Utah (15-10, 14-11 ATS) at Atlanta (18-6, 18-6 ATS)
The Hawks return to Philips Arena in search of their sixth straight win and spread-cover when they host the surging Jazz.
Utah improved to 12-5 SU and ATS in its last 17 games with Wednesday’s 108-92 rout of the hapless Nets, cashing as an 8½-point road chalk. The Jazz have won three of their last four, averaging 109.5 ppg, but despite Wednesday’s drubbing in New Jersey, Jerry Sloan’s squad is just 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS in its last five roadies. For the season, Utah is 4-6 SU and ATS as a visitor.
Atlanta dumped the Grizzlies 110-97 on Wednesday, easily covering as a 9½-point home chalk. The Hawks have scored 118, 111, 130 and 110 points in their last four games, and they’re outscoring their opponents by nearly 20 points per game during their five-game win streak (109.8-90.2). Additionally, Atlanta is 11-2 SU and 10-3 ATS on its home floor, averaging a whopping 112.5 ppg while surrendering 99.5 ppg.
The host has taken five straight meetings in this rivalry (4-1 ATS), with the Hawks rolling 100-93 as a 1½-point favorite in last season’s lone clash at Philips Arena. Atlanta has covered in three of the last four meetings, following an 0-9 ATS funk against the Jazz. The favorite is 12-2 ATS in the past 14 series clashes.
The Jazz are all over the pointspread map. They’re on positive streaks of 8-3 overall, 6-2 when playing on one day of rest, 7-1 against Eastern Conference opponents, 5-1 against winning teams, 5-0 after a double-digit win, 11-4 on Friday and 4-1 as an underdog. On the flip side, they’re in ATS ruts of 8-16 on the highway, 6-18 as a road underdog, 3-13 as a road ‘dog of 5 to 10½ points, 6-14 after a SU win and 1-4 against the Southeast Division.
Atlanta carries nothing but positive pointspread trends, including 5-0 overall, 10-3-1 at home, 20-7-1 as a home chalk, 10-4 when favored by 5 to 10½ points, 15-4-1 versus the Western Conference, 6-0-1 against the Northwest Division, 12-5 after a victory and 9-3 following a double-digit win.
Utah is riding “over” streaks of 14-5-1 on the road, 29-11-1 as an underdog, 23-7-1 as a road ‘dog, 4-1 on Friday, 14-6 after a victory and 7-3-1 when playing after one day of rest. Similarly, the Hawks are on “over “ runs of 5-0 at home (all as a favorite), 6-2 against the Western Conference and 12-4 after a SU win. Conversely, four of the last five meetings between these squads have stayed under the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA and OVER
Denver (19-7, 14-12 ATS) at New Orleans (11-13, 11-13 ATS)
The Nuggets go after their fourth straight victory when they battle the Hornets in a rematch of last year’s opening-round playoff series.
Denver capped a perfect three-game homestand with Wednesday’s 111-101 thumping of the Rockets, barely cashing as a nine-point favorite to halt an 0-4 ATS drought. The Nuggets are 7-2 SU in their last nine games (5-4 ATS), but both losses came in their last two road games at Detroit (101-99 as a 7½-point favorite) and at Charlotte (107-95 as a three-point choice). George Karl’s squad is just 7-6 on the highway (6-7 ATS), averaging 102 ppg but giving up 100.5 ppg.
The Nuggets will be without starting point guard Chauncey Billups tonight.
New Orleans carries a rare 4-2 SU run into this contest, following Tuesday’s 95-87 win over Detroit as a six-point home favorite. The Hornets, who have cashed in consecutive games following an 0-4 ATS downturn, have scored between 90 and 99 points in eight consecutive outings, but they’ve held five of their last six foes to 96 points or less. Chris Paul and Co. have won seven of eight on their home floor (5-3 ATS).
The Nuggets annihilated New Orleans in the playoffs last year, taking the best-of-7 series in five games (5-0 ATS). Denver’s four wins in the series came by margins of 29, 15, 58, and 21 points, and it is 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS in the last six clashes overall and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 trips to the Big Easy. Additionally, including the playoffs, the SU winner is 17-2 ATS in the last 19 battles in between these clubs.
Denver has failed to cover in seven of its last 10 on the highway and four of five on Friday, but it is on positive ATS stretches of 28-11 against Western Conference foes and 28-10 against Southwest Division opponents. New Orleans has cashed in six straight games against teams with a winning record, but is otherwise in pointspread ruts of 2-4 overall, 6-20 against the Northwest Division and 0-8 on Friday.
