NBA News and Notes Friday 12/19

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Indiana Pacers

The Clippers fell 115-109 in OT to the Bulls on Wednesday, as 3-point road underdogs. That game's combined 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 195.

Marcus Camby had 19 points and 27 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

The Pacers pulled ahead in the final two minutes and held on for a 127-120 victory over the Warriors on Wednesday. The Pacers covered the 6-point spread, and the 247 points sailed OVER the posted total of 227.

Danny Granger led the way for the Pacers with a game-high 37 points, and 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.

Current streak:
Indiana has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 7-18 SU, 10-15 ATS
Indiana: 9-16 SU, 13-11-1 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Indiana is 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games

Next up:
LA Clippers at Milwaukee, Saturday, December 20
Indiana at Philadelphia, Saturday, December 20

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards

The 76ers roared back in the fourth quarter with 26 points and defeated the Bucks by a final score of 93-88 on Wednesday. The 76ers covered the 4-point spread, while the game's 181 points fell UNDER the posted total of 193.

Louis Williams led the way with 25 points and four rebounds, while Andre Miller chipped in with 19 points in the win.

The Wizards fell apart in the fourth quarter and lost 88-74 to the Pistons last time out, as 10-point underdogs. The game's combined score fell well UNDER the posted total of 201.

Andray Blatche had 12 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in that loss.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Washington has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Philadelphia: 11-14 SU, 10-15 ATS
Washington: 4-19 SU, 9-14 ATS

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 8-2
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 24 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Washington's last 24 games when playing Philadelphia

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Indiana, Saturday, December 20
Washington home to Dallas, Sunday, December 21

Golden State Warriors vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Warriors were defeated 127-120 by the Pacers last time out, as 6-point road underdogs. The 247 points sailed OVER the posted total of 227.

Jamal Crawford had 29 points to go with nine rebounds in that loss.

The Hawks fell 88-85 to the Celtics last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs. That game's 173 points fell UNDER the posted total of 187.

Joe Johnson had 20 points and five rebounds in the loss.

Current streak:
Golden State has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Golden State: 7-19 SU, 10-16 ATS
Atlanta: 15-10 SU, 14-11 ATS

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Charlotte are 5-3
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 14 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Golden State's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing at home against Golden State
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games

Next up:
Golden State at Charlotte, Saturday, December 20
Atlanta home to Detroit, Sunday, December 21

Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

The Bulls allowed just three points in overtime as they came away with a 115-109 victory over the Clippers on Wednesday. The Bulls covered the 3-point spread, and the combined 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 195.

Andres Nocioni and Ben Gordon each had 22 points to lead the way, while Drew Gooden chipped in with 18 points.

The Celtics rallied in the fourth quarter and came back to earn an 88-85 win over the Hawks on Wednesday. The Celtics could not cover the 4.5-point spread, and the 173 points fell UNDER the posted total of 187.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett netted a team-high 18 points for the Celtics, and Allen added 16 points in the win.

Current streak:
Boston has won 16 straight games.

Team records:
Chicago: 12-13 SU, 12-13 ATS
Boston: 24-2 SU, 14-12 ATS

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 2-8

Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 8-2
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 10-0

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

Next up:
Chicago home to Utah, Saturday, December 20
Boston home to New York, Sunday, December 21

Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks

The Bucks lost 93-88 to the 76ers last time out, as 4-point road underdogs. The game's 181 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 193.

Charlie Bell and Luke Ridnor had 14 points apiece in the loss.

Nate Robinson led the way for the Knicks with 33 points in their 116-114 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles couldn't cover as 13-point home favorites as the game played over the 225-point total set by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 11-16 SU, 17-9-1 ATS
New York: 11-14 SU, 15-10 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 0-10
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 0-10
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 9 games

Next up:
Milwaukee home to LA Clippers, Saturday, December 20
New York at Boston, Sunday, December 21

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Jersey Nets

The Mavericks handed Toronto their third straight loss with a 96-86 victory over the Raptors on Wednesday. The Mavericks covered the 2.5-point spread, while the 182 points fell UNDER the posted total of 198.

Dirk Nowitzki went for a double-double for the Mavericks, tossing in 27 points to go with 10 rebounds. Jason Terryu also had 27 points in the win.

