NBA News and Notes Friday 12/12

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers were outplayed in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, but came away with a 101-93 victory over the 76ers in the opener of their home-and-home set. The Cavaliers covered the 6-point spread, and the 1984 points made it OVER the posted total of 186.5.

LeBron James netted a game-high 29 points and Mo Williams added 27 points with six rebounds in that win.

Andre Iguodala tossed in 27 points, while Andre Miller and Louis Williams each had 22 in the loss.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Cleveland has won 10 straight games.

Team records:
Philadelphia: 9-13 SU, 8-14 ATS
Cleveland: 19-3 SU, 18-4 ATS

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

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 21 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Philadelphia is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Washington, Saturday, December 13
Cleveland at Atlanta, Saturday, December 13

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat

The Hawks fell 95-89 to the Spurs as a 6.5-point underodog on Wednesday. The game's 184 points went UNDER the posted total of 189.5.

Joe Johnson went for a game-high 29 points in a losing effort.

Dwyane Wade poured in 41 points on Monday night as the Heat pulled out a 100-96 win over the Bobcats.

The Heat failed to cover the 8-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (186).

Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Miami has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 12-9 SU, 11-10 ATS
Miami: 12-9 SU, 9-11-1 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Next up:
Atlanta home to Cleveland, Saturday, December 13
Miami at Memphis, Sunday, December 14

Toronto Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets

The Raptors ended a five-game skid with a 101-88 victory on Wednesday against the Pacers. The Raptors covered the 3-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 210.

Jason Kapono led the Raptors with a game-high 25 points and hauled down eight rebounds. Chris Bosh had a double-double with 21 points and 10 boards in this contest.

The Nets were upset 121-109 by the Knicks as a 7.5-point favorite last time out. That game's 230 points sailed OVER the posted total of 214.

Devin Harris had 32 points, and Vince Carter had 18 in the loss.

Team records:
Toronto: 9-12 SU, 8-13 ATS
New Jersey: 11-9 SU, 12-8 ATS

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

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Toronto's last 17 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of New Jersey's last 17 games when playing at home against Toronto
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Next up:
Toronto home to New Orleans, Sunday, December 14
New Jersey at Chicago, Saturday, December 13

New Orleans Hornets vs. Boston Celtics

The Hornets dominated early on Wednesday as they rolled past the Bobcats 105-89. The Hornets covered the 15-point spread, and the game's 194 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.

Chris Paul led the way with 15 points and 15 assists, while David West and Peja Stojakovic added 17 apiece in the win.

The Celtics improved to 21-2 with a convincing 122-88 victory over the Wizards on Thursday. The Celtics easily covered the 10-point spread, while the 210 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 22 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Ray Allen also had 22 points in the win.

Current streak:
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Boston has won 13 straight games.

Team records:
New Orleans: 12-6 SU, 8-9-1 ATS
Boston: 21-2 SU, 13-10 ATS

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 9-0
After a win are 6-4

Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a win are 10-0

A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Next up:
New Orleans at Toronto, Sunday, December 14
Boston home to Utah, Monday, December 15

Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons

The Pacers fell 101-88 to the Raptors last time out, as 3-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 210.

Troy Murphy collected a double-double with 20 points and 20 rebounds in a losing effort.

Richard Hamilton drained 29 points for Detroit in its 107-94 loss to Washington on Tuesday night.

Washington cashed as 4.5-point home underdogs as the game played over the 195-point total set by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Indiana has lost 4 straight games.
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Indiana: 7-14 SU, 10-10-1 ATS
Detroit: 11-9 SU, 9-11 ATS

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

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 7-3
After playing Washington are 10-0
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 11 games

Next up:
Indiana at Milwaukee, Saturday, December 13
Detroit at Charlotte, Saturday, December 13

San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Spurs won their fourth straight game with a 95-89 win over the Hawks last time out. The Spurs failed to cover the 6.5-point spread, and the 184 points went UNDER the posted total of 189.5.

Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with a team-high 27 points and five rebounds. Tim Duncan chipped in with 19 points in the win.

The Timbwerwolves were defeated 116-105 by the Nuggets last time out, as 12.5-point road underdogs. The game's 221 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.5.

Al Jefferson had 26 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

Current streak:
San Antonio has won 4 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 7 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 13-8 SU, 11-10 ATS
Minnesota: 4-17 SU, 8-13 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 8-2

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 1-9
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Antonio

Next up:
San Antonio home to Oklahoma City, Sunday, December 14
Minnesota at LA Lakers, Sunday, December 14

Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Drew Gooden went for 22 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Bulls over the Knicks 105-100 on Tuesday night.

Chicago couldn't cover as 8.5-point home favorites as the game played under the 213-point total listed by oddsmakers.

The Grizzlies ripped apart the Thunder in the fourth quarter with 32 points on Wednesday, as they rallied for a 108-102 victory. The Grizzlies covered the slight 2-point spread, and the combined 210 points made it OVER the posted total of 201.

Rudy Gay led the way with 22 points and six rebounds, and O.J. Mayo added 18 in that win.