Aside from a 5-1 “over” stretch against Southwest Division foes, the Nuggets are riding “under” streaks of 5-2 after a SU win and 5-2 after one day of rest. New Orleans carries “under” trends of 5-1 overall, 20-7 at home, 21-5 on Friday, 4-0 against the Western Conference and 6-0 versus the Northwest Division. Finally, this series has seen the “under” go 5-2 in the last seven meetings overall and 4-0 in the last four tussles in New Orleans.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and UNDER
Houston (14-11, 15-10 ATS) at Dallas (19-7, 14-12 ATS)
The Mavericks look to make it six in a row overall and three in a row over the Rockets this season when these Southwest Division rivals square off at American Airlines Center.
Houston tonight concludes a brief two-game road trip, which started on a sour note with Wednesday’s 111-101 loss in Denver as a nine-point underdog. Although the Rockets have alternated wins and losses over the last four contests, they’re still on a 6-3 SU and ATS roll, and the winner has covered the spread in 20 of the team’s 25 games this season. Houston has scored 101 and 107 points in its last two contests after being held to 96 or fewer in four straight games.
Dallas rallied past Oklahoma City 100-86 as a two-point road favorite on Thursday, and during their five-game winning streak, the Mavs are outscoring opponents by an average of nearly seven points per game (100-93.4). Since a shocking nine-point home loss to Washington to begin the season, Rick Carlisle’s club is 9-2 SU at American Airlines Center, but on the downside the Mavs have failed to cover in six straight home contests.
The Mavericks have destroyed Houston twice already this year, rolling 121-103 as a 6½-point home favorite and 130-99 as a four-point road ‘dog, with both games played two weeks apart in November. The Mavs are 10-3 SU and ATS in the last 13 meetings (3-0 SU and ATS last three) and 6-2 SU and ATS in the last eight clashes in Dallas. Also, the ‘dog has barked in seven of the past nine in this rivalry.
Houston carries into this contest ATS runs of 4-2 overall, 7-3 on the highway, 5-1 as an underdog, 4-1 as a road pup, 5-1 when catching 5 to 10½ points, and 42-20 after an outright defeat, but it has failed to cover in four of five divisional showdowns. Dallas is in ATS slumps of 2-5 overall, 0-7 at home (all as a favorite) and 2-5 against the Western Conference, but the Mavericks have cashed in five of seven on Friday.
The Rockets are riding a plethora of “under” streaks, including 8-2 overall, 6-1 on the highway, 4-2 as an underdog, 5-1 against the Western Conference, 35-17 against divisional opponents and 6-2 after a SU loss, and the under is also 4-1 in Dallas’ last five Northwest Division games. However, four of the last five Rockets-Mavericks battles in Dallas have topped the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE:DALLAS and UNDER
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
The New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
The Nets were defeated 108-92 by the Jazz last time out, as 9-point underdogs. The 200 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 200.
Brook Lopez netted a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in that loss.
The Raptors were tore apart 118-99 by the Magic on Wednesday, as 11-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 207.5.
Chris Bosh netted 20 points with six rebounds, and Hedo Turkoglu added 14 in that loss.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 5 straight games.
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 2-24 SU, 8-17-1 ATS
Toronto: 11-17 SU, 11-17 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of New Jersey's last 21 games
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to LA Lakers, Saturday, December 19
Toronto home to New Orleans, Sunday, December 20
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Bucks fell 107-106 to the Lakers in overtime on Wednesday, as 5-point underdogs. The 213 points sailed OVER the posted total of 198.5.
Michael Redd had 25 points with seven rebounds in the loss.
LeBron James poured in a game-high 34 points to lead the Cavaliers to a 108-101 victory over the 76ers last time out. The Cavaliers covered the 6-point spread, while the 209 sailed OVER the posted total of 195.
James also grabbed six rebounds and dished out seven assists, while Mo Williams had 12 points in the win.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 11-12 SU, 14-9 ATS
Cleveland: 19-7 SU, 13-13 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Sacramento are 1-9
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee's last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 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 Milwaukee
Cleveland is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Sacramento, Saturday, December 19
Cleveland at Dallas, Sunday, December 20
Utah Jazz vs. Atlanta Hawks
The fans at Philips Arena will be treated to a game between the Utah Jazz and the Atlanta Hawks when they take their seats on Friday.
Carlos Boozer dropped 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double on Wednesday, leading the Jazz over the Nets 108-92. The Jazz covered the 9-point spread, while the 200 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 200.