The Nets fell 103-92 to the Jazz last time out, as 3-point underdogs at home. The 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.

Vince Carter tossed in a game-high 32 points in a losing effort.

Team records:
Dallas: 14-10 SU, 10-14 ATS
New Jersey: 12-12 SU, 13-11 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 9-1
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing New Jersey
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas

Next up:
Dallas at Washington, Sunday, December 21
New Jersey home to Miami, Saturday, December 20

Utah Jazz vs. Detroit Pistons

The Jazz scored just seven points in the opening quarter before turning it up a notch as they rolled past the Nets 103-92 on Wednesday. The Jazz covered the slight 3-point spread, while the 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.

Deron Williams had 17 points and 11 assists for the Jazz, while Mehmet Okur added a team-high 23 points in the win.

The Pistons came back in the fourth quarter and defeated the Wizards by a final score of 88-74 on Wednesday. The Pistons covered the 10-point spread, but the combined score fell well UNDER the posted total of 201.

Allen Iverson led the Pistons with a game-high 28 points, and hauled down six rebounds in that victory.

Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Utah: 16-11 SU, 15-12 ATS
Detroit: 14-9 SU, 11-12 ATS

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

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

A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Utah is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Detroit's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games at home

Next up:
Utah at Chicago, Saturday, December 20
Detroit at Atlanta, Sunday, December 21

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Memphis Grizzlies

D.J. Augustin went for 29 points and seven assists off the bench to lead the Bobcats over the Bulls 110-101 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Charlotte cashed as 1.5-point home underdogs as the teams played over the 189.5-point total set by oddsmakers.

Rudy Gay led Memphis with 28 points in its 91-84 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday night.

New Orleans covered as 4.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 192-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Team records:
Charlotte: 8-18 SU, 15-11 ATS
Memphis: 9-16 SU, 11-13-1 ATS

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 2-6
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a win are 1-9

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Charlotte is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Charlotte's last 22 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Charlotte
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Charlotte home to Golden State, Saturday, December 20
Memphis home to LA Lakers, Monday, December 22

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

Kobe Bryant went for 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals to lead the Lakers past the Knicks 116-114 on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles couldn't cover as 13-point home favorites as the game played over the 225-point total set by sportsbooks.

Mario Chalmers was the top scorer for Miami with 20 points as they were upset at home 98-83 by Milwaukee on Monday night.

The Heat failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's post total of 197.5.

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

Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-3 SU, 11-13 ATS
Miami: 12-12 SU, 9-14-1 ATS

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

Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games

Next up:
LA Lakers at Orlando, Saturday, December 20
Miami at New Jersey, Saturday, December 20

Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Raptors dropped their third straight last time out in a 96-86 loss to the Mavericks, as 2.5-point underdogs at home. That game's 182 points fell UNDER the posted total of 198.

Jermaine O'Neal had 19 points with seven rebounds in the loss.

Kevin Durant led the way for the Thunder with 25 points in their 98-88 loss to the Clippers on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles covered as 5-point road favorites as the game played under the 198-point total listed by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
Toronto has lost 3 straight games.
Oklahoma City has lost 8 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 10-15 SU, 9-16 ATS
Oklahoma City: 2-24 SU, 14-12 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9

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

Next up:
Toronto at San Antonio, Saturday, December 20
Oklahoma City home to Cleveland, Sunday, December 21

Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets

John Salmons led Sacramento with 21 points in its 109-77 loss to Portland on Tuesday night.

Portland covered as 11.5-point home favorites as the teams played under the 199-point total posted by oddsmakers.

Yao Ming scored 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Rockets over the Nuggets 108-96 on Tuesday night.

Houston covered as 3-point home favorites as the game played over the 200-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Team records:
Sacramento: 7-19 SU, 12-14 ATS
Houston: 16-9 SU, 13-12 ATS

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

Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

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

Next up:
Sacramento at New Orleans, Saturday, December 20
Houston at Minnesota, Saturday, December 20

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets

LeBron James dropped a game-high 32 points in leading the Cavaliers to a 93-70 tumbling of the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Cavaliers easily covered the 10-point spread, but the 163 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.

