Friday's Best NBA Bet
Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz (-6.5, 208)
So if the Jazz can’t beat the Suns with head coach Jerry Sloan, what will happen without him?
On Thursday, Sloan, joined by assistant Phil Johnson, resigned as head coach of the team. Assistant Tyrone Corbin likely will take over, but the team and staff is in shambles.
The move came as a result of Sloan’s deteriorating relationship with star point guard Deron Williams. Williams and Sloan have been fighting a lot recently, but it came to a head in a loss to the Bulls Wednesday when Williams called his own play on the floor and disregarded the set signaled by Sloan.
But it’s not like the pair were agreeing on anything this season.
In a 110-94 Phoenix win over Utah in October, Williams had one of his worst games of the year, posting a mere 13 points to go with just six assists against three turnovers. The former Illinois star finished 3 of 12 from the field with five fouls.
“We’re trying to run half of a system and then half just freelance,” Williams said. “We can’t do that. We’re not the Phoenix Suns. We’re not the New York Knicks. We’re not just coming out here and playing one-on-one. But that’s what’s happening. Things are breaking down and we’re going one-on-one the last five seconds of a shot clock.”
Don’t expect a quick turnaround against the Suns.
Pick: Phoenix
Spurs continue NBA odds trip at Sixers
By: Stephen Nover
Not only do the San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the NBA by far at 44-8. But the Spurs also own the top pointspread mark, too, at 32-18-2.
So the Spurs should be an easy choice to back as a road favorite Friday against Philadelphia when they take on the 76ers at 4:05 p.m. PT, right?
Well, not necessarily. The 76ers are way beneath the Spurs’ elite level as a borderline Eastern Conference playoff team with a 24-28 record.
Yet the 76ers also have been a great pointspread team going 32-19-1 ATS. They have won 21 of their last 36 games, including eight of their last 11 home contests.
Oddsmakers have been slow to catch on to the 76ers after the team opened 3-13. Savvy bettors, though, realize the 76ers have been one of the best value plays. Philadelphia has covered 66 percent of the time during its last 36 games going 24-12.
Elton Brand, finally healthy, is having a strong comeback season leading the 76ers in scoring at 15.5 points per game and rebounding at 8.5 per game. Second-year point guard Jrue Holiday is playing well as is versatile Andre Iguodala, averaging eight assists during his past five games.
Philadelphia, though, likely will have to plays its “A” game to upset San Antonio.
The Spurs are 15-2 in their last 17 games. They defeated Toronto, 111-100, as eight-point road favorites on Wednesday. The combined 221 points sailed ‘over’ the 201-point total. It was just the fifth time in the last 17 games the ‘over’ cashed in a Spurs game.
DeJuan Blair matched a career high scoring 28 points for the Spurs. George Hill chipped in with 18. The Spurs’ three best players – Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan – combined for 44 points with Parker and Duncan each scoring 16.
This marks San Antonio’s sixth of nine consecutive away games as the Spurs are making their annual rodeo trip. The Spurs have won and covered in their last four road games after beginning the road swing with a loss to Portland.
The Spurs’ next game is against the Wizards Saturday with New Jersey up next on Monday. Their 17-day road venture finally concludes next Thursday against Chicago. The Spurs then get five days of rest during All-Star break.
San Antonio has covered six of its last seven away matchups. The Spurs are 12-5-2 ATS versus Eastern Conference foes. San Antonio ranks third in field goal percentage at 47.4 and is sixth in scoring at 103.9 points per contest.
The 76ers have been hot, too, from a wagering perspective. They are 14-7 ATS as an underdog, while covering 13 of their past 20 home matchups.
Philadelphia missed covering in its last game, losing 99-95 to Orlando on Wednesday as a one-point home ‘dog. The combined 194 points dipped ‘under’ the 197-point total. The ‘under’ has cashed in six of the 76ers’ last seven home matchups.
