Christmas Day Early Action
By Kevin Rogers
The Christmas Day NBA card is full of action from noon until midnight, giving bettors plenty of opportunities to cash in. The two early contests feature Eastern Conference battles, with the opening tip coming from the Big Apple with one of the league's hotter clubs.
Heat at Knicks
These two old rivals meet up for the first time since Miami knocked off New York on opening night, 115-93 in South Florida. The Knicks began the season 4-15, but Mike D'Antoni's team has won seven of nine. The secret to New York's success has been more of a defensive philosophy, as the Knicks have finished 'under' the total in seven of the last nine, while allowing less than 100 points in each of the last eight contests.
New York's competition in this stretch hasn't been the strongest as far as facing offensive juggernauts. The Knicks have seen the Bulls and Bobcats twice each, the Nets, Clippers, Hornets, and Blazers. New York has responded well to the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden recently, covering five of the last six at home.
The Heat hits the road for the first time in over two weeks, following a 3-3 homestand. Miami is coming off an 80-70 victory over Utah, the ninth straight time the Heat has covered against the Jazz. Erik Spoelstra's squad has had more success against the number on the road, cashing in six of nine games away from the American Airlines Arena.
The 'over' has been the play for the Heat on the highway, hitting six of nine times, including six of the last seven. Three of four times on Miami's West Coast trip the Heat tallied at least 100 points, as they did so in victories at Portland and Sacramento.
The home team has won each of the last five meetings, but this is the first time the Heat has visited the Garden since opening night of last season. New York held off Miami, 120-115, as ex-Knick Jamal Crawford burned Miami for 29 points.
The opening night victory this season saw the Heat shoot 56% from the field, with Dwyane Wade leading all scorers by dropping 26 points. The Knicks managed to hit ten three-pointers, including seven from Danilo Gallinari.
Christmas Day is nothing new for Wade and the Heat, already playing on December 25 for the fifth time in six seasons. The first three meetings were against the Lakers at the height of the Kobe Bryant/Shaquille O'Neal war. The Heat beat the Lakers each time, but went 1-2 ATS. Miami fell at Cleveland on Christmas of 2007, 96-82, as 4 ½-point road underdogs.
The Knicks are listed as 2 ½-point home favorites, while the total is set at 199.
Celtics at Magic
Boston and Orlando renew acquaintances at Amway Arena, with the Celtics coming into this matchup a bit beat-up. The C's will be without Paul Pierce, who is out two weeks with an injured right knee. Kevin Garnett missed Tuesday's victory over the Pacers with a thigh bruise, as KG is listed as 'probable' for Friday's game.
Each of these clubs enter this contest with 22 wins apiece, but Orlando has the upper-hand this season, as the Magic held off the Celtics, 83-78 in November up in Boston. Orlando jumped out to a 29-13 lead after one quarter, but the C's rallied back to tie the game at 78 apiece in the final quarter. The Magic scored the final five points of the game to pick up a second straight victory at TD Banknorth Garden, the first since the series clincher in the second round of the playoffs last season.
The Magic continues a five-game homestand, following victories over the Blazers, Jazz, and Rockets. Orlando covered twice, only failing against Utah, as C.J. Miles drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Utah the pointspread victory as 7 ½-point 'dogs. Stan Van Gundy's club is just 1-5 ATS at home following a SU/ATS win.
The Celtics play seven of their next eight away from Beantown, where Doc Rivers' squad has absolutely dominated. Boston is 12-1 SU on the road this season, but just 7-6 ATS. The C's have won and covered both times as a road 'dog, beating Cleveland and San Antonio.
Boston is coming off a game in which it scored 103 points against Indiana, but that does not bode well for Celtics' backers. The C's are 4-11 ATS following a game in which they scored at least 100 points, but three of those covers have come on the road.
The 'under' has been the play the previous five meetings in this series, with one team breaking over 100 points just once. In fact, there has not been more than 189 points combined in any of the five matchups, with all the totals closing in the range between 187-194.
The Magic are listed as five-point favorites, with the total set at 190.
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Christmas Day Late Action
By Chris David
In case you missed the early pair of afternoon battles on the NBA docket, gamblers have a trio of tilts to wager on for the rest of the day. Rather than taking the usual “Inside the Paint” approach with these games, we’re going to switch gears and get right into the gambling guts.