James shot 14-for-20 from the field and grabbed six rebounds in the victory, while Delonte West chipped in with 21 points in the win.

Carmelo Anthony netted 22 points for Denver in its 108-96 loss to Houston on Tuesday night.

Houston covered as 3-point home favorites as the game played over the 200-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Team records:
Cleveland: 21-4 SU, 20-5 ATS
Denver: 17-8 SU, 15-9-1 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 9-1
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a win are 9-1

Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
Cleveland is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games at home
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Denver is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

Next up:
Cleveland at Oklahoma City, Sunday, December 21
Denver at Phoenix, Saturday, December 20

LA CLIPPERS vs. INDIANA
LA Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
LA Clippers are 2-12 SU in their last 14 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Philadelphia is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Washington's last 24 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

CHICAGO vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

DALLAS vs. NEW JERSEY
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
New Jersey is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas
New Jersey is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas

GOLDEN STATE vs. ATLANTA
Golden State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Golden State is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

MILWAUKEE vs. NEW YORK
Milwaukee is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

CHARLOTTE vs. MEMPHIS
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Charlotte is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

LA LAKERS vs. MIAMI
LA Lakers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games on the road
LA Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
Miami is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers

TORONTO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Toronto is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
Toronto is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

UTAH vs. DETROIT
Utah is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Detroit is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home

SACRAMENTO vs. HOUSTON
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Sacramento is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

CLEVELAND vs. DENVER
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Denver is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Hot Teams
-- Clippers won three of their last four games. Pacers won last two in a row, scoring 118-127 points, after losing previous six contests.
-- 76ers are 2-0 since changing coaches, allowing 88.5 ppg.
-- Hawks won seven of their last eight home games.
-- Boston won its last 16 games- their last loss was 39 days ago.
-- Mavericks won 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Knicks covered their last seven games.
-- Pistons won last three games by 4-4-14 points.
-- Grizzlies won four of their last five games.
-- Lakers won their last four games, but didn't cover any of them.
-- Rockets won five of their last seven games.
-- Cavaliers won 12 of last 13 games (12-1 vs spread). Nuggets are 7-2 in their last nine games.

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost last four games, by 34-15-20-14 points.
-- Golden State lost 13 of its last 15 games.
-- Bulls are 0-6 vs spread in game following their last six wins.
-- New Jersey lost four of its last five games.
-- Bucks lost seven of last eight road games (1-4-1 vs spread in last six).
-- Utah lost six of its last nine games.
-- Bobcats lost seven of last eight games, covered four of last six.
-- Miami lost its last three games, scoring average of 80.7 ppg.
-- Oklahoma City lost its last eight games (5-3 vs spread).
-- Toronto lost three in row, six of eight since firing Mitchell.
-- Kings lost thirteen of last fifteen games.

Totals
-- Indiana's last four games all went over the total.
-- Four of Philly's last five games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Celtics' last three games stayed under the total; Chicago's last three all went over the total.
-- Mavericks' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of Knicks' last nine games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Detroit home games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in last dozen Laker games.
-- Toronto's last five games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 10-3 in Houston's last thirteen games.
-- Seven of last ten Cleveland games stayed under the total; nine of last 12 Denver games went over.

Wizards' Jamison might sit out Friday
December 18, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -Wizards forward Antawn Jamison has a strained left thumb and could miss Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jamison hurt his thumb in Wednesday night's 88-74 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He did not practice Thursday and will be a game-time decision Friday.

Jamison is averaging 19.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for Washington, which is 4-19.

76ers' Brand sidelined 1 month
December 18, 2008

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand will be sidelined for a month because of a dislocated shoulder.

Team officials say the Sixers' leading scorer has a fracture and tear in his right shoulder but will not need surgery. Brand was hurt Wednesday night in a 93-88 win over Milwaukee.

Brand is averaging 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season. He signed a five-year, $80 million free agent contract with the 76ers in July.

A playoff team last season, the 76ers struggled to a 9-14 start before firing coach Maurice Cheeks last week. They are 2-0 under interim coach Tony DiLeo.

