What Bettors Need To Know: Lakers at Thunder
By LEE KOSTROSKI
The skinny
Oklahoma City is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff standings, but its final positioning is far from set. The Thunder are just 3.5 games out of second place and just 2.5 out of being in eighth place.
The Lakers are sitting comfortably in first place, six games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks. Barring a huge letdown, the Lakers will own the No. 1 seed in the West. They have their sights set on the best overall record in the NBA, which the Cavaliers currently own. Los Angeles is 3.5 games behind the Cavs.
Playoff push
The Thunder got a huge win over the Houston Rockets Wednesday. For the moment, the victory puts to rest questions about the direction this team is headed down the stretch. Oklahoma City had lost three of its past four games after winning five straight and eight of nine. It had lost to Charlotte, Indiana and San Antonio before last night’s victory.
"It was a great game for us,” coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "We came back after a tough loss against the Spurs and played great basketball.”
The Thunder put on one of its best offensive showings this season, leading by as many as 25 points, scoring 101 points through three quarters and shooting 58.8 percent for the game.
Rookie James Harden returned from a six-game absence to give the Thunder a huge lift, scoring 23 points off the bench Wednesday. That included 13 straight points from Harden in the first quarter, propelling Oklahoma City to 81 percent shooting in the first quarter on its way to a season-high 74 points in the first half.
Oklahoma City now finds themselves in uncharted territory, nearly a lock for the playoffs for the first time since the team moved from Seattle. Every game is huge from here on out, especially the next two against fellow playoff squads Los Angeles and Portland.
The L. A. (good and bad) Times
Los Angeles has won seven straight games, but you’d never guess that by the attitude of its players or head coach Phil Jackson.
"I can't really judge or gauge that right now," Jackson said after a number of what he calls "lackluster" wins. "I haven't been sufficiently impressed by them, but keep getting assurances that they are better than they show.''
He was referring to close wins over Toronto (two points), Golden State (three points), Sacramento (seven points), Minnesota (eight points) and Washington (seven points). The Lakers did get a reassuring win on the road over San Antonio Wednesday night.
Los Angeles turned a 7-point halftime deficit into a 9-point win, sparked by strong defense. The Lakers dismantled the Spurs in the second half, outscoring them, 51-35. They allowed 18 points in the third quarter and 17 in the fourth. San Antonio shot just 29.7 percent after halftime and All-Star forward Tim Duncan made just 2-of-11 shots and finished with six points.
Los Angeles is dealing with its share of injuries. Andrew Bynum and Luke Walton are out until early April while Lamar Odom has a sore shoulder but continues to play on. Twice before Odom has felt the same kind of pain and in both cases he underwent surgery.
"I'll just play," Odom told the media. "It's simple. I have to. I've done it before. It's going to hurt, some people learn how to play with pain whether it be emotionally or physical. I've been one of those guys."
Bynum and Walton both hope to come back quickly after the Lakers' five-game trip, either against Utah April 2 or against San Antonio April 4, both game at Staples Center.
Head to head
Oklahoma City has lost 12 consecutive times to the Lakers (dating back to games against the SuperSonics), the longest active losing streak against them.
The Lakers have won all three meetings this season, winning by three (OT), 16 and three points. Oklahoma City is 2-1 ATS against the Lakers this season.
Clash of the titans
Kobe Bryant is averaging 32.3 points in three games against the Thunder this season, shooting 47.8 percent (34-of-71). Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant is averaging 25.6 points in three games against L.A., shooting 46 percent (29-of-63). Durant is 0.1 points behind LeBron James for the NBA scoring title.
Trends
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games but just 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games overall.
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last six vs. Western Conference and 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games vs. a team with a winning SU record.
Friday's NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The Friday NBA card is filled to the brim with 11 games to wager on. Less than three weeks remain in the regular season as playoff spots are getting clinched by the day. Four games involve both teams in playoff contention including a pair of non-conference matchups with the Spurs hosting the Cavs and the Nuggets battling the Raptors. We'll start north of the border to see which struggling team will bounce back.
Nuggets (47-25 SU, 31-36-5 ATS) at Raptors (35-35 SU, 31-39 ATS)
Denver and Toronto are each not playing its best basketball down the stretch, especially from an ATS standpoint. The Nuggets have dropped three consecutive games, while failing to cover six in a row as they head to Toronto (7:00 PM EST). The Raps are 4-11 SU the last 15, as Toronto has covered only three times in this span.
The Nuggets are playing without George Karl patrolling the sidelines as the head coach is undergoing cancer treatment. Denver has stumbled as a favorite, going 0-5 ATS the last five when laying points, including outright road losses at New York and Houston. The scoring has taken a hit recently since the Nuggets averaged 117 ppg for a seven-game stretch from March 3 to March 15. In the last five games, Denver is averaging just 98 ppg while breaking the 100-point barrier only once.
The Raptors had a modest two-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt in a 117-83 home setback to the Jazz. Toronto is "lacking fire," according to leading scorer Chris Bosh, as the Raps are 0-9 ATS the last nine at Air Canada Center. Since the All-Star Break, out of six victories the Raptors have beaten one team over .500 (Hawks).
Both these teams have been nice 'under' plays of late with the Raptors hitting it in four straight, while the Nuggets drilled the 'under' in four of five. Toronto has not been strong off a double-digit loss, compiling an 8-12 SU and 6-14 ATS mark. Denver