The 76ers had trouble, as most teams do, containing Dwight Howard. The Magic’s All-Star center had 30 points and 17 rebounds. Howard also made 14 of 19 (73 percent) free throws. If Howard shoots his average from the foul line, which is 57.9 percent, the 76ers may have won or covered again.
Reserve Lou Williams scored 23 points for the 76ers. Rookie Evan Turner played only 12 minutes because of back spasms.
San Antonio had no trouble in the team’s first meeting, winning 116-93 as 10-point home favorites on Nov. 13. The combined 209 points went ‘over’ the 204½-point total. It was just the 76ers’ 10th game of the season. Parker led the Spurs with 24 points.
RoundUp for 2/11
by Dan Bebe
New Jersey Nets @ Charlotte Bobcats (-7.5) with a total of 186.5
I love finding ways to fade the Nets on the road, and I think the Bobcats are a decent ATS play these days, but this line, flat out, is too high. Charlotte simply doesn't have the offensive firepower to pull away from most teams, and while the Bobcats have sufficient balance and defensive skill to keep almost any game close, I don't believe they are a strong enough club to lay more than 5-6 in any game not involving an opponent in a scheduling spot. This is a double revenge spot for the hapless Nets, suffering a narrow loss at home, and a half-point missed cover on the road, losing by 7. Now, with this number opening up as high as it is, and considering the lack of scheduling notes, I lean to the NETS to lose by less than the spread (probably won't win), and with the underdog playing better, I'd look at the OVER.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Indiana Pacers (-8.5) with a total of 216
This game strikes me as another where the team laying points doesn't really have much business choking down nearly double digit chalk, especially not with as solid as Minnesota has looked in the last couple games. I'm going to try my best to not get too longwinded on these big cards, so cutting to the chase - there are no real strong scheduling spots, no real strong situational or revenge spots, and no giant matchup edges on either side worth noting. Yeah, there are some small ones, but this one comes down to public perception giving too many points to Kevin Love and his 3-point shooting merry men. Lean to the WOLVES and the OVER.
San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) @ Philadelphia 76ers with a total of 197
These teams are sort of the king and queen of ATS wagering this season, but just like in any functional monarchy, only one can have the final say. Okay, that doesn't make much sense, and the metaphor sucked, but my point is that trying to pick between two terrible teams is no different than picking between two tremendous ATS teams. Both teams are playing a 3rd in 4 nights, so fatigue is close to equal, and San Antonio is rolling on this road trip. The Spurs just have a knack for covering spreads like these, and while the Sixers have been a cashing machine all year long, I can't go away from San Antonio until they give me reason to (and going 7-1 SU and ATS is absolutely not that reason). Philly does have revenge, so maybe that's a reason to head back the other way, but...(shrugs)... Lean to SPURS and the UNDER.
New Orleans Hornets @ Orlando Magic (-9.5) with a total of 191.5
This game marks the start of a very long homestand for the Magic, one that will take them clear through the All Star Break, and then some. This game also marks the second of the Hornets short 2-game road trip, but one that began with a rather disappointing loss to the Nets. New Orleans is struggling without Emeka Okafor, and the loss of Ariza hasn't helped matters, either. On top of that, the Magic are on revenge from a 3-point loss down in Nawlins back in mid-January. That game was extremely ugly, and low-scoring, and I can't help but think that without Okafor, Dwight Howard is going to own the paint, and the Magic should be able to get a significant number of open looks. Unfortunately, oddsmakers are thinking similarly, giving us this outrageously high opening line. Is this line just high for a reason, or will the Hornets pull their usual "close game" act? I lean slightly to the MAGIC to win by 12-13, and I think this one slides OVER.