NBA Research Report
By Indiancowboy

Clippers vs. Indiana

There are a lot of questions coming into this game. Note, that Murphy, Daniels and Ford are all questionable. Of course, those are all Pacer players. There is no line released on this game, but Clippers have covered 8 of their last 10 and come off an OT loss to Chicago. Indiana comes off a nice win over GS, but I can see the Clips winning outright on the road as well. The Clips haven't lost back to back covers since Randolph came back in the lineup as I see them an active dog. Lean on the Clips and the over here.

Philadelphia vs. Washington

Note, that Brand is out and Jamison is questionable for this game. Man, the Wizards strugglea as it is coming off an ATS loss at Detroit, but without Jamison, that could put way too much on Butler. Philly beat this team by 15 earlier this year at home and comes off a nice come back win over the Bucks. I lean on Philly here as they are the better team, the Wiz are simply terrible this year and things can only get worse with Jamison potentially sitting out this game.

Golden State vs. Atlanta

I know GS only has 7 wins, but this is a game they can certainly cover and win. Yes, I know the Hawks come off a loss but GS nearly won at Indiana and they actually beat Atlanta 135-118 last year as when this team hits their shots, they can be very tough to beat. I lean on GS, but of course, Atlanta comes off a tough loss at home to the Celtics and have revenge against a GS team that beat them in Hotlanta last year. Note, Maggattee is ou for this game but that hasn't stopped GS from covering games in the past before as they find plenty of offense from elsewhere on the team.

Chicago vs. Boston

Boston beat this team 96-80 back in late October and now faces a -12.5 spread. Chicago comes off a nice OT win over the Clippers at home and faces a Boston team off a big win against Atlanta. No lean either way on the side, but a small lean on the under here as this seems to be a high total for a Bulls road game.

Dallas vs. New Jersey

Note, that Stackhouse is out for this game. But, there is a lot of blood against these two teams as Harris faces his own team while Kidd faces his old squad. Dallas comes into this game off a big win agaisnt Toronto on the road while the Nets come a bit reeling as they lose 3 of their 4 and losing to the Jazz at home recently. I actually lean on the Nets here on the ML, but I don't want to go against the Mavs despite the being the clear public favorite here to a tune of 68% but I do think the Nets likely win this game Outright.

Milwaukee vs. New York

Man, I really wanted to take NY today as well as they come off a tough road trip and have a great deal of revenge against the Bucks who beat them 104-87 this year and 94-86 but of course 77% of the public is on the jock straps of the Knicks which makes it unappealing. Both of those games went well under due to the stifling defense of the Bucks who come off a loss at Philadelphia and the Knicks come off back to back losses to the Suns and Lakers on the road. Lean on the under here.

Charlotte vs. Memphis

Man, I'm surprised at this line. Remember, Memphis is a good team and I have ridden this team on several occasions now including a big win over the Heat recently at home. I understand that Charlotte comes off a big win against Chicago at home, but that was at home. But, hey, this team did go to Atlanta and play incredibly competitively. Memphis had covered 4 straight and comes off a tough loss to NO and I actually think they get it done here at home coming off that loss as I just don't think Charlotte has it in them to close out games yet as a team as they are still getting used to each other. Do note, Wallace is listed as probable for this game.

Lakers vs. Miami

No line on this game, but currently, Miami is an abysmal without Beasley or Haslem. Plus, you tack on the Lakers coming into town who have no problem beating this team by wide margins and you could see an ugly game here. But, it seems that both the fellas can play as the status reports make no mention of them sitting this game out, but either way, I want no part of this game - lean on the Lakers, but no thanks.

Toronto vs. OKC

This is a dangerous game for Toronto. I understand that Toronto comes off some tough losses at home, but OKC can put up some points which Toronto has trouble doing. Toronto comess of 3 straight losses at home to Dallas, NJ and New Orleans so they are looking to beat someone badly and OKC has lost 8 in a row SU but they have played much better lately and they have covered quite a few games lately as well, I can actually see them covering the spread here and losing SU as keep in mind well over 75% favor Toronto here.

Sacramento vs. Houston

I would lean on Houston but the Kings come off an ugly, ugly loss the Blazers on the road so they are looking to bounce-back from such an ugly loss. Nevertheless, the Rockets are doing just fine with Yao and McGrady and covering such spreads with relative ease, lean on the Rockets here but I just don't want to lay this many points. Plus, Alston is questionable for this game.

