg) since March 04, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average.

Nets at Pacers - The Nets are 11-0 ATS (6.9 ppg) since April 18, 1997 as a road dog with at least one day of rest after a home loss in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted. The Nets are 0-9 ATS (-6.1 ppg) since April 16, 2003 as a dog after a home loss in which their DPS was minus 15 points or less. The Nets are 9-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since January 01, 2005 after a home loss in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times. The Pacers are 7-0 ATS (6.1 ppg) since December 30, 2003 as a favorite after a game at home in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line.

Hawks at Raptors - The Hawks are 0-11 ATS (-5.4 ppg) since February 28, 2000 on the road when they allowed at least ten points fewer than their season-to-date average for two straight games. The Raptors are 0-6 ATS (-5.0 ppg) since December 16, 2005 as a home dog when facing a team that covered by double digits against them in their previous same-season meeting.

Rockets at 76ers - The 76ers are 5-0 ATS (10.8 ppg) since December 02, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted.

Bobcats at Spurs - The Bobcats are 0-6 ATS (-7.9 ppg) since November 30, 2004 as a road dog with two or more days of rest after a game in which they had at least 12 steals. The League is 8-0-1 ATS (10.5 ppg) since April 16, 2007 with at most one day of rest after a double digit home win in which they attmpted at least 10 fewer three pointers than their season-to-date average.

Magic at Suns - The Magic are 11-0 ATS (9.5 ppg) since December 04, 2006 off a road loss that broke at least a four-game winning streak. The League is 0-11 ATS (-17.1 ppg) since February 18, 2009 as a dog with no rest after a loss in which their DPA was at least plus 15 points.