Portland Trailblazers (-3) @ Toronto Raptors with a total of 196.5
This game seems like a tough scheduling spot for Portland, but perhaps they'll prove me wrong. Portland had a 3-game road trip through Denver, Indy and Cleveland, came home for one game with Chicago (won it), and now head back out for 3 more quick ones before the All Star Break. This trip makes logistical sense, hitting Toronto, Detroit and Minnesota, but it is very, very cold, and Portland seems to be fluctuating wildly between being hot and firing up airballs. We're also hearing now that Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby are due to come back soon, though this game would seem to be a bit on the early side. I can't help but think that the news of their return is going to inspire the Blazers to some sort of success. This is the square side, but Toronto is a pathetic mess, and they're nearly unbackable without a huge reason to...lean to PORTLAND and the OVER.
Los Angeles Clippers (-3.5) @ Cleveland Cavaliers with a total of 208
I have to admit, I thought Cleveland would find some sort of way to sneak a win at this point, and unfortunately, because the losing streak has reached such monumental lengths, the Cavs are now becoming a "cool" team to bet. We saw it happen with Detroit in the last game with the line swinging hard towards Cleveland, followed by Detroit just owning Cleveland from start to finish. And here, I just don't see how Cleveland beats the Clippers if LA is awake. Blake Griffin is a force, and there really isn't any one player on the Cavs that can slow him down. Beyond that, the Clippers showed that they can win on the road, as they're coming off a victory in New York. All that being said, laying points on the road with a weak road team (LA) is never a wise move, and even though I lean to the CLIPPERS, it's a small one, and I would consider the OVER.
Miami Heat (-8) @ Detroit Pistons with a total of 193
The Heat are very dangerous on the road, given that LeBron actually seems to play better away from home. And more than that, I feel like because the Heat nearly lost to Detroit the last time these teams met (and probably should have lost, except for a weird last-second foul), Miami won't take the Pistons so lightly this time around. I know that means Detroit is on revenge, but I find it hard to believe the Heat play as poorly again this time, or let Detroit dominate them to the tune of 17 offensive rebounds. The one big issue, besides, of course, laying 8 on the road, is that Miami is set to head into Boston on the 13th, just 2 days after this one. Miami hasn't shown a huge look-ahead tendency, but that's probably enough to keep me off that side. PROBABLY PASS on the side (maybe a tiny look to Miami), and totals lean to the OVER.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Memphis Grizzlies with a total of N/A
This is something of a revenge spot for the Bucks, who just got popped by the Grizzlies, at home, about 2.5 weeks ago. Only problem is that the Bucks are all over the map. They beat the pants off Toronto at home, then went on the road and laid an egg in Washington. Which Bucks team do we get for this contest? I would expect a better than average effort because of revenge, but it could be almost any level from nearly zero to maximum. The things that Milwaukee does have going for it is that suddenly they are the more healthy team in a game. Memphis lost Rudy Gay for the last contest, and Zach Randolph hurt his ankle in the Grizzlies overtime win against the Thunder. Without Zebo, the Grizzlies rebounding edge goes down the drain, and I wonder if the Bucks can exploit that by locking down on the perimeter players. Let's see where this line opens before making any sort of move, and you all know how cautious I tend to play games with injuries. I would advise letting this one sneak by, but given the revenge and Memphis losing so much depth, I might lean MILWAUKEE and slightly to the UNDER.
Los Angeles Lakers (-3) @ New York Knicks with a total of 211.5
This game certainly depends largely on how the Lakers-Celtics game unfolds, but to some degree, I'm looking to find a way to back the Knicks. New York got creamed by the Lakers in LA, as Pau and Bynum simply pushed the Knicks around in the paint, slowed the game to a crawl, and imposed themselves on the smaller, quicker team from NY. At home, something tells me the Knicks have a little more success implementing their up-tempo style. On top of that, the Lakers are fatigued, which makes using the "power" approach that much more difficult. The line is pretty close to where it should be, if a tiny bit inflated on the Lakers side, but beyond that, the revenge and back-to-back are almost enough for me to make a play early. The concern? Kobe. Dude can straight up ball at MSG. Lean to the KNICKS and the OVER.
Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz (-6.5) with a total of 208
I'm so upset with the Jazz, I almost can't do a writeup. Jerry Sloan is out, and the team opted to cater to Deron Williams over a coach that has turned some real turd rosters into 8th seeds, and has turned some decent talent into contenders. I'm curious to see what happens with this team now that Deron is basically the on-court coach. Yeah, someone else is wearing the suit on the sidelines, but let's not kid ourselves. I know there's often a bump after a team gets rid of a coach not doing his job (see, Indiana Pacers), but this is Jerry Sloan we're talking about. From a scheduling standpoint, Phoenix is in the difficult spot of traveling into altitude to face a team trying to prove it's better without Sloan. 6.5 seems like a fair amount to cover, and lord knows we've been burned by an Amar'e Stoudemire last-second three-ball to cut a 9-point lead down to 6...and as I stated above, I'm almost against the idea of backing Utah, but the angles point to the JAZZ and the OVER
Inside the Paint - Friday
By Chris David
Where’s the Love?
If you go to Sportsbook.com and check out their future numbers, you’ll see that San Antonio (44-8 straight up, 31-19 against the spread) is the fourth choice (+350) to win the NBA Finals this summer. Listed ahead of the Spurs are the top two teams from the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat (+140) and Boston Celtics (+200). What a lot of people don’t realize is that San Antonio is on pace to win 69 games this season and they hold a six-game lead over both of the aforementioned clubs for homecourt throughout the playoffs.
To no surprise, San Antonio (25-2 SU, 14-12 ATS) has been a beast at home but its road record (19-6 SU, 17-7 ATS) is the best in the league as well. The Spurs are in middle of their annual “Rodeo Trip” and so far, so good. After going 2-1 both SU and ATS in the first three on the West Coast, the Spurs returned home for a quick break before playing six more on the road against Eastern Conference opponents.
Greg Popovich’s team hasn’t cooled off, posting back-to-back wins against the Pistons (100-89) on Tuesday and Raptors (111-100) on Wednesday. Tonight, San Antonio will be playing its third game in four days when it meets Philadelphia (24-28 SU, 32-20 ATS). The Spurs already blasted the 76ers 116-93 on Nov. 13, easily covering as 10-point home favorites. Philadelphia has been a solid team versus the number this season and a much tougher out at home (16-9 SU, 15-10 ATS) this season. San Antonio opened as a 3 ½-point road favorite. As a home ‘dog, the 76ers are 7-3 ATS.
Worst of the Worst
We know that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have both helped the Heat become a powerhouse, and we also know how much they meant to their former teams. By now you’ve probably heard that Cleveland (8-45 SU, 19-31 ATS) is horrendous and has dropped 26 straight games, but were you aware that Toronto (14-39 SU, 22-29 ATS) is just as bad?
The Raptors have lost 15 of 16 and are 3-18 since January 1 and for our purposes, they’re 7-14 ATS during this span. And the three victories have come against teams with losing records in the Cavaliers (120-105), Kings (118-112) and Timberwolves (111-100). On Friday, Toronto will try to get back on track at home versus Portland (28-24 SU, 26-24 ATS). The Trail Blazers haven’t been a great team to back on the road (10-17 SU, 12-13 ATS) but the Raptors’ home record (9-16 SU, 9-15 ATS) is far from good. Plus, Nate McMillian’s squad has won five straight (4-1 ATS) against Toronto, including a 97-84 win from the Rose Garden on Nov. 6.
Cleveland will get another shot to stop the bleeding when the L.A. Clippers (20-32 SU, 27-25 ATS) visit. Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 116-108 road win over the Knicks. Despite beating New York, the Clippers are just 4-18 SU and 11-11 ATS on the road. The two teams haven’t met this season and the past history has to be tossed due to the LeBron factor. In case you’re interested, Cleveland is 10-1 SU and 7-4 ATS in the last 11 against the Clippers. Los Angeles opened as a 3 ½-point road favorite over the Cavs, which is just the second time its laying wood on the road.