Deron Williams had 20 points and dished out 14 assists for the Jazz.
Joe Johnson dropped 26 points and the Hawks soared to a 110-97 victory over the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Hawks covered the 10-point spread, and the 207 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 207.
Al Horford collected 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in that win.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 15-10 SU, 14-11 ATS
Atlanta: 18-6 SU, 18-6 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Memphis are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Utah is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta
Utah is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Next up:
Utah at Charlotte, Saturday, December 19
Atlanta at Chicago, Saturday, December 19
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Friday when the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics meet at TD Garden.
The 76ers were outlasted 108-101 by the Cavaliers last time out as a 6-point underdog. That game's 209 sailed OVER the posted total of 195.
Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 26 points and seven rebounds, while Allen Iverson netted 16 in the loss.
Paul Pierce had 19 points and six assists to lead the Celtics over the Grizzlies 110-105 on Monday night.
Boston failed to cover as 7.5-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 194.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Boston has won 11 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 6-19 SU, 10-15 ATS
Boston: 20-4 SU, 11-13 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 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 when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia home to LA Clippers, Saturday, December 19
Boston home to Minnesota, Sunday, December 20
Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at FedExForum.
The Pacers were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to hang on and defeat the Bobcats 101-98 on Wednesday. The Pacers failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, while the 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.
Troy Murphy poured in a team-high 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Pacers.
The Grizzlies were defeated 110-97 by the Hawks last time out, as 10-point underdogs. That game's 207 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 207.
Sam Young tossed in 20 points in a losing cause.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 9-14 SU, 9-14 ATS
Memphis: 10-15 SU, 12-13 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games when playing at home against Indiana
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing Indiana
Next up:
Indiana at San Antonio, Saturday, December 19
Memphis home to Denver, Sunday, December 20
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.
Carmelo Anthony dropped a game-high 38 points in lifting the Nuggets to a 111-101 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday. The Nuggets covered the 8.5-point spread, while the 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 211.
J.R. Smith added 21 points for the Nuggets, and Chauncey Billups chipped in with 15 in the win.
The Hornets dominated the second half and earned a 95-87 victory over the Pistons on Wednesday. The Hornets covered the 5.5-point spread, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 189.
David West led the way with a game-high 32 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Hornets.
Current streak:
Denver has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 19-7 SU, 14-12 ATS
New Orleans: 11-13 SU, 11-13 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Denver is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of New Orleans's last 23 games at home
Next up:
Denver at Memphis, Sunday, December 20
New Orleans at Toronto, Sunday, December 20
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Target Center.
The Kings were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to pull out a 112-109 victory over the Wizards on Wednesday. The Kings failed to cover the 3-point spread, while the 221 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.
Tyreke Evans led the Kings with 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
The Timberwolves were pounded 120-95 by the Clippers on Wednesday as a 1.5-point underdog. The 215 points sailed OVER the posted total of 188.
Kevin Love had 19 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Team records:
Sacramento: 11-13 SU, 15-8-1 ATS
Minnesota: 4-22 SU, 12-13-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Minnesota is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Milwaukee, Saturday, December 19
Minnesota at Boston, Sunday, December 20
Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Ford Center.
The Pistons were defeated 95-87 by the Hornets on Wednesday, as 5.5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 189.
Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 26 points in the loss.
The Thunder were defeated 100-86 by the Mavericks last time out, as 2-point underdogs. The 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.
Jeff Green netted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Oklahoma City has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 11-14 SU, 14-10-1 ATS
Oklahoma City: 12-12 SU, 14-10 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing New Orleans are 8-2
After a loss are 3-7
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Houston are 2-8
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Oklahoma City
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to LA Lakers, Sunday, December 20
Oklahoma City at Houston, Saturday, December 19
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New York Knicks
The Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Madison Square Garden.
The Clippers dominated the fourth quarter and ran away with a 120-95 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Cippers won the game as a 1.5-point underdog, while the 215 points sailed OVER the posted total of 188.
Eric Gordon dropped a game-high 25 points for the Clippers, and Chris Kaman added 23 in the win.
The Knicks blew a short lead and fell 98-89 to the Bulls on Thursday, as 2.5-point underdogs. That game's 187 points went UNDER the posted total of 202.
Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, and Chris Duhon had 18 points apiece in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 11-13 SU, 9-15 ATS
New York: 8-17 SU, 12-13 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 9 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New York's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
New York is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
New York is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Philadelphia, Saturday, December 19
New York home to Charlotte, Sunday, December 20
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at American Airlines Center.