Cleveland vs. Denver

Lots of stuff going on in this game. Remember, this is a big revenge game for Denver. They lost to this team on weeknight TNT ballgame and now they look to return the favor at home. What is shocking is that over 67% actually favors Cleveland in this game despite Denver having the revenge. Cleveland is 20-5 ATS and has covered 9 of their last 10 and Denver has actually won 7 of their last 10 and come off a loss to Houston so they could very well step up here and bounce-back as I can't remember the last time the Nuggs lost back to back games. Yes, I know they have revenge against the Cavs, but here is the deal. Want to know who the Nuggs have lost to in their last 3 losses? Try the Hornets, Spurs and Houston - all three teams who have a strong defensive presence such as Cleveland. Iglauskus is questionable for this game, and although I lean on Denver, I will stay away.

LA CLIPPERS (7 - 18) at INDIANA (9 - 16)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 2-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PHILADELPHIA (11 - 14) at WASHINGTON (4 - 19)

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-3 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

GOLDEN STATE (7 - 19) at ATLANTA (15 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-64 ATS (-26.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 151-191 ATS (-59.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 27-52 ATS (-30.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

CHICAGO (12 - 13) at BOSTON (24 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 81-52 ATS (+23.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 62-44 ATS (+13.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-18 ATS (+16.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-21 ATS (+16.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-3 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DALLAS (14 - 10) at NEW JERSEY (12 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

MILWAUKEE (11 - 16) at NEW YORK (11 - 14)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 36-56 ATS (-25.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in December games this season.
NEW YORK is 40-59 ATS (-24.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

UTAH (16 - 11) at DETROIT (14 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CHARLOTTE (8 - 18) at MEMPHIS (9 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LA LAKERS (21 - 3) at MIAMI (12 - 12)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 3-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

TORONTO (10 - 15) at OKLAHOMA CITY (2 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.

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

SACRAMENTO (7 - 19) at HOUSTON (16 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 62-48 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 60-92 ATS (-41.2 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

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

CLEVELAND (21 - 4) at DENVER (17 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 4-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LA Clippers at Indiana
LA Clippers: 5-1 Under playing their 3rd game in 4 days
Indiana: 4-0 ATS after scoring 100+ points BB Games

Philadelphia at Washington
Philadelphia: 6-0 Under on Friday nights
Washington: 29-14 Under off DD loss

Golden State at Atlanta
Golden State: 15-1 Over off 3+ ATS losses
Atlanta: 10-1 Over at home vs. Golden State

Chicago at Boston
Chicago: 11-32 ATS off SU win
Boston: 6-2 ATS vs. Chicago

Dallas at New Jersey
Dallas: 7-0 ATS Away after playing as favorite
New Jersey: 15-34 ATS off home game

Milwaukee at New York
Milwaukee: 7-17 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
New York: 8-1 ATS in December

Utah at Detroit
Utah: 0-7 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4
Detroit: 20-9 ATS off DD home win

Charlotte at Memphis
Charlotte: 71-46 ATS after playing as home dog
Memphis: 25-10 Over as favorite

LA Lakers at Miami
LA Lakers: 6-1 Over off BB home wins
Miami: 1-7 ATS playing with 3+ days rest

Toronto at Oklahoma City
Toronto: 30-13 Under off BB SU losses
Oklahoma City: 2-8 ATS as home underdog

Sacramento at Houston
Sacramento: 18-7 Over as DD underdog
Houston: 10-0 Over after playing a home game

Cleveland at Denver
Cleveland: 20-5 ATS in all games
Denver: 11-2 Over vs. Central Division

Tips and Trends

Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat

Lakers (-7.5, O/U 205.5): LA is hoping to have Pau Gasol back in the lineup, although he remains questionable with strep throat. Lamar Odom totaled season highs of 17 points and 12 rebounds filling in for Gasol in a 116-114 win over New York on Tuesday despite suffering from an upper respiratory infection himself. “Pau was out and I kind of willed myself to do it - football mentality,” said Odom, who is averaging 13.3 points, 15.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists in three games in Miami with the Lakers

Lakers are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The UNDER is 9-3 in LA's last 12 games vs. Southeast Division.