Ahead of the Pace
Indiana (22-28 SU, 24-24 ATS) fired head coach Jim O’Brien after the team lost the Bulls (89-100) on Jan. 29. Since interim coach Frank Vogel took over the sideline duties, the club has a little pep in their step. The team has gone 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS with the lone loss coming at Miami (112-117), which they covered. The offense has busted the century mark in every contest and the ‘over’ is finally starting to cash for the Pacers. Tonight, Minnesota (13-39 SU, 24-28 ATS) visits Conseco Fieldhouse and it’s been a favorite crusher lately. The Timberwolves upset the Hornets (104-92) and Rockets (1112-108) in their last two games as eight and nine-point road underdogs respectively. Can Minny cash again tonight? Indiana is laying eight so the situation is definitely set up that way.
Up and Down
New Orleans (32-22 SU, 26-25 ATS) and Orlando (34-20 SU, 23-28 ATS) will square off in Central Florida tonight. The two teams will be playing in this year’s postseason but lately the pair has been very inconsistent at the betting counter. The Magic have definitely been the better of the two lately and that’s why they’re laying nine points at home, plus the Hornets are really banged up. New Orleans is missing two starters in Trevor Ariza (ankle) and Emeka Okafor (side) and its showing up in the standings. The team has dropped four in a row and six of seven, posting a 0-7 ATS record during this seven-game span and that comes after a 10-game winning streak. Orlando has been just as streaky but at least it’s losing close games and its falling to serious contenders too. The Magic have won and covered their last two games albeit against the Clippers and 76ers. Orlando could have this game circled tonight since it fell to New Orleans (92-89) in overtime on Jan. 21 as a road favorite (3.5). All-Star center Dwight Howard had a chance to help the Magic win but key missed free throws cost his team.
Televised Tilts
L.A. Lakers (37-16 SU, 24-28 ATS) at New York (26-25 SU, 31-19 ATS)
Los Angeles extended its winning streak to three on Thursday with a 92-86 win at Boston. The Lakers are now 3-0 both SU and ATS on their current road trip and they’re winning with defense. All three opponents have been held to an average 88.3 PPG during this run. It could be tough to keep New York under that number tonight, considering the Knicks are averaging 108 PPG at Madison Square Garden. Teams usually play better on its homecourt but New York has been shaky at home (14-11 SU, 13-12 ATS) this season. The club is 1-2 both SU and ATS in its last three from MSG, which includes a 116-108 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Phil Jackson’s team ripped New York 109-87 on Jan. 9 as a 6 ½-point favorite at Staples Center. Tonight, the Lakers are 3 ½-point favorites. And even though L.A. is playing on zero days rest, the club owns a successful 8-1 SU and 5-3-1 ATS record in back-to-back spots.
Phoenix (25-25 SU, 21-26 ATS) at Utah (31-23 SU, 24-30 ATS)
All the talk on this late-night battle will focus on the recent departure of Utah head coach Jerry Sloan, who stepped down on after 22 seasons. The Jazz haven’t been playing great basketball but they were slotted into the sixth seed in the West and just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the Northwest. The timing was definitely off but things happen, stories appear and rumors will swirl on what the real reason was on his resignation. Tyrone Corbin will try to fill his shoes and he get’s a chance tonight against a red-hot Phoenix club that has won two straight and five of six. Utah is 17-11 SU and 12-16 ATS at home this season, which includes three straight setbacks. The Suns beat the Jazz 110-94 on Oct. 28 as seven-point road underdogs. On Friday, Phoenix is catching six points at most outfits. ESPN will provide coverage at 10:35 p.m. EST.