Current streak:
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Memphis has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Chicago: 10-11 SU, 10-11 ATS
Memphis: 7-15 SU, 9-13 ATS

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

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 0-10
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chicago's last 15 games when playing Memphis
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago
Memphis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games at home

Next up:
Chicago home to New Jersey, Saturday, December 13
Memphis home to Miami, Sunday, December 14

Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns

Rashard Lewis swished 27 points and snatched nine rebounds, as the Magic trimmed the Trail Blazers 109-108 on Tuesday night.

Orlando upset Portland as 5.5-point road underdogs as the game played over the 187-point total posted by sportsbooks.

The Suns were defeated 115-110 by the Lakers last time out, as 14-point road underdogs. The 225 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.

Matt Barnes dropped 25 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double for the Suns.

Current streak:
Orlando has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 17-5 SU, 12-9-1 ATS
Phoenix: 13-10 SU, 10-13 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing Portland are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing New York are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4

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

Next up:
Orlando at Utah, Saturday, December 13
Phoenix home to New York, Monday, December 15

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Baron Davis tossed in 27 points in the Clippers' 95-88 loss to the Magic on Monday night.

The Magic managed to cover the 4-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (193.5).

The Trail Blazers were defeated 97-88 by the Jazz last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. That game's 185 points fell UNDER the posted total of 195.

Brandon Roy had a game-high 33 points with eight rebounds in the loss.

Current streak:
Portland has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 4-17 SU, 7-14 ATS
Portland: 15-9 SU, 11-13 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 2-8
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on the road
Portland is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Portland is 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Next up:
LA Clippers home to Houston, Saturday, December 13
Portland home to Sacramento, Tuesday, December 16

Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

Yao Ming dropped 24 points and hauled down 19 rebounds to lead the Rockets over the Hawks 92-84 on Tuesday night.

Houston covered as 7-point home favorites as the game played under the 195-point total listed by sportsbooks.

The Warriors completely dominated the fourth quarter as they ran over the Bucks 119-96 on Wednesday. The Warriors covered the slight 1.5-point spread, while the 215 points fell UNDER the posted total of 220.

Andris Biedrins had 18 points with 14 rebounds in a double-double in the win.

Current streak:
Golden State has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Houston: 14-8 SU, 11-11 ATS
Golden State: 7-15 SU, 10-12 ATS

Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Golden State's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Golden State's last 25 games

Next up:
Houston at LA Clippers, Saturday, December 13
Golden State at Denver, Saturday, December 13

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers

John Salmons and Francisco Garcia scored 21 points each to lift the Kings over the Lakers 113-101 on Tuesday night.

Sacramento cashed as 13.5-point home underdogs as the game played under the 214.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.

The Lakers outlasted the Suns in the fourth quarter with a 115-110 victory on Wednesday. The Lakers failed to cover the 14-point spread, while the 225 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.

Paul Gasol led the way with 28 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kobe Bryant added 18 points and seven rebounds in the win.

Team records:
Sacramento: 6-16 SU, 10-12 ATS
Los Angeles: 18-3 SU, 11-10 ATS

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
LA Lakers are 18-3 SU in their last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games at home

Next up:
Sacramento home to New York, Saturday, December 13
LA Lakers home to Minnesota, Sunday, December 14

NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By Indiancowboy

Philadelphia vs. Cleveland

There are some injuries to note here. Iglauskas is doubtful for this game and Gibson is Out. Now, having said that, Cleveland is the best ATS cover team in the league. Cleveland covered on the road with the -6.5 against Philly just the other game as these two teams have their home and home. Typically you favor the team that just lost the ATS cover in the home and home with the revenge angle. Thus, a lean on Philly and the over. The lines have yet to be released overnight for this game.

Atlanta vs. Miami

Miami is the small favorite here as the Heat are solid this year behind Wade, dynamic rookie Michael Beasley, Marion and Haslem to name a few. The Heat beat Atlanta back on April of last year 113-99. Atlanta comes off some frustrating losses on the road to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas but they did cover 2 of the 3 in the big Texas road swing. The Heat have played great over their last four games including winning at GS, at Utah, OKC and Charlotte – two teams they beat at home and failed to cover. I know the Heat have been playing great, but I can just as well see the Hawks pulling this game out avoiding their fourth straight loss. The Hawks have played four straight unders while the Heat have palyed 4 of 5 overs.

Toronto vs. New Jersey

These two teams are no fans of each other. Remember, NJ beat the Raptors on the road with Devin Harris in their last game. The Nets have simply been playing great basketball and frankly, as long as Devin Harris stays healthy, this team is a serious contender. New Jersey beat this team in OT in their last game by a final score of 129-127 and Toronto comes off a big win over Indiana. Toronto had lost five straight coming into that game. NJ comes off a tough loss to NY at home so they look to bounce-back here. I actually lean on the Nets here on the bounce-back, but how do you go against a Raptors team with revenge here as they come off a little confidence boost with a win at home?