Without further adieu, let’s break ‘em down.
Cleveland (22-8 SU, 15-15 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (23-4 SU, 12-14 ATS)
Reasons to bet the Cavs: Cleveland started its four-game road trip with a disappointing loss on Sunday to the Mavericks (95-102), who were without Dirk Nowitzki. Mike Brown’s team responded from that loss with a pair of double-digit wins over Phoenix (109-91) and Sacramento (117-104). The Kings did bust the century mark, but the Cavs blanked ‘em 13-0 in overtime for an infamous win and cover. Cleveland has been listed as a pick ‘em or underdog three times on the road this season and they responded with a perfect 3-0 record. The Cavs have fared well against the West (9-3) this year and it’s fair to say the team was caught looking in losses to the Grizzlies, Rockets and the recently mentioned Mavs.
Reasons to bet the Lakers: After winning the championship last year, the schedule makers certainly didn’t make it tough for Los Angeles this season, at least not early. The Lakers have played 27 games and 18 of them have come at Staples Center. The club has responded with a 16-2 record, with the two losses coming to the Mavs and Rockets. Against the East, the Purple and Gold have posted a perfect 10-0 SU and 5-5 ATS record. Last year, Los Angeles swept the two-game regular season series from the Cavs and both victories were by double digits. After the Lakers returned from their five-game trip to the East Coast, they barely got past Oklahoma City (111-108) in an expected letdown on Wednesday. L.A. should be the more rested team here, with Cleveland playing its fourth game in six days.
Total Thoughts: The ‘under’ has cashed in four straight and six of the last seven meetings between the Cavaliers and Lakers. During the current four-game streak, the total has been listed over 200 in each contest and it’s hovering between 194 and 195 for this matchup. What you might not know is that Cleveland (94.5 PPG) and Los Angeles (95 PPG) are ranked fourth and fifth respectively in defensive scoring. The Lakers are currently on a 7-2 ‘under’ run.
L.A. Clippers (12-16 SU, 10-17 ATS) at Phoenix (18-11 SU, 15-13 ATS)
Reasons to bet the Clippers: Even though the team is 5-8 on the road this year, they have covered seven of those games. The Clippers have dropped their last three trips to Phoenix but they did manage to cover two of those contests. Los Angeles lost to the Suns 109-107 at home on Oct. 28 as a three-point home favorite. Phoenix will enter this game hoping to avoid a three-game losing skid. Two other times this year, the Suns have lost two in a row and they bounced back with a win each time. However, the victories came by eight and three. The number on this matchup is a tad higher (9.5) and gamblers should make a note that the Suns have gone 3-3 ATS as home favorites of 9 or more.
Reasons to bet the Suns: Phoenix has suffered back-to-back losses at home but they still own a 9-2 record at US Airways Center. The Suns did struggle defensively in the two setbacks to the Cavs (109) and Thunder (117) at home but the Clippers (95.6 PPG) have only topped the century mark nine out of 28 times this year. Plus, most would find it hard for L.A. to get up for this contest, which will be the sixth and final game of a grueling road trip. The Clips have gone 2-3 both SU and ATS in the first five. Of the seven games that Los Angeles has covered on the road, only one came as an underdog of 9 points or more. In case you’re wondering, that points-spread win for the Clippers (+12) came on opening night in a 99-92 loss to the Lakers. Gamblers should make another note that point guard Leandro Barbosa is expected to return in this spot, which will help the Suns’ offense immensely.
Total Thoughts: The aforementioned encounter earlier this season saw the two teams combine for 216 points, which barely slid ‘under’ the closing number of 216 ½. Last year, all four meetings during the regular season went ‘over’ the number. The Clippers (18-10) and Suns (17-11) have both been solid ‘under’ teams this year.
Denver (20-9 SU, 15-14 ATS) at Portland (19-12 SU, 16-13 ATS)
Reasons to bet the Nuggets: Denver has won four of the last six against Portland, including a 97-94 road victory earlier this season on Oct. 29. The Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony (41 points) went nuts late in the game and Chauncey Billups added 22 points and six assists. Billups (groin) has missed three straight games and the team has gone 1-2 both SU and ATS. He’s ‘questionable’ for Friday. A nice system in the NBA is fading a team in their first game at home after a long road trip, and the Blazers fit that scenario tonight. Plus, Portland has gone 2-3 SU and 1-3-1 ATS in its last five at home, and the lone cover occurred when the team rallied with a huge comeback against the Suns (105-102) on Dec. 17.
