Friday's Best NBA Bet
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns (-5, 216)
Steve Nash was supposed to return to the lineup off his pelvic injury on Wednesday and magically resurrect the Suns’ offense while putting an end to the team’s five-game losing streak. Well, he came back but couldn’t end the skid.
Nash managed eight points and 10 assists in a 100-95 loss to the Hornets and Suns bettors may want to temper their expectations of the Canadian point guard for the next little while. Nash gutted out 35 minutes but wasn’t nearly as potent as he normally is.
"He tried, but he's not the same guy," Suns coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "I didn't expect him to be.”
Now the Suns have to find a way to get their offense going against the high-scoring Warriors. Phoenix normally has its way with Golden State, but this one could be tricky with Nash hobbled.
The last three meetings between the two clubs have played under and riding that trend may be your best bet here.
Pick: Under
Dallas Mavericks host Spurs for NBA betting matchup
By: Michael Robinson
The San Antonio Spurs have had several days to lick their wounds as they prepare for a Friday night battle at in-state rival Dallas Mavericks.
The Spurs (54-13 straight-up, 37-28-2 against the spread) are coming off their worst loss of the season, 110-80 at Miami on Monday. That was a revenge game for LeBron James and company after a San Antonio 30-point home win over Miami 10 days earlier.
Coach Gregg Popovich has done a great job this year as San Antonio has a 6.5-game lead over the Lakers and Dallas for top-spot in the West Conference. However, there are some troubling signs heading towards the playoffs.
Popovich’s bunch has allowed an average of 106 PPG the last four games and 102 PPG over the last 12. That compares unfavorably to the 97.2 PPG for the season, a respectable 12th in the NBA.
The softer defense has helped the ‘over’ go 9-3 in the Spurs last 12 games. They’ve only gone 3-9 ATS in that span (8-4 SU).
San Antonio now has a rare three days off between games, never a bad thing with starters Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Antonio McDyess ranging from 33-36 in age. The team does have one of the NBA’s most productive benches, but the starters will need to play a bigger role once the playoffs hit.
The Spurs has been very good on the road overall (23-10 SU and 21-11-1 ATS).
The Mavericks (48-20 SU, 36-30-2 ATS) are considerably more tired than the Spurs. They’re playing their third game in four nights after flying out West for two quick games at Portland (104-101 loss) and Golden State (112-106 win).
The first result was surprising as Dallas out-shot Portland 59.7-47.1 percent from the floor. However, Portland had 18 more shots attempts due to 15 offensive rebounds and winning the turnover battle (15-7).
The Golden State game came the next night on Wednesday. Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points as the Mavericks rallied from an 18-point deficit. That was a ‘cover’ as 3 ½-point favorites, but they’re still just 2-6 ATS (4-4 ATS) in their last eight games.
Forward Peja Stojakovic has missed the last five games and is doubtful for Friday. He’s started 13 games since coming over in late January and averaged a respectable 8.1 PPG. The Mavericks want to keep Shawn Marion (12.1 PPG) as a super-sub, so they tried starting the newly acquired Corey Brewer against Golden State. He only lasted six minutes (no points).
Center Brendan Haywood (back) is questionable and he provides good relief for starter Tyson Chandler. San Antonio is not reporting any significant injuries.
The Mavericks are 24-10 SU and 15-17-2 ATS at home this year. They’re 2-2 SU (1-3 ATS) in the last four there, losing to the Lakers (96-91) and Memphis (104-103), while beating the Knicks (127-109) and Indiana (116-108).
The ‘over’ is 5-1 in Dallas’ last six home games.
This is the fourth meeting this year between these Lone Star State foes. San Antonio is 2-1 SU and ATS, but Nowitzki missed the two losses, including the Dec. 30 meeting in Big D (99-93).
San Antonio was just 1-7 ATS in its last eight games in Dallas before the December contest.
Tip-off will be 5:30 p.m. (PT) from American Airlines Center. San Antonio will host Charlotte on Saturday night, while Dallas welcomes Golden State on Sunday.