New Orleans vs. Boston

NO goes on the road to play a Celtics team that just comes off a blowout win. NO has not done well against the better teams in the league losing to the likes of Portland and at Houston, but has covered 5 of their last 6 including beating Denver on the road and coming off a big thumping against Charlotte. Boston beat this team by 20 last year with a similar spread at home. Boston has been a solid cover at home of late winning big against Portland, Orlando, Indiana and Philly. I lean on the Celtics here to get it done here at home but NO has shown some bite on the road of late winning at Denver for example – but they did lose by 20 on this floor last time so I’m sure that memory has not left them this year.

San Antonio vs. Minnesota

I hate the -7 line for the better team. There was a similar line with the Bucks on the road at the Suns and I was burned. The line means nothing if you play dogs typically. After all, you can like the dog, they can be competitive the whole way through and be down by 3-4 points only to lose by 8-10 points due to the free throws in the end. San Antonio is on a roll with Manu and Tony Parker back. They beat this team in OT earlier this year in Minny without Manu or Tony and now will play them with both of these fellas. Minny remember is led by Coach M who has come down from the front office to coach this team and they have covered back to back games consequently. Minny has played 4 of 5 unders and I can see them being an active dog here but typically when Minny is an active dog, their respective games go under.

Orlando vs. Phoenix

Richardson and O’Neal are both listed as questionable for this game. Orlando has covered back to back games winning at LAC and at Portland in a revenge game. Phoenix covered against the Lakers in their last game and also has covered against Milwaukee in their latest home game. I actually lean on Orlando here given that they have a nice core and lost to this team by a few points at this time last year. With or Without Richardson/O’Neal, I still lean on the Magic here as anyone new to the mix usually takes some time to adjust and without these guys, I lean on the Magic as well as they likely have the better team on the floor – but the Suns do come off a loss at L.A.

Houston vs. Golden State

Monte Ellis will be eligible for this team on December 19th. Note that the GS has looked good defeating the Bucks at home and the Thunder on the road. The Rockets struggled last time on the highway against Memphis but did rebound against the Hawks at home. The Rockets have McGrady as questionable for this game and Artest miss this game. Given that Tracy is questionable, it is tough to make a judgement on this play. Therefore, I am staying away as it should be a great game either way.

Cleveland (19-3, 18-4 ATS) at Philadelphia (9-13, 8-14 ATS)

Two nights after running their winning streak to 10 in a row with a victory at Philadelphia, the Cavaliers get another shot at the slumping 76ers, this time at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland continued its best start in franchise history with Wednesday’s 101-93 victory over the Sixers as a 6½-point road favorite. Although the Cavs won – and covered – for the 10th straight game, they snapped a string of nine consecutive victories by 12 points or more, which was an NBA record. Still, the average margin of victory during Cleveland’s 10-game winning streak remains 20.2 points per game, and 15 of the team’s 19 wins have been by double digits.

Despite the presence of LeBron James, who is second in the league in scoring at nearly 27 ppg, Cleveland has been doing its damage on the defensive end, holding 18 of 21 opponents to less than 100 points and giving up an average of just 83.5 ppg in its last six.

While the Cavaliers have been rolling all season, Philadelphia has failed to live up to preseason expectations and comes into this game in a 2-6 SU and ATS funk, however both wins and covers were outright upsets in their most recent games on the road. The Sixers have scored 96 points or fewer in 15 of 22 games this year, including being held under 90 points nine times.

Cleveland has now won seven of the last nine meetings against the 76ers, going 2-0 ATS in the last two after failing to cover in the previous three. The road team has won six of the last seven series clashes, going 6-1 ATS. Also, the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings, including four outright upsets.

The Cavs are on a slew of positive pointspread streaks, including 23-4 overall, 16-5 at home, 21-5 against the Eastern Conference, 18-4 versus the Atlantic Division, 9-0 against teams with a losing record and 14-3 when playing on one day of rest. Philly is 4-1 ATS in their last five games on Friday, but 7-17 ATS in its last 24 against the Eastern Conference.

The over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings between these teams overall and 10-4 in the last 14 series clashes in Cleveland. However, Cleveland currently is on under streaks of 6-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 11-6 against the Atlantic Division ad 7-2 on Fridays. Also, the under for the Sixers is on stretches of 6-0 on Fridays, 6-1-1 when playing on one day of rest, 10-3-2 versus the East and 8-4-1 against the Central Division.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND

New Orleans (12-6, 8-9-1 ATS) at Boston (21-2, 13-10 ATS)

The Hornets are the latest team attempting to cool off the scalding Celtics when they head to TD Banknorth Garden for a battle with the defending champs.

Boston returns home after last night’s 122-88 win at Washington as a 10-point favorite, its 13th consecutive victory and its 21st win in its first 23 games. The Celtics have scored at least 102 points in nine of their 13 victories during their winning streak, and they’re 9-3 ATS in their last 12 overall, including 6-1 ATS at home.

New Orleans has won three in a row (3-0 ATS) and seven of its last eight (6-2 ATS) and comes into Boston off Wednesday’s 105-89 rout of Charlotte as a 15-point home favorite. During their 7-1 run, the Hornets have posted six double-digit victories, winning the last three (all at home) by an average of 16 points per game.