Reasons to bet the Trail Blazers: One rule of thumb to stick with in all sports is to never fade a team that has won three or more games in a row and that’s what Portland has done. After losing to Orlando (82-93) last Saturday, the Trail Blazers closed their road trip with impressive wins over the Heat, Mavericks and Spurs. Portland has gone 10-4 at home this year and the line on this matchup should be short due to injuries on both squads. The Blazers are 2-1 ATS as favorites of five or less at the Rose Garden this year. It also doesn’t hurt to know that Denver is 0-4 both SU and ATS in its last four on the road.
Total Thoughts: Five straight games in this head-to-head series have gone ‘under’ the number. Portland is averaging 99 PPG at the Rose Garden, and the defense has stifled opponents to an average of 92 PPG, which has helped the ‘under’ go 9-5. Denver’s attack is ranked second-best (107.9 PPG), yet the team has watched the ‘under’ go 16-13 on the season.
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Boston (22-5, 12-15 ATS) at Orlando (22-7, 16-13 ATS)
The top two teams in the Eastern Conference square off in a nationally televised Christmas Day game inside Amway Arena in Orlando.
The Celtics, winners of 13 of their last 14 overall (7-7 ATS), come in with the conference’s top record but without the services of Paul Pierce, who is out for at least two weeks with a knee infection. Pierce had 16 fourth-quarter points in Tuesday’s 103-94 home win over Indiana, with the Celtics coming up short as 14½-point favorites. Boston has scored 103 points or more in five of its last six games, with the only exception coming in a 98-97 home loss to the Sixers on Dec. 18 as an 11½-point favorite.
The Magic have won three straight (2-1 ATS), including Wednesday’s 102-87 home victory over Houston, with Orlando cashing as an 8 ½-point chalk. The Magic are 12-2 at home (8-6 ATS) this season, averaging 105.4 ppg.
These played a thrilling seven-game playoff series in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season with Orlando winning Game 7 in Boston 101-82 as a 2½-point underdog. Back in November, the Magic went back to Boston and grabbed an 83-73 victory as six-point ‘dogs. Orlando has won and cashed in three straight against the Celtics and is 7-3 SU (6-4 ATS) in the last 10 clashes.
Boston is on pointspread surges of 5-2 on the road,47-19-1 as a road ‘dog and 6-1 on the road against a team with a winning home record, but the Celtics are on ATS slides of 2-5 overall, 1-6-1 after getting two days off, 3-7 after a non-cover and 1-4 against Eastern Conference teams. Orlando is 0-4 ATS in its last four after a spread-cover and 7-19 ATS in its last 26 as a home favorite of less than five points, but it is on positive ATS streaks of 15-3 against Atlantic Division teams, 8-3 after getting a day off and 5-2 on Fridays.
The Celtics have gone “over” the posted number in five of seven after a non-cover, eight of 11 Friday games and 16 of 22 after getting two days off, but they are on “under” streaks of 5-0 against teams with a winning record, 8-2 against Southeast Division teams and 3-1-1 against the Eastern Conference. The Magic have stayed below the total in five of seven overall and five straight against teams with a winning record, but they are on “over” runs of 10-4 at home, 8-3 after a straight-up win and 6-1 after a spread-cover.
Finally, in this rivalry, the “under” is 5-0 in the last five meetings and 5-1 in the last six matchups in Orlando.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO
Cleveland (22-8, 15-15 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (23-4, 12-15 ATS)
The annual Christmas Day marquee matchup has LeBron James and the Cavaliers making the trek to the Hollywood to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for national television inside Staples Center.
Cleveland is wrapping up a four-game West Coast road trip today (2-1 SU and ATS) and is coming off Wednesdays 117-104 overtime win in Sacramento, cashing as six-point favorites. The Cavs shut out Kings 13-0 in overtime, getting three straight 3-pointers from center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in overtime to pull away for its seventh win in its last eight games (4-4 ATS). Cleveland is 11-6 SU and ATS on the highway this season.