Total Talk
# The ‘under’ has cashed in five straight for the Bucks
# Orlando has seen the ‘under’ go 3-0 in its last three
# The Bobcats have seen the ‘over’ cash in four straight
# Minnesota and Indiana have seen their last six encounters go ‘over’
# The last three meetings between the Suns and Jazz have gone ‘under’
vegasinsider.com
Lakers at Knicks: What Bettors Need to Know
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks (+3.5, 211.5)
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Lakers are 3-0 on their current seven-game road trip and strive to remain unbeaten when they visit the New York Knicks on Friday. Los Angeles avenged a recent loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday and also has a nationally television game on Sunday against the Orlando Magic looming, so the Knicks could be catching the Lakers at a good time. The Lakers don’t play at home again until Feb. 22 and are tied for second place in the Western Conference playoff race with the Dallas Mavericks. New York was badly outclassed by the Lakers when the two teams played in Los Angeles last month.
TV: 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
ODDS: The Knicks opened as 3-point home underdogs. That line has moved to 3.5. The total opened at 211.5 points.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (26-25 31-18-2 ATS): That feel-good spurt that saw the Knicks enjoying a 22-15 record a month ago today has long dissipated. New York is just 4-10 since then and Amare Stoudemire criticized the team’s effort after Wednesday’s 116-108 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Stoudemire had 23 points and Danilo Gallinari scored 21. Perhaps the most pleasing occurrence was Timofey Mozgov scoring 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting. It was the center’s second big performance in five games – he had a season-high 23 points and 14 rebounds against Detroit on Jan. 30. New York is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff chase but a distant 11 1/2 games behind Boston in the Atlantic Division.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (37-16, 24-28-1 ATS): Los Angeles held Boston to 33 second-half points while notching the impressive victory. Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half and Pau Gasol had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Gasol’s shooting touch has been spectacular over the last four games as he has made 35 of 51 shots while averaging 22.5 points. Center Andrew Bynum outplayed Boston’s Kendrick Perkins with 16 points and nine rebounds. The Lakers are 18-8 on the road this season, the second-best mark behind the San Antonio Spurs (19-6). Los Angeles’ seven-game trip ends with games against Charlotte on Monday and Cleveland on Wednesday.
WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Bynum is averaging 12.3 points and shooting 61.3 percent over the last four games. Stoudemire is averaging 27.5 points over the last eight contests. Lakers forward Ron Artest is averaging 7.3 points and shooting just 33.3 percent over the past three outings. Knicks forward Wilson Chandler is averaging 8.7 points and shooting just 35.5 percent over the last three games.
KEY STATISTIC: Los Angeles is allowing just 88.5 points over the last four games. New York is second in the NBA in scoring at 106.6 ppg.
SEASON SERIES: The Lakers defeated the Knicks 109-87 in Los Angeles on Jan. 9. The Lakers have beaten New York seven consecutive times.
KEY INJURIES: LOS ANGELES: F Matt Barnes (knee); C Theo Ratliff (knee). NEW YORK: C Ronny Turiaf (ankle); F Wilson Chandler (personal); F Anthony Randolph (personal); G Kelenna Azubuike (knee).
LAST WORD: “I hope we’re motivated every night. We got a 1-7 record against power teams, so this win is important, playing our game and finding ourselves in a game, which we were highly competitive, and not losing ourselves while having our identity.” – Lakers coach Phil Jackson after Thursday’s victory over Boston, referencing Los Angeles’ first win this season against one of the top teams.
TRENDS:
* Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in New York.
* Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks
LAKERS: (-3, O/U 211.5) Facing the Knicks the day after battling the Boston Celtics is a recipe for disaster. That's exactly the scenario facing the Lakers tonight. Los Angeles is currently on a long road trip, and they are determined to show their true worth on this difficult trip. The Lakers are 36-16 SU and 23-28-1 ATS overall this season. Los Angeles is 17-8 SU and 13-11-1 ATS on the road this season. The Lakers are 2-4 ATS as a road favorite favorite of 3 PTS or fewer this year. Los Angeles is really focusing on their defense, and it's slowly improving. The Lakers are allowing just 96.4 PPG this season, 10 fewest in the NBA. G Kobe Bryant is leading the Lakers in scoring yet again this year, as he's averaging 25.4 PPG. F Lamar Odom might be having his best season ever, as he's averaging 15.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG this year. C Andrew Bynum is the subject of multiple trade rumors currently, as he's averaging 11.3 PPG and 7.4 RPG this year. The Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Los Angeles is 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS last 5 Friday games.