These squads split their season series last year, with New Orleans prevailing 113-106 as a 1½-point home favorite and the Celtics rolling 112-92 as a seven-point home chalk. The Hornets have followed up an 0-4 SU and ATS slump against Boston by going 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings. Also, the SU winner has covered the spread in each of the last 10 clashes, and the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last four.

The Hornets are on ATS streaks of 9-3-1 against the Atlantic Division and 11-5-2 versus the Eastern Conference, but they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five games on Friday. Meanwhile, Boston is riding a bevy of pointspread streaks, including 6-1 at home, 8-1 against the Southwest Division, 37-18 against the Western Conference, 14-3 against teams with a winning record and 30-14-1 when playing on back-to-back nights (but 2-4 ATS this year in back-to-back spots).

The over is on runs of 4-1 for New Orleans overall, 11-5-1 for New Orleans against the East, 5-0 for New Orleans against the Atlantic Division, 6-2 for the Celtics overall and 10-3 for the C’s against the Southwest Division. Conversely, the under is on runs of 6-0 for the Hornets on Friday, 4-1 for the Hornets on the road, 6-1 for the Celtics on Friday and 6-1 for the Celtics when playing on back-to-back nights. Also, the under is 8-2 over the last decade when these teams meet in Boston.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON

Orlando (17-5, 12-9-1 ATS) at Phoenix (13-10, 10-13 ATS)

The Magic will try to extend a current four-game winning streak and halt a five-game losing skid to the Suns and when they continue a lengthy Western Conference road trip at the US Airways Center in the desert.

Orlando is coming off Tuesday’s thrilling, last-second 109-108 win at Portland as a five-point underdog. Hedo Turkoglu banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer as the Magic, who trailed by eight points late in the game, won their fourth straight overall and their eighth in the last nine games. During this run, Orlando is 4-1 SU and ATS on the road, and for the season, Stan Van Gundy’s squad is 8-2 away from the Magic Kingdom (6-3-1 ATS).

Hours after completing a trade that sent veterans Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to Charlotte for scorer Jason Richardson, the Suns took the court Thursday at Los Angeles and played the Lakers tough before succumbing 115-110, easily cashing as a 14-point underdog. Phoenix is just 2-5 SU in its last seven games, but it has followed up an 0-5 ATS slump with back-to-back spread covers. Terry Porter’s team continues to struggle on the defensive end of the court, allowing 102 points or more in eight straight games.

The Suns have won five straight against Orlando, but the Magic are 3-2 ATS and they’ve cashed in five of the last seven meetings, including three straight covers in Phoenix. In fact, the visitor 5-0 ATS in the last five series clashes, and the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven.

In addition to its current ATS runs of 6-2 overall and 4-1 on the road, the Magic are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games when coming off two days’ rest and 4-1 ATS in their last five versus the Pacific Division. However, Orlando is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 on Friday. Meanwhile, Phoenix carries nothing but negative pointspread streaks, including 2-7 when playing on one day of rest, 1-5 after a spread-cover, 0-5 on Fridays and 0-4 after a SU defeat.

For the Magic, the under is on runs of 16-6 on the road, 7-2 against winning teams, 27-12 after a SU win, 7-0 when playing on two days’ rest, 5-1 when playing on Friday and 4-1 versus the Pacific Division. On the flip side, the Suns are riding “over” stretches of 8-0 overall, 4-0 at home, 13-3 against the Southeast Division and 35-17 against the Eastern Conference.

Finally, the over is 7-2 in the last nine Suns-Magic battles, including 4-0 in the last four clashes at US Airways Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and OVER

Gametimepicks.com

Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young

**Hornets at Celtics**

-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Boston as a seven-point home ‘chalk’ over New Orleans, with the total set at 188½. ESPN will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 8:05 p.m. ET.

-New Orleans (12-6 straight up, 8-9 against the spread) has won three games in a row SU and ATS after beating Charlotte Wednesday as a 15-point home favorite, 105-89. The combined 194 points toppled the 185-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest.

-The Hornets were routing the Bobcats before getting outscored in the fourth quarter, 32-17. New Orleans outrebounded Charlotte, 48-38, while shooting 49 percent (40-of-82) from the field. Peja Stojakovic and David West each netted 17 points, while guard Chris Paul added 15 and 15 assists.

-The Hornets are a modest 5-3 SU and 4-4 ATS on the road, winning those games by an average score of 98-94.

-Boston (21-2 SU, 13-10 ATS) is playing back-to-back nights after routing Washington Thursday as a 10½-point road favorite, 122-88. The combined 210 points soared ‘over’ the 196-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 4-1 the past five outings.

-The Celtics are 12-1 SU and 7-6 ATS at home, winning those matchups by an average score of 101-90.

-New Orleans is 3-1 SU and ATS the past four meetings with Boston, while the ‘over’ has also gone 3-1. This marks the first meeting of the season between these teams.

**Rockets at Warriors**

-There is no overnight line on the Houston-Golden State contest due to a couple of key injuries. ESPN starts its coverage of this contest at 10:35 p.m. ET.

-Houston center Yao Ming (illness) is ‘probable’ versus the Warriors, while guard Tracy McGrady (knee) is ‘questionable.’ Forward Ron Artest is expected to miss this matchup.