Los Angeles won its fifth in a row (2-3 ATS) on Tuesday, topping Oklahoma City 111-108 but coming up well short as a 10-point home favorite. Bryant had 40 points and eight rebounds against the Thunder to prepare for his matchup with the Cavs. The Lakers are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven overall, but they are an impressive 16-2 at home this season (8-8 ATS). Also, in addition to winning five in a row, they’re on a 16-1 SU roll.
Los Angeles swept the season series from the Cavaliers last year, getting a 105-88 home win as a five-point favorite and then going to Cleveland in February and scoring a 101-91 road victory as a five-point ‘dog. Prior to last year, the Cavaliers had won five straight (4-1 ATS) over the Lakers. The underdog has gotten the cash in four of the last five series clashes.
Cleveland is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games after getting one day off, but the Cavs are on positive ATS streaks of 4-1 on the road, 17-8 on Fridays and 8-3 on the road against teams with winning home records. The Lakers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five Friday games, but they’re on positive pointspread runs of 7-3 against Central Division teams and 5-2 at home against teams with a winning home record.
The Cavaliers are on several “under” streaks, including 44-19 after a spread-cover, 5-1-1 on Fridays and 4-0 against winning teams, but they’re also on “over” runs of 3-1-1 on the road, 6-2 as ‘dogs and 3-1-1 against Western Conference teams. Los Angeles is on a plethora of “under” runs, including 7-2 overall, 16-7-1 against Eastern Conference teams, 6-2 at home against teams with a winning road record and 23-9 after getting two days off. In this budding rivalry, the “under” is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Denver (20-9, 15-14 ATS) at Portland (19-12, 16-14-1 ATS)
The Trail Blazers return home after a four-game road trip and welcome the Nuggets to the Rose Garden in Portland.
Denver snapped a two-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 124-104 beating of the first-place Hawks, easily cashing as a 3½-point home chalk. The Nuggets had failed to cash in six of the its seven games (3-4 SU) and had only reached triple digits in three of those seven, losing each time they were held in double figures.
After losing in Orlando to open the road trip, Portland rattled off three straight wins (SU and ATS), including Wednesday’s 98-94 upset of the Spurs as a 12-point underdog. Second-year guard Jerryd Bayless led the upset with 31 points and seven assists in his first-career start, filling in for injured All-Star Brandon Roy, who is listed as questionable for tonight’s contest.
The home team won and covered in all four matchups between these two last season, but Denver went to Portland in the season-opener this year and got a 97-94 win, cashing as a 7½-point underdog. The Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in the last seven series clashes and 25-10-1 in the last 36 meetings overall, including 12-5-1 in their last 18 trips to Portland.
Denver is on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 0-4 on the road, 1-5 on Fridays and 1-4 against Western Conference teams, but the Nuggets are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 after a spread-cover and 6-2 in their last eight against winning teams. The Blazers are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six at home, but otherwise on positive pointspread surges of 4-1-1 overall, 8-2 against Northwest Division teams, 9-2 on Fridays and 3-0-1 against Western Conference teams.
It’s been nothing but “unders” for the Nuggets lately, including 19-9 on the road, 5-1 against the Western Conference, 6-2 after a straight-up win, 4-1 after getting a day off and 5-0 against teams with winning records. Portland has stayed “under” the posted number in 15 of 22 against the Western Conference, 15 of 21 against Northwest Division teams and five straight against teams with winning records. Finally, the last five clashes in this rivalry have stayed low, as have five of the last six meetings in Oregon.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Trend Report - Christmas Day
By Ed Meyer
Heat at Knicks - The League is 10-0 ATS (9.2 ppg) since December 10, 2007 as a road dog with at least one day of rest after a win in which their DPS was minus 15 points or less. The Knicks are 0-7 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since December 27, 1997 as a favorite after a game at home in which they were whistled for fewer than 15 personal fouls. The Knicks are 0-6 ATS (-10.1 ppg) since January 02, 2004 as a home favorite with at least one day of rest after a game at home in which they had at least five fewer turnovers than their season-to-date average. The Knicks are 0-6 ATS (-14.8 ppg) since April 04, 2007 as a favorite when seeking revenge for a double-digit loss as a dog.