Key Injuries - C Pau Gasol (illness) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 105 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Heat (NA): Miami has dropped three in a row following a season-high four-game winning streak, mainly because nobody has stepped up to support Dwyane Wade. “We can’t put it all on Dwyane,” Heat forward Udonis Haslem said. “Someone’s got to pick their game up somewhere.” Wade averaged 34.8 points on 50 percent shooting during the winning streak but has seen those numbers fall dramatically to 17.7 points on 33.9 percent shooting during the skid.

Heat are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 1-6 in the last 7 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Daequan Cook (flu) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 98

Cleveland Cavaliers at Denver Nuggets

Cavaliers: Cleveland star LeBron James renews his personal rivalry with childhood friend Carmelo Anthony after he won the first meeting earlier this season, 110-99. “Any time I play LeBron and we play Cleveland it’s a fun game," Anthony said. "That’s the way it is, there’s so much hype around the game.” The Cavs had lost the previous five meetings, and that victory is part of an amazing 20-2 run. James ranks second in the NBA in scoring at 27.3 points per game and is the only player averaging more than 20 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Cavs are 15-2 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Cleveland's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

Nuggets (-1, O/U 197): Anthony is enjoying his best offensive stretch of the season, averaging 29.3 points in the last four games. He went through a bit of an adjustment period after Denver acquired point guard Chauncey Billups, who has seen the Nuggets go 16-5 since his arrival. One of those losses came to the Cavs back on November 12th. They are coming off a 108-96 loss to Houston on Tuesday and have not lost consecutive games with Billups.

Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The OVER is 7-1 in Denver's last 8 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 101 (Side Play of the Day)

NBA Friday Night Card
By Andre Gomes

LA Clippers @ Indiana

After a very tough schedule, where Indiana lost 6 games in a row, the Pacers have now won their last two games, first at Washington and then, at home against the Warriors. Indiana is now confident and they have already shown how good they can be at home with confidence, with wins over the best two teams on the league: Boston and the Lakers. However, three of their regular starters are questionable for tonight: Troy Murphy, Marquis Daniels and T.J. Ford. Tonight, they will host the Clippers, who after three wins in a row lost at Chicago in their last game in over time. The Clippers are now a much better team than they were in the beginning of the season, even with Chris Kaman continuing to be out with a foot injury for now. Both teams have reasons to feel confident right now and considering their styles of play, I think we are going to watch a very entertaining game in here.

Philadelphia @ Washington

If both teams were needing to catch a break and make a good run now, nothing better to see their two best players getting injured. The case with the Sixers is much worse. According to the bookmakers in the preseason, the Sixers were a team to win close to 50 regular season games this season. However, the team started the season terribly and Maurice Cheeks left the team. Now, with the team still struggling with a 11-14 record, they were able to win two games in a row and it looked like that they could finally show their potential. However, Elton Brand injured his shoulder and he will be out one month. What a huge blow for the Sixers! On the other side, the lowly Wizards have lost 7 of their last 8 games and they are coming from a game at Detroit, where they scored just 74 points, in a loss against the Pistons by 74-88. If you think things couldn't get any worse for them, you were wrong. With Gilbert Arenas still out for more four weeks, the Wizards have now also their other star Antawn Jamison questionable for tonight with a thumb injury. Note that the Sixers defeated at home the Wizards last Saturday by 104-89, in a terrible game between two lowly teams who were desperate for a win. I don't expect the scenario for tonight's game to be any different than the one of their last game.

Golden State @ Atlanta

The Warriors have lost 13 of their last 15 games and they continue to play with their wild run and gun style. The difference between this season and the past two seasons, where Golden State was a good team is the lack of a good point guard who can assist his team mates. Golden State is coming from a game at Indiana which had a ridiculous number of 206 FG attempts and even with they losing night after night, they don't change nothing on their tactics. They only know one thing: run! On the other side, Atlanta is coming from a game at home against Boston, which was a typical playoff game, with the Celtics winning at the end by 88-85. The Hawks showed a lot of quality against the Celtics and after losing by one point at Boston, they have once again just lost against Boston really at the end of the game. Atlanta had its worst offensive game of the season so far against Boston by shooting just 36.7% FG, but there is no better spot for an offensive bounce back than facing the Warriors at home. The Hawks are 9-2 at home and they have weapons to run against the Warriors, however we are talking about a 9.5 points spread, so we better think twice before backing the Hakws in here. Note that Corey Maggette is still out and also C.J. Watson is questionable for tonight. I expect this game to be a pure run and gun game, however the line is very high at 215 points.