-Golden State forward Corey Maggette (hamstring) and forward Brandan Wright (flu) are ‘questionable’ against the Rockets, while guard Stephen Jackson (wrist) is ‘probable.’ Guard Monta Ellis is suspended until December 17.

-Houston (14-8 SU, 11-11 ATS) improved to 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS the past four games after upending Atlanta Tuesday as a five-point home favorite, 92-84. The combined 176 points went ‘under’ the 190½-point closing total, ending a string of five consecutive ‘over’ outings.

-The Rockets prevailed after outscoring the Hawks in the fourth quarter, 32-22. Houston outrebounded Atlanta, 57-40, while shooting 43 percent (35-of-81) from the field. Center Yao Ming paced the offense with 24 points and 19 rebounds, while Ron Artest added 19 and nine.

-The Rockets begin a stretch of playing six of their next eight games on the road with this contest. Houston is 7-5 SU and ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 9-3.

-Golden State (7-15 SU, 10-12 ATS) is riding a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak after routing Milwaukee Wednesday as a one-point home favorite, 119-96. The combined 215 points failed to topple the 220-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash the third consecutive contest.

-It was a close game until the Warriors outscored the Bucks in the fourth quarter, 37-15. Golden State shot a blistering 49 percent (43-of-88) from the field, and 30 percent (6-of-20) from behind the arc. Seven players reached double digits in scoring, led by Stephen Jackson’s 21 points and eight assists.

-The Warriors maintain a 4-5 SU and 5-4 ATS home record, with the ‘over’ going a solid 8-1. Golden State has been winning those affairs by an average score of 111-109.

-Houston is 3-0 SU and ATS the last three games against Golden State after winning December 5 as a nine-point home ‘chalk,’ 131-112. The combined 243 points soared past the 210-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 7-1 the last eight games in this series.

vegasinsider.com

Thunder's Wilcox hurts finger, could miss 2 weeks

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -Oklahoma City forward Chris Wilcox is expected to miss 10 to 14 days after dislocating his left ring finger.

Wilcox, who had started the last six games for the Thunder, was hurt midway through the first quarter of Oklahoma City's 108-102 loss to Memphis on Wednesday night.

Team spokesman Michael Ravina said on Thursday that physicians at McBride hospital re-set Wilcox's finger.

To bolster their front court, the Thunder called up 7-foot rookie center Steven Hill. He played in one game with the Thunder after signing as a free agent last month before being sent to the NBDL team in Tulsa.

Wilcox missed four games earlier this season with a knee injury, but returned to average 13.7 points over a seven-game span in which he started for the first time this season.

Hot and Cold Bets - Week 7
By Matt Fargo

Friday – Toronto Raptors at New Jersey Nets

The Nets are off to an 11-8 (12-7 ATS) start to the season which may not seem all too great but considering they came into the season picked to finish dead last in the Eastern Conference by many, they are well above expectations. They host New York on Wednesday before playing Toronto, a team that is playing the exact opposite. The Raptors were supposed to be stronger with the addition of Jermaine O’Neal but they have limped to an 8-11 (7-12 ATS) record to begin the year. They have lost four straight and the firing of head coach Sam Mitchell has not helped cure anything. Toronto got pounded in Utah by 27 points before losing to Portland at home on Sunday. To it credit, Toronto has played the 3rd toughest schedule in the NBA and it is just 1-9 (2-8 ATS) against the top 16 teams in the league. The Raptors are 7-2 (5-4 ATS) against the rest of the league and while this may seem like a play for the Nets, New Jersey actually falls into that latter category. We should see some excellent Toronto value in this spot.

ATLANTA (12 - 9) at MIAMI (12 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 28-50 ATS (-27.0 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
MIAMI is 41-60 ATS (-25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
MIAMI is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PHILADELPHIA (9 - 13) at CLEVELAND (19 - 3)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

TORONTO (9 - 12) at NEW JERSEY (11 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 150-114 ATS (+24.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-6 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 8-7 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CHICAGO (10 - 11) at MEMPHIS (7 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 45-59 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 32-47 ATS (-19.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

SAN ANTONIO (13 - 8) at MINNESOTA (4 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 460-395 ATS (+25.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 78-103 ATS (-35.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-56 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-46 ATS (-25.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 0-12 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NEW ORLEANS (12 - 6) at BOSTON (21 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 80-50 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 61-42 ATS (+14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 65-46 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 43-19 ATS (+22.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 42-22 ATS (+17.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-73 ATS (-33.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

INDIANA (7 - 14) at DETROIT (11 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 134-86 ATS (+39.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 246-196 ATS (+30.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ORLANDO (17 - 5) at PHOENIX (13 - 10)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 2-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LA CLIPPERS (4 - 17) at PORTLAND (15 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-61 ATS (-26.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 34-50 ATS (-21.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 32-48 ATS (-20.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 17-35 ATS (-21.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 4-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

SACRAMENTO (6 - 16) at LA LAKERS (18 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 37-17 ATS (+18.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 7-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