Cavaliers at Lakers - The Cavaliers are 10-0 ATS (8.6 ppg) since February 03, 2004 with at least one day of rest after a win in which they shot at least 50% from the field and at least 85% from the free-throw line. The League is 9-0 ATS (10.6 ppg) since April 08, 2008 on the road with at least one day of rest off an overtime game as an away favorite. The Cavaliers are 8-0 ATS (6.8 ppg) since May 21, 2007 on the road after a double digit win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Lakers are 0-6 ATS (-7.0 ppg) since November 27, 2005 with two or more days of rest off a home win in which they trailed by 10+ points.
Celtics at Magic - The Celtics are 9-0 ATS (5.0 ppg) since April 12, 2002 after a home win in which they shot less than 40% from the field. The Celtics are 9-0 ATS (5.7 ppg) since January 10, 2006 as a dog when facing a team that covered by double digits against them in their previous same-season meeting at home. The Celtics are 6-0 ATS (9.4 ppg) since March 18, 2000 as a road dog when their assist-to-turnover ratio was higher than two for in each of their last two games. The Magic are 0-7 ATS (-9.1 ppg) since January 10, 2003 at home after playing the Rockets. The Magic are 7-0 ATS (5.5 ppg) since December 20, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a double digit home win in which they allowed less than 40% from the field.
Clippers at Suns - The Clippers are 6-0-1 ATS (9.4 ppg) since March 31, 2004 on the road when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which they led by double digits. The Suns are 0-7 ATS (-11.1 ppg) since March 06, 2004 at home when less than 50% of their baskets were assisted for two straight games. The Suns are 6-0 ATS (13.7 ppg) since March 15, 2008 when playing the last game of at least a three game home stand.
Nuggets at Trail Blazers - The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since December 15, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Trail Blazers are 7-0-1 ATS (8.2 ppg) since November 29, 1996 after a road win against the Spurs. The Trail Blazers are 0-6 ATS (-7.8 ppg) since March 26, 2001 as a favorite after a road win in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.
What Bettors Need To Know: Cavaliers at Lakers
By RYAN COLAIANNI
Christmas regulars
The Lakers will play in their 11th straight Christmas Day game on Friday against the Cavs but are just 4-6 in the last 10 games on Christmas.
This year the NBA has put the Lakers against the Cavs in their marquee game of the regular season and it is the matchup that everyone wanted to see in last year’s NBA Finals.
It used to be when former teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were playing against each that was the big story. But the rivalry between the two has dissolved with O’Neal becoming more of a role player than any type of All-Star.
Friday’s game will be all about Kobe vs. LeBron James, of course that’s not what the players are saying.
"I just think it's more so about the showcase for the fans and the match-ups," Derek Fisher told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think the individual teams look at it like this big preview-of-what's-to-come kind of thing.
“The fact that there are quality teams and personalities that the fans enjoy seeing and it's just a big focus on basketball that day, I think that's what it's really about."
James is putting up ridiculous numbers and single-handedly leading the Cavaliers, averaging better than 28 points seven rebounds and seven assists per game. He had his second triple double of the season on Wednesday in Cleveland’s overtime win over Sacramento.
Bryant is doing it with a little more help, leading the Lakers to the best record in the NBA. Kobe’s averaging more than 29 points, five rebounds and four assists per game, but he has three other players averaging double figures in points to help take some of the burden off of him, unlike James who has little support around him.
James vs. Artest
While the fans will focus on who performs better, James or Bryant, the most important matchup at the Staples Center on Friday will be how Ron Artest defends James. The Lakers brought in Artest in the offseason to take on the role as the defensive stopper and it doesn’t get any tougher than trying to slow down King James.
"I'm looking forward to the next game," Artest told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm not really making that big of a thing out of it. My thing is it's self-explanatory.
“You don't have to do any promoting, because that game is going to be so exciting to everybody -- to all the fans, to the media it's going to be exciting. All we have to do is go out there and actually perform.”
Getting beat inside
The Cavs often have had trouble stopping when facing teams with height and quality post players. Take a look at Wednesday’s overtime victory over the Kings as an example.
They allowed 52 points in the paint, the most this season and they also gave the Kings 21 second chance points.