Chicago @ Boston

Nobody can deny the quality of the Celtics and they showed that once again by making a good come back on their last at Atlanta by defeating the local Hawks by 88-85, after trailing in the score almost the whole game. The Celtics have been an even more dominating team this season and they just keep destroying their opponents. However, the Celtics get much better results against top teams than against lowly teams and the reason for that is commitment. Against top teams, they are focused the whole game and they win these games by double digits points. But against lowly teams, they don't show that focus the whole game and that's why they have just defeat the Bobcats by 5 points, the Pacers by 5 points and the Warriors by 8 points. The key in here will be to know what kind of commitment will the Celtics have against the Bulls, because the difference of quality between both teams is huge. On the other side, the Bulls are coming from a tough over time home win over the Clippers and that was their second game in a row which went to over time. Tyrus Thomas will be out for this game, but the Bulls have been shooting well (44.4% FG or better in their last 6 games). The key in here will be the level of focus of Boston on this game. If they show commitment, they will easily win this game and cover the spread. If they don't, the Bulls have some great shooters and they can be a dangerous team, if the Celtics have a letdown tonight.

Dallas @ New Jersey

Dallas began their mini road trip in the East, with a big win at Toronto by 96-86. The Mavs are now a much more confident team and a proof of that is the fact that after losing at home against Denver in the previous game, the Mavs were down 21-32 at Toronto after the first quarter. A couple of weeks ago, the Mavs wouldn't have been able to bounce back, but now with their regained confidence, they bounced back big time and outscored the Raptors in the other three quarters of the game by 75-54. Dallas has won 12 of their last 15 games and after a terrible game against Denver at home, where they shot 34.9% FG, Dallas was able to shoot 50% FG on the road against the Raptors. Actually the Mavs have shot 45% FG or better in 6 of their last 7 games. On the other side, the Nets continue to impress on the road and disapoint at home. It seems ridiculous, but New Jersey is 4-8 at home and 8-4 on the road right now. The Nets began their last game at home against Utah in style, by outscoring the Jazz by 27-7 (!) in the first quarter, but then Utah bounced back and outscored the Nets by a whooping 96-65 in the three following quarters, including a 40-23 run in the last quarter of the game. This seems to be a good game for Dallas to win and keep their run going, however both teams have shown a lot of inconsistence this season and New Jersey is probably the most unpredictable team of the league right now and with Devin Harris facing his former team and the player who forced him to move to New Jersey, this may not be a good spot for Dallas after all.

Milwaukee @ New York

The Knicks are coming from a road trip when they showed their quality. And I dare to say that the highlight of that road trip was their last game, where... they lost! However, that game was at LA against the Lakers and the Knicks showed that they can compete on the road against one of the best teams of the league and it was really a shame that they couldn't secure their lead at the end of the game and lost by 114-116. Now, the Knicks are coming back home in the typical spot which may be tough for them, as most teams come flat in their first home game after a road trip. However, the Knicks are a very motivated team right now and the teams coached by D'Antoni even with a very small rotation rarely seem to show any tiredness. Tonight they will host the Bucks, who were other team who played on the road in their last game, had the lead during most of the game and lost the game in a ballgame. The Bucks lost at Philadelphia by 88-93 in their last game, with the Sixers outscoring Milwaukee by 25-16 in the fourth quarter of the game. The Bucks have been traditionally a terrible team on the road, but note that they 10-6 ATS in road games this season, which shows how well is the team being more competitive than it was expected. This game has ball game written all over it, however the Knicks have double revenge in here, as the Bucks have defeated them twice earlier this season: first at the MSG by 94-86 and then at home by 104-87.