HOUSTON (14 - 8) at GOLDEN STATE (7 - 15)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 4-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Atlanta at Miami
Atlanta: 13-4 UNDER in December
Miami: 1-8 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Philadelphia at Cleveland
Philadelphia: 8-14 ATS in all games
Cleveland: 6-0 ATS against Atlantic division

Toronto at New Jersey
Toronto: 84-54 ATS AWAY after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7
New Jersey: 4-13 ATS when playing 4 or less games in 10 days

Chicago at Memphis
Chicago: 7-1 ATS after 4+ consecutive ATS losses
Memphis: 3-13 ATS off a road win

San Antonio at Minnesota
San Antonio: 23-12 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
Minnesota: 0-12 ATS at home revenging a home loss

New Orleans at Boston
New Orleans: 14-29 ATS AWAY off a DD home win
Boston: 12-3 ATS at home when the total is between 185 and 189.5

Indiana at Detroit
Indiana: 11-4 OVER after playing 5 consecutive games as an underdog
Detroit: 9-1 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 200

Orlando at Phoenix
Orlando: 46-22 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
Phoenix: 1-5 ATS when playing their 3rd game in 4 days

LA Clippers at Portland
LA Clippers: 15-5 UNDER in December
Portland: 3-12 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 4+ consecutive games

Sacramento at LA Lakers
Sacramento: 12-3 ATS after failing to cover 3 of their last 4
LA Lakers: 7-20 ATS at home when playing 6 or more games in 10 days

Houston at Golden State
Houston: 25-10 ATS on Friday
Golden State: 12-20 ATS after 2 straight DD wins

ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Miami is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Miami is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Atlanta

PHILADELPHIA vs. CLEVELAND
Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Philadelphia is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

TORONTO vs. NEW JERSEY
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Toronto is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

CHICAGO vs. MEMPHIS
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago
Memphis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago

INDIANA vs. DETROIT
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Indiana is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

NEW ORLEANS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
New Orleans is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

SAN ANTONIO vs. MINNESOTA
San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

ORLANDO vs. PHOENIX
Orlando is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Orlando is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando

LA CLIPPERS vs. PORTLAND
LA Clippers are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games
LA Clippers are 4-21 SU in their last 25 games
Portland is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Portland is 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

HOUSTON vs. GOLDEN STATE
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Houston is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Golden State's last 11 games at home
Golden State is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games

SACRAMENTO vs. LA LAKERS
Sacramento is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 18-3 SU in their last 21 games

Tips and Trends

New Orleans Hornets at Boston Celtics

Hornets: New Orleans begins a three-game road trip at Boston which is followed by games at Toronto and Memphis before heading back home. The Hornets have won three straight since finishing their last road trip with a 101-86 loss at Portland on November 28th. That was only their third road loss of the season though, and they had won three in a row away from home prior to that setback. New Orleans has won three of the last four meetings with Boston both straight-up and against the spread.

Hornets are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games vs. Atlantic Division.
The OVER is 4-1 in New Orleans' last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (Side Play of the Day)

Celtics (-7, O/U 188.5): Boston has won 13 straight games as part of the team's best start ever at 21-2, with the latest victory coming easily at Washington on Thursday in a 122-88 rout. “It’s always great to be part of a team that’s potentially mentioned as one of the franchise’s best,” said Celtics guard Ray Allen. Boston will be playing back-to-back nights for the seventh time this season and has gone 2-4 ATS the previous six times under that scenario.

Celtics are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Southwest Division.
The OVER is 10-3 in Boston's last 13 games vs. Southwest Division.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors

Rockets (-3, O/U 217): Houston will try to duplicate a 131-112 rout of the Warriors last Friday, only this time they have have Tracy McGrady back in the lineup. The only problem is that Yao Ming (flu) could miss this game and Ron Artest (ankle) will miss a couple games. Regardless, Rockets head coach Rick Adelman isn't making excuses. “We’ve got to win games and keep our heads above water,” Adelman said. “If we’re going to have injuries like this, you just have to win as many as you can.”

Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Pacific Division.
The OVER is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Yao Ming (flu) is questionable.
F Tracy McGrady (knee) is questionable.
F Ron Artest (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 118 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Warriors (NA): Golden State has won two straight following a season-high nine-game losing streak, cashing in on running against weak teams. That obviously won't be the case here against the Rockets, who scored a season-high 131 points in a win against them a week ago. Still, the Warriors have gained a bit of confidence lately. “When we’re aggressive, we win games,” Golden State guard Marco Belinelli said. “For me, when I have my opportunities, I can do something to help this team. I believe in all of our people. We’re young, we like to run, and if we stay aggressive, we can win games.”

Underdog is 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
The OVER is 10-4 in Golden State's last 14 games vs. Western Conference.

Key Injuries - F Brandan Wright (flu) is probable.
F Corey Maggette (hamstring) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 115

Friday's best NBA bets

Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons

He's back!

Forward Antonio McDyess (7.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG) was re-signed by the Pistons Monday and later that night scored nine points in 25 minutes in a road loss to the Washington Wizards.

"You could notice the difference without him," Pistons coach Michael Curry told reporters. "That was a big part of losing him in that trade. The things he brought to the table were sorely missed."