If they think battling the Kings’ Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes is difficult, wait until they face Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol of the Lakers on Christmas Day.
The Cavs will need to sure up their defense in the post if they plan on having any chance of taking down the defending champs.
Road Warriors
Nearly midway through this NBA season, no team has been away from home more than the Cleveland Cavaliers. On Friday, the Cavs will play their 18th of their 31 games on the road. This has done little to impact the season of the Cavs who come into tonight’s game just a game and a half out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
"It has been tough, but it has been good for us too. We're finding out a lot about who we are, which is good at this point in the year,” coach Mike Brown told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Cavs are 11-6 on the road this season and play nine of their next 13 on the road.
Trends
The under is 7-2 in the Lakers last nine games.
Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
The under is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the Cavs and the Lakers and the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five matchups.
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks
The Miami Heat and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
Dwyane Wade poured in a game-high 29 points as the Heat got past the Jazz 80-70 on Wednesday. The Heat covered the slight 1-point spread, while the 150 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.5.
Udonis Haslem netted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat, while Quentin Richardson chipped in with 12 points in that victory.
Al Harrington dropped 20 points off the bench to lead the Knicks over the Bulls 88-81 on Tuesday night.
New York covered as 6-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 199-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New York has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 14-12 SU, 13-13 ATS
New York: 11-17 SU, 14-14 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing San Antonio are 1-9
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Miami
Next up:
Miami home to Indiana, Sunday, December 27
New York home to San Antonio, Sunday, December 27
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
The Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Amway Arena.
Ray Allen netted 23 points and hauled down seven rebounds to lead the Celtics past the Pacers 103-94 on Tuesday night.
Boston couldn't cover as 14.5-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 201.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Dwight Howard dropped 13 points and hauled down 20 boards for a double-double as Orlando won its third straight by defeating the Rockets 102-87 on Wednesday. Orlando covered the 8-point spread, but the 189 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.
Vince Carter added 18 points for the Magic, and Jameer Nelson chipped in with 15 in that win.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 22-5 SU, 12-15 ATS
Orlando: 22-7 SU, 15-12-2 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Indiana are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Boston is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Boston
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston at LA Clippers, Sunday, December 27
Orlando home to Milwaukee, Wednesday, December 30
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
Cleveland outscored Sacramento 13-0 in the overtime session on Wednesday, as the Cavaliers defeated the Kings 117-104. Cleveland covered the 6-point spread, while the 221 points sailed OVER the posted total of 204.5.
LeBron James led the way with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double.
Kobe Bryant had 40 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to lift the Lakers past the Thunder 111-108 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles couldn't cover as 10-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 197.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 22-8 SU, 15-15 ATS
Los Angeles: 23-4 SU, 12-15 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 8-2
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 9-1
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing Cleveland
LA Lakers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland home to Houston, Sunday, December 27
LA Lakers at Sacramento, Saturday, December 26
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at US Airways Center.
Chris Kaman went for 29 points and seven boards for Los Angeles in its 108-99 loss to Houston on Tuesday night.
Houston covered as 8.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 194.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Suns were defeated 117-113 by the Thunder last time out, as 8.5-point favorites. That game's 230 points sailed OVER the posted total of 212.
Amar'e Stoudemire netted 35 points with 14 rebounds for a double-double for the Suns.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 12-16 SU, 10-18 ATS
Phoenix: 18-11 SU, 16-12-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 8-2
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 10 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Clippers last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games at home
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers home to Boston, Sunday, December 27
Phoenix at Golden State, Saturday, December 26
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The division rival Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at Rose Garden.
J.R. Smith dropped a game-high 41 points to lead the Nuggets over the Hawks 124-104 on Wednesday. The Nuggets covered the 3.5-point spread, while the 228 points sailed OVER the posted total of 207.5.
Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Ty Lawson had 16 for the Nuggets.
Jerryd Bayless dropped a game-high 31 points in leading the Trail Blazers in an upset win over the Spurs 98-94 on Wednesday, as 12.5-point underdogs. The 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 187.