Utah @ Detroit

Detroit seems finally to be once again... Detroit! The Pistons with the lineup change have become better and they showed that by just allowed the lowly Wizards to score 74 points in their last game, where Detroit won by 88-74. Also the Pistons had only allowed the Bobcats to score 86 points at Charlotte in their previous game. This shows that Detroit is finally coming back to their top team status and that's good news for all NBA fans. However, Detroit will now have a much tougher test, as they will face Utah. Detroit has won their last three games, but they were against Indiana, Charlotte and Washington, three teams who have a combined record of 21-53! Now, the key for this game will be to know if Detroit is capable of doing what they did against these three games, against a top team like Utah. The Jazz continue to be without Carlos Boozer and even though that has been a huge problem for them, they keep getting good wins and maintaining a reasonable 16-11 record. Utah is coming from a nice road win over the Nets, but they have been struggling against top teams, especially on the road. But can we consider Detroit as a top team again or those good performances against lowly teams mean nothing when they have to face a team like Utah?

Charlotte @ Memphis

Memphis is currently on a good moment, as they have won 4 of their last 5 games and they only loss was against New Orleans in their last game. Memphis is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 home games and they seem to be building a better season that most people would expect, in a division where the other four teams are likely to reach the playoffs. However, not everything is great for Memphis right now, as Marc Gasol got injured in their last game and he is questionable for tonight. Gasol has been one of the most important players of the Grizzlies and the best rebounder of the team, with 6.8 rebounds per game. Without him, the Grizzlies lose most of their rebounding skills, which are far from being very good. On the other side, if there is something lacking on the games of the Bobcats lately, that is... points! It's true that their last game at home against Chicago ended 110-101, but that was at over time and the result was regular time was a 94-94 tie. The Bobcats seem to be playing like their coach Larry Brown likes and that is defense. Actually the Bobcats didn't allow their opponents to shoot better than 48.8% FG in their last eight games and that's a clear sign that the Bobcats are improving a lot on defense. This game should be decided just down the stretch and it's very hard to predict a winner in here, especially with Marc Gasol questionable for tonight.

LA Lakers @Miami

The Lakers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games, something unbelievable. Specially when game after game, the public was on their side, so I can imagine the big losses the public money had in those games. For this game, Gasol and Odom are questionable, but there is a bigger chance of Odom to play than Gasol. Today they will face Miami, who is in a slump right now. After a good run, where they won 4 games in a row, the Heat lost their last three games and their last two are a concern, as they lost against losing teams like Memphis and Milwaukee. Dwayne Wade needs to step up for the Heat to be capable of being competitive tonight. Miami has also been a burning ATS team, with 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games, but one team will have to cover the spread tonight.

Toronto @ Oklahoma City

I know the Thunder can't beat anyone and just in a big dog scenario we can think on backing them. Today they are a 6 points dog, which means the oddmakers are expecting the Thunder to be competitive, in a scenario where the team has been constantly failing. In fact, this is the third lowest line of the season for them and that's a sign to fade team. The problem is that they will face Toronto, which is another team in which we can't trust. The Raptors have lost their last three games and all three were at home. Right now, it's hard to back them because they can't be consistent and specially at finishing off the games. I'm passing in here.

Sacramento @ Houston

Artest will play for the first time against his former team and the Rockets will continue their search for consistency, which is something that they have been lacking the whole season. Note that they don't win three times in a row since mid-November and the team is actually coming from a big 108-96 home win over Denver, where T-Mac had a triple double and Artest helped the team from the bench with 20 points. Meanwhile, the Kings with their new coach were spanked at Portland and they will be looking to bounce back on tonight's game. We have seen the Kings this season stay close in some games where they are big dogs and in other games lose by an impressive margin. Come to this, it's hard to say something about this game. I expect them to have a better effort after their 77 points performance at Portland, but we have to doubt that when they play on the road.

Cleveland @ Denver

Denver lost their last game at Houston by 96-108 and they will come today fired up to face a top team like the Cavs. Cleveland bounce back nicely from their defeat at Atlanta, as they easily defeated Minnesota on the road. They continue with their great ATS record, as they are 20-5 ATS this season. Iglauskas is doubtful for this game and I have to remember the Cavs have already defeated the Nuggets at home by 110-99 earlier this season. This will be a tough game in perspective, with Lebron and Carmelo trying to lead their team to a big win tonight.