Detroit will bring McDyess off the bench Friday and will start Rodney Stuckey (9.3 PPG, 4.5 APG) for a second straight night.

Stuckey replaced center Kwame Brown (3.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG) in the starting line-up Monday and had 10 points and 11 assists.

The Pistons led by as many as 17 points but allowed Washington to outscore them 64-48 in the second half en route to a 13-point setback.

But don't expect to see a similar meltdown Friday.

The Pistons were 4-0 straight up (SU) and 3-1 against the spread (ATS) last season against the Pacers. They beat the Pacers 100-94 in their home opener in October.

Pick: Detroit

Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns

Jason Richardson is moving to the desert.

Phoenix sent Boris Diaw, Raja Bell and Sean Singletary to the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday in exchange for Jared Dudley and Richardson (18.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG).

"He's athletic and gives us a really potent offensive player," Suns' General Manager Steve Kerr told reporters. "He's also an excellent defensive player and he's in his prime."

Does this trade make the Suns better? Yes. Will it help them beat the Magic? No.

The Suns will need more than Richardson, assuming he even plays Friday, to get past Dwight Howard's Magic.

Howard (21.2 PPG, 14.5 RPG), who has led Orlando to a 4-1 mark in its last five, is averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds in that period.

Howard doesn't need to worry about going head-to-head in the paint against Shaquille O'Neal (15.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) either. O'Neal is doubtful for Friday's matchup due to a death in his family.

The Magic are 8-2 SU and 6-3-1 ATS outside the Sunshine State.

Pick: Orlando

NBA Friday Previews
By Andre Gomes

Atlanta @ Miami

Dwayne Wade is having an outstanding season and he is in the MVP race without any doubt. He is carrying this team in every game and the Heat are right now with a respectable 12-9 record, the same record as Atlanta. The Hawks made a road trip at the Texas Triangle and they were swept, so of course they aren't in a good mood and even with Josh Smith once again, they had problems to finish well the games. That's not the case of Miami, as Wade is carrying the team down the stretch. Miami is now on a 4 game winning streak, but curiously it seems that they are an awful team as favorites: 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as favorites. This game is a classic 50/50 game, with the 2.5 points favoring Miami due to home court advantage.

Philadelphia @ Cleveland

For this game, Iglauskas is out and until what point will the winning dynamic of the Cavs be affected by this? The big Z is probably the most underrated player of Cleveland, but his importance is huge, because he takes advantage very well of the space created by Lebron. For today they will have a home-home series against the Sixers and Philadelphia will want revenge in here. It's important to refer that the Sixers had a similar spot this season, when they lost at home against the Bulls and then won at Chicago in the following game. The question in here is that we have talking about with a team with an impressive winning dynamic and the 10 points can be easily covered. I love the spot of the Sixers, but right now it's basically forbidden to go against the Cavs.

Toronto @ New Jersey

The Raptors finally won a game with their new coach against Indiana and snapped the 5 game losing streak, so this team got a huge confidence boost and Chris Bosh has also ended his slump. This is an important game for Toronto, because first of all, they want to get revenge over an heartbreaking loss in overtime they had last month at home against the Nets and Bosh uses to have great performances against New Jersey. Meanwhile, the Nets lost at home against the Knicks, so this will be bounce back game for them. Devin Harris keeps rolling this team and the Raptors are a "soft team" when we talking about stop penetrations for the basket and Harris is killing this kind of teams. I have a lean on the Raptors, but I wished the Nets hadn't lost their last game, so I will likely be out of this game.

Chicago @ Memphis

Derrick Rose returns to Memphis and of course, everybody is expecting a big game from him tonight. The Bulls are coming to this game with two home wins in a row against the Knicks and Washington, but they weren't impressive at all. In fact, they went 0-2 ATS on those two games and the team is 3-8 on the road this season, so we have to be careful on games like this one, where they are road favorites. Even though they will face the Grizzlies, Memphis is a hot team right now, as they won 3 of their last 4 games and they got their revenge over the Thunder in their last game, even though they had to make an huge comeback late in the game to get the revenge they were looking to get. Memphis has also won their last two home games and we can expect them to be confident tonight. I remember they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an home underdog. I think the Grizzlies have a shot to win this game outright, but as every lowly team, this is a tremendous risk of a letdown after a good win, so this spot isn't the best to bet on the Grizzlies.

San Antonio @ Minnesota

The Spurs are back on track and they are 11-3 on their last 14 games. They had a terrible spot on their last game at home against Atlanta, as they were coming from a double overtime win at Dallas the night before and they have to come back home to face the young team of the Hawks in the following day. Still they were able to defeat the Hawks, with Manu Ginobili being decisive down the stretch. Today they will play at Minnesota, in a court where Tony Parker had a career game five weeks ago. The Wolves lost their first two games with McHale as their coach, but they were competitive and while facing the top teams of Utah and Denver. Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points on the 3rd quarter alone, but still the Wolves were able to be competitive on their last game at Denver. I wouldn't be surprised if the Wolves were once again competitive in here, as they will be seeking revenge and the Spurs may be relaxed tonight after two tough games, however the Spurs down the stretch is very powerful and that may make the difference in here.