LaMarcus Aldridge netted 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Juwan Howard collected a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Portland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 20-9 SU, 15-14 ATS
Portland: 19-12 SU, 17-13-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 8-2
After playing San Antonio are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Denver is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Portland
Denver is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Denver
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Portland is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver home to Dallas, Sunday, December 27
Portland home to Philadelphia, Monday, December 28
Holiday Hoops
With college bowl games and the upcoming NFL playoffs, pigskin is normally the option of choice for bettors during the holiday season and while there will be NFL football on the 25th of December, the NBA has made Christmas Day one of their regular season highlights.
This year there are five NBA games on the sked on Christmas Day. Be sure to check out the 20% Christmas Day deposit bonus at SPORTSBETTING.com.
The schedule starts with the Miami Heat in the Big Apple to play the New York Knicks (Knicks are favored by 2).
Over/Under bettors take note as these two have combined for five straight Overs in their last five meetings. Online sportsbooks currently have this Total set at 199.
Miami didn’t play on Christmas Day game last season, but they have the previous two, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 101-85 on Dec. 25, 2006, covering at +1.5 and losing 96-82 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog.
Two of the association’s storied franchises will take part in the second and third games of the five-game schedule.
With the second-best regular season record in the entire NBA, the Boston Celtics will be in Orlando to play the Magic, who own the third-best record.
The sports betting public usually gives a lot of love to the Celtics, but take note, Boston is only 2-9 straight up in their last 11 visits to Amway Arena. Also worth noting, the last 10 games between these two in Orlando have produced only 2 Overs with 8 Unders.
The last 11 games overall between the Magic and Celtics have produced 2 Overs and 9 Unders.
The marquee matchup of the day will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers at the STAPLES Center to play the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers — in other words LeBron vs. Kobe.
Books have the Lakers favored by 5.
In the Lakers’ last 15 home contests against Cleveland, they are only 5-10 ATS and in their last 14 home games in the month of December, the Lakers are 4-10 ATS.
The Cavs’ last 15 road games have yielded an ATS record of 10-5.
The Lakers’ weak roommate, the Clippers, will also see action on the 25th, with a game in Phoenix against the Suns.
In the Clippers’ last 10 visits to Phoenix, the Over has cashed seven times while the Under has thrice.
Christmas Day hoops will conclude with the Denver Nuggets in Portland with the Trail Blazers.
Denver has had its way with the Blazers, going 13-6-1 ATS in its last 20 visits to Portland.
Tips and Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers
Cavaliers: Cleveland is looking for some showcase revenge against the Lakers, as they lost both games SU and ATS against the Lakers last year. The Cavaliers are 22-8 SU this season, the 4th best record in the NBA. Cleveland is 11-6 both SU and ATS on the road this year. Cleveland is also 3-0 both SU and ATS this season as the listed underdog. The Cavaliers have scored more than 100 PTS in 6 of their past 8 road games. F LeBron James is 3rd in the NBA in scoring at 28.8 PPG. James is also 6th in the NBA in assists, averaging almost 8 APG. Cleveland averages just over 100 PPG as an offense, and are 17-1 SU when they score at least 100 PTS this year. Defensively, the Cavaliers have held 14 of their past 18 opponents under 100 PTS. Cleveland is 2nd in the NBA in opposing team shooting percentage, trailing only the Lakers.
Cavs are 8-3 ATS last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 14-4 last 18 games as a road underdog of 5 to 10.5 points.
Key Injuries - G Mo Williams (knee) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 88
Lakers: This is the Christmas Day showcase game today. The Lakers enter today with an NBA best 23-4 SU record. They are also 16-2 SU at the Staples Center this year. The Lakers are 6-3 ATS this season as single digit home favorites. Los Angeles is also 5-4 ATS this season when having more than 2 days off between games. G Kobe Bryant is 2nd in the NBA in scoring at 29.3 PPG. Bryant has been especially hot of late, averaging more than 35 PPG over his past 5 games. 3 other Lakers average double digits in PTS including F Pau Gasol. Gasol is averaging 17 PPG while grabbing 12.6 RPG. Gasol is 2nd in the NBA in RPG, and has had double digit rebounding games in 8 consecutive games. The Lakers are 15-1 SU since Gasol came back from injury this season. The Lakers have held 5 of their past 9 opponents under 90 PTS.
Lakers are 10-4 ATS last 14 games as a favorite of 5 to 10.5 points.
Under is 6-0 last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Injuries - F Luke Walton (finger) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (Side of the Day)