Under is 19-7-1 last 27 games against the Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - F Matt Barnes (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 106
KNICKS: Despite losing 3 of their past 4 games, New York is quite optimistic as we approach the All Star break. If the playoffs started today, the Knicks would be the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. New York is 26-25 SU and 31-18-2 ATS overall this season. Few teams have been as profitable as the Knicks have this basketball season, pro or college. New York was dominated by the Lakers when they faced them earlier this season, so there is little doubt that the Knicks will be ready for tonight's affair. The Knicks are 14-11 SU and 13-11-1 ATS in home games this year. New York is 19-6 ATS as the listed underdog this season. New York is averaging 106.6 PPG this year, 2nd most in the NBA. F Amar'e Stoudemire is averaging 26.2 PPG this year, 3rd most in the NBA. PG Raymond Felton is averaging 17.2 PPG and a team high 9 APG for the Knicks this season. The Knicks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. New York is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%. The Knicks are 27-13-1 ATS in their last 41 games overall. New York is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games against the Western Conference.
Knicks are 0-4 ATS last 4 games against the NBA Pacific.
Over is 4-0 last 4 home games.
Key Injuries - C Ronny Turiaf (ankle) is questionable.
Projected Score: 106 (SIDE of the Day)
Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz
SUNS: Phoenix is playing some of their best basketball of the season right now. The Suns are really trying to get back into both the playoff chase in the Western Conference as well as get back to having a winning record. Currently, Phoenix is 24-25 SU and 21-26-2 ATS overall this season. The Suns are currently 2.5 games back of 8th place in the Western Conference standings. Phoenix is 10-14 SU and 11-12-1 ATS in road games this year. The Suns are 13-12 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Phoenix is averaging 105.1 PPG as a team this season, 3rd most in the NBA. PG Steve Nash is averaging 16.7 PPG and a team high 11.1 APG this season for Phoenix. F Grant Hill is averaging 14.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG this year, while also playing solid defense for the Suns. Phoenix has been focusing on their defense of late, as they have held 6 of their past 10 opponents under 100 PTS. The Suns are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games against the NBA Northwest Division.
Suns are 4-1 ATS last 5 games overall.
Under is 5-0 last 5 road games.
Key Injuries - G Goran Dragic (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 97
JAZZ: (-6.5, O/U 208) The inevitable has happened, as Coach Sloan has stepped down as coach of the Jazz. Sloan is an instant Hall of Famer, and it's likely to be an emotional game tonight. Understanding how the Jazz players will handle this news is truly anyone's guess and the ultimate gamble. Utah is 31-23 SU and 24-29-1 ATS overall this season. The Jazz are currently in 6th place of the brutally difficult Western Conference. Utah is 17-11 SU and 12-16 ATS in home games this season. The Jazz are 16-19 ATS as the listed favorite this year. PG Deron Williams is having another outstanding season despite recent injury concerns. Williams is averaging a team high 21.6 PPG and 9.6 APG this year. F Al Jefferson is averaging 17.2 PPG and a team high 9 RPG this season. F Paul Millsap is averaging 17.1 PPG and 7.9 RPG this year. The Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against the NBA Pacific. Utah is 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. The Jazz are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games against the Western Conference. Utah is 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Jazz are 3-9 ATS last 12 home games.
Under is 4-0 last 4 home games against a team with a losing road record.
Key Injuries - C Mehmet Okur (back) is out.
Projected Score: 104 (UNDER-Total of the Day)