New Orleans @ Boston

In the beginning of the season, when everybody was talking about the Lakers were the best team of the league and if they would reach the 70 regular season wins, but the truth is that Boston has once again the best record of the league and they reached a franchise record last night by starting the season with a 21-2 record, the best start ever from the Celtics. Also last night, on national TV, they slaughtered the Wizards on the road, with a win by 34 points! The team is coming from 13 wins in a row and they have been destroying the top teams at home. I remember their routs against Portland, Orlando and Detroit. Today they will face the Hornets, which are now in a 7-1 run. However, they had a pretty easy schedule lately and 5 from those 7 wins were against teams with a losing record and so, maybe we are talking about an overrated team right now. The last time they faced a top defensive team, they lost by 86-101 at Portland, so until what point are the Hornets for real? This will be a back to back game for Boston, but yesterday's win was so easy that they were able to rest their starters. Boston loves these type of games, as remember they are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games against teams with a winning record. This will be an important game to see if the Hornets are more competitive against the top teams than they were earlier in the season. Go against a team which is on fire right now seems a bad idea, so I have a lean on Boston in here, even though the Hornets have been competitive as big dogs on the past two seasons.

Indiana @ Detroit

I don't want to start talking about the AI trade to Detroit and its consequences, as we all are sick and tired to listen that Denver is a better team and that Detroit is now 7-9 with Iverson. The truth is that the Pistons lost their last 3 games and if that wasn't enough, they lost against three teams with a losing record: Sixers, Knicks and Wizards. To make things even worse, they lost an early lead of 17 points against the Wizards in their last game. Obviously, this team will come fired up to come back to the winning track, especially as they have won their last 7 games against the Pacers. Meanwhile, Indiana had the toughest schedule of the league lately, with games against Boston, Cleveland, Lakers and Toronto, who is hungry for a win and was playing at home. The Pacers are capable of getting some nice wins once in a while and the truth is that their last four wins were against Lakers, Houston, Atlanta and New Jersey, all four teams with winning records right now. But having in account they will face a team hungry for a win, this won't be a good spot for a soft team like the Pacers. -7 sounds like the bookies want us to take the Pistons, but remember that this team hasn't been playing well at all in both floors of the court.

Orlando @ Phoenix

There is now a new wave of optimism in Phoenix, with the acquision of J-Rich. The team gains more offensive abilities with a player who is capable of creating his own shot. But at the same time, the team their rotation becoming shorter and worse on defense. Unfortunately for them, they will play now against Orlando, which is one of the best road teams of the league, with a 8-2 record this season. If we add the fact that Shaq is doubtful for tonight, we can say that Howard will have an easier task today against the rookie Robin Lopez. I'm staying out of this game, because everything may happen in here. Nash got upset for losing two of his closest friends on the locker room and until what point will he perform well tonight? It will be an interesting game to watch, but damn tough to bet on. I'll be passing on this one.

LA Clippers @ Portland

The Blazers hadn't lost back to back games since early season and today they will try to avoid losing three games in a row for the first time this season. The good news for them is that they will face at home the lowly Clippers. Portland lost yesterday at Utah in a game which it was expected that they would be competitive, but even with Roy and Aldridge at good level, the team couldn't match up the intensiveness of Utah. The team lost also for the first time at home against Orlando and so, this game will be a double bounce back game for them. The Clippers are now more competitive with Zach Randolph, as they are 5-2 ATS on their last 7 games, but until what point will they be able to be competitive against an hungry team? Note also that Travis Outlaw is questionable for this game.

Sacramento @ LA Lakers

The Lakers have business to take care against the Kings and this will be an huge revenge game for them, as we all know the Kings shocked the Lakers at Sacramento last Tuesday by defeating them 113-101. Of course the bookmakers adjusted that feeling of revenge to the line and that's why the Lakers are a 16.5 points favorite for this game, while the home games of the Lakers this season have usually seen the home team being favored by 12.5 to 14.5 points. The question in here is that the Kings haven't played since that big win, while the Lakers had to play at LA against Phoenix after that game. The spot is good for the Lakers to get revenge, but lately in the NBA there is always a lowly team which is some kind of an annoying team to the Lakers and the Kings are already 2-0 ATS against the Lakers this season.

Houston @ Golden State

Note that for this game, Artest will be out, but T-Mac may actually return tonight. At the same time on the Warriors, Corey Maggette remains questionable. The Warriors managed to get two good wins in a row against teams with losing records and they will now be more confident for this game. Their offense is once again returning to their real level, with them scoring 112 and 119 points on these two wins. Today they will face a team which has been inconsistent this season. To prove that, it's only necessary to say that they lost at Memphis, so we can expect everything from them. It's important to refer that last week, the Rockets pounded the Warriors at home by 131-112, so the Warriors will try to get revenge in here. Golden State has some momentum right now, but I just can't ignore the fact that they defeated the Thunder and the Bucks on their last two games, which are two teams much worse than the Rockets. I would consider to take the Warriors in here, but with a much higher line.