The Rockets were defeated 111-101 by the Nuggets on Wednesday, as 8.5-point underdogs. That game's 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 211.
Aaron Brooks netted 23 points and dished out seven assists in the loss for the Rockets.
The Mavericks scored 29 points in the fourth quarter and came away with a 100-86 victory over the Thunder on Wednesday. The Mavericks covered the 2-point spread, while the 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.Dirk Nowitzki poured in a game-high 35 points to go with 11 rebounds in a double-double.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 14-11 SU, 15-10 ATS
Dallas: 19-7 SU, 14-12 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 8-2
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Houston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Dallas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Houston
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston home to Oklahoma City, Saturday, December 19
Dallas home to Cleveland, Sunday, December 20
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors
The Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Oracle Arena.
The Wizards were defeated 112-109 by the Kings last time out, as 3-point underdogs. That game's 221 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.
Gilbert Arenas netted a game-high 33 points with six rebounds for the Wizards.
The Warriors were defeated 103-91 by the Spurs last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. That game's 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 214.
Monta Ellis tossed in a game-high 35 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 6 straight games.
Golden State has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 7-16 SU, 7-16 ATS
Golden State: 7-18 SU, 12-12-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 12 games on the road
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Washington
Golden State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Washington at Phoenix, Saturday, December 19
Golden State at Memphis, Tuesday, December 22
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Clippers at New York Knicks
Clippers: The Clippers are becoming more and more respectable as the season progresses. Los Angeles is 7-4 SU over their past 11 games to improve their overall record to 11-13 on the season. LA is in the midst of a 6 game road trip, having won their initial game against the Timberwolves 2 nights ago in dominating fashion. The Clippers are a respectable 4-5 SU on the road this season, including an ATS record of 5-4 away from home. All 4 of the Clippers road wins SU have been as the underdog. The Clippers have 3 players averaging more than 15 PPG, led by C Chris Kaman. Kaman is averaging 19.1 PPG along with nearly 9 RPG. The duo of Kaman and Marcus Camby give the Clippers a huge frontcourt. Camby averages 11.3 RPG along with over 2 blocks per game, which ranks him in the top 6 in the NBA in each category.
Clippers are 9-22 ATS last 31 games as a road underdog.
Under is 5-1 last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - G Sebastian Telfair (back) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 95
Knicks (-3, O/U 200): The Knicks will look to end their 4 game consecutive loss skid to the Clippers tonight. The last two times these teams have met, they've gone to overtime. The Knicks at home on Friday night is always a spectacle to see at MSG. The Knicks are 8-16 SU, including a home record of 4-8 SU. Their 4-8 home record includes a current 3 game home winning streak. The Knicks are 1-5 SU on the back end of back to back games. Their ATS record in this scenario is 2-4. Today will be the first time all season the Knicks will be the favorite on the back end of back to back games. F Al Harrington leads the Knicks with 19.8 PPG, including 40 3 pointers on the season. 5 other Knicks players average double digits in PTS, helping the team average 103 PPG. Unfortunately, the Knicks give up 106 PPG, 3rd worst in the NBA. There is hope though for this defense, as they've held 5 straight opponents under 100 PTS.
Knicks are 2-9 ATS last 11 games as a home favorite.
Over is 8-2 last 10 vs. a team with a losing SU record.
Key Injuries - G Larry Hughes (hamstring) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 107 (Side of the Day)
Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors
Wizards: Washington is 7-16 SU on the season, but they are showing signs of breaking through. This sounds even crazier considering they are in the midst of a 6 game losing streak SU. The Wizards are 3-9 SU on the road this season, including 4-7-1 ATS. Washington has been the underdog in every road game they've played this season. With the Wizards finally somewhat healthy, they've been scoring the basketball early and often. They've scored 102 PTS or more in 6 of their last 8 games. F Antawn Jamison has been especially hot of late, scoring 30 PTS or more in his past 3 games. Jamison and G Gilbert Arenas both average more than 20 PPG to lead the Wizards. Arenas will be playing against his former club, so you know he will play with a chip on his shoulder. Defensively the Wizards are struggling right now, and for the season give up 101.5 PPG.
Wizards are 3-13-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog up to 4.5 points.
Under is 9-2 last 11 games as a road underdog.
Key Injuries - F Antawn Jamison (shoulder) is probable.
F Mike Miller (calf) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 111
Warriors (-1.5, O/U 219): The Warriors are a bit of an enigma. They are only 7-18 SU on the season, yet they have a winning record ATS at 12-11-1. The Warriors are 4-6 SU at home, yet are 6-5 ATS at home. The Warriors are 4-3 ATS as favorites on the season, with 5 of those games coming in their first 6 games of the season. This Golden St. roster is filled with talent if they could only stay healthy. This Warriors team is more than banged up, and have been playing very short-handed of late. This lack of depth is a big reason why they've scored 91 PTS or fewer in 3 of their past 6 games. G Monta Ellis is on a torrid pace of minutes played and scoring. Ellis averages 24.4 PPG and averages 40.7 minutes per game. F Corey Maggette has scored more than 20 PTS in 3 straight games. Defensively, the Warriors are by far the worst team in the NBA, giving up 111.3 PPG.
Warriors are 6-1 ATS last 7 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 20-8 last 28 games as a home favorite.
Key Injuries - C Andris Biedrins (groin) is questionable.
C Mikki Moore (foot) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 116 (OVER - Total of the Day)
Trend Report - Friday
By Ed Meyer
Bucks at Cavaliers - The League is 9-0 ATS (10.3 ppg) since December 20, 2008 with at most one day of rest off an overtime loss as a home dog. The Bucks are 0-8-1 ATS (-4.7 ppg) since November 28, 2008 as a road dog with at most one day of rest after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent. The Cavaliers are 0-7 ATS (-10.3 ppg) since November 19, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a win in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line.
Sixers at Celtics - The Sixers are 0-7-1 ATS (-4.2 ppg) since April 11, 2004 on the road with at least one day of rest after a game at home after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent. The Celtics are 0-8-1 ATS (-4.4 ppg) since January 03, 1996 at home after playing the Grizzlies. The Celtics are 0-7 ATS (-4.1 ppg) since November 10, 2004 at home with two or more days of rest after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field.
Pacers at Grizzlies - The Pacers are 0-8 ATS (-10.2 ppg) since February 18, 1996 as a dog after a win in which they were whistled for at least 30 personal fouls. The Pacers are 7-0-1 ATS (4.8 ppg) since November 16, 2002 as a road dog with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted. The Grizzlies are 0-10 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since December 30, 2000 as a favorite with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times.
Jazz at Hawks - The Jazz are 11-0-1 ATS (7.7 ppg) since March 14, 1997 on the road after playing the Nets. The Hawks are 0-8 ATS (-8.6 ppg) since November 26, 2003 at home after a game at home in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times.
Nuggets at Hornets - The Hornets are 6-0 ATS (6.9 ppg) since November 14, 2006 at home after a game in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four.
Clippers at Knicks - The Clippers are 0-10 ATS (-11.9 ppg) since January 05, 2007 as a dog with at least one day of rest when their DPS was at least plus 15 points in their previous game. The Clippers are 0-8 ATS (-14.9 ppg) since February 09, 2009 as a dog after a game in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two. The Knicks are 0-9 ATS (-7.9 ppg) since November 26, 2008 with no rest after a game in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line. The Knicks are 0-7-1 ATS (-11.6 ppg) since April 17, 2006 at home with no rest after a game on the road in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.
Rockets at Mavericks - The Rockets are 11-0 ATS (6.9 ppg) since February 22, 1996 as a road dog with at most one day of rest after a double digit loss in which their opponent shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Mavericks are 0-7-1 ATS (-5.4 ppg) since March 14, 2007 as a home favorite and when facing a team they beat in their previous two match-ups of the season.
Nets at Raptors - The Nets are 0-9 ATS (-14.3 ppg) since March 05, 2005 with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they had at least five fewer turnovers than their season-to-date average. The Raptors are 11-0 ATS (11.7 ppg) since December 03, 2004 after playing on the road against the Magic. The Raptors are 0-6 ATS (-6.3 ppg) since March 07, 2008 at home after a game on the road in which they committed fewer than ten turnovers.
Pistons at Thunder - The Pistons are 7-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since November 17, 2000 as a dog with at least one day of rest off a loss as a dog in which they led at the end of the third quarter. The Thunder are 7-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since November 29, 2008 after a home loss in which their opponent shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them.
Kings at Timberwolves - The Kings are 0-7 ATS (-12.6 ppg) since January 03, 2006 as a favorite after a game at home after a win in which they made fewer baskets than their opponent. The Timberwolves are 8-0 ATS (12.0 ppg) since November 08, 2008 as a dog after a loss in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line.
Wizards at Warriors - The Warriors are 8-0 ATS (6.6 ppg) since February 27, 2002 as a favorite with at least one day of rest after a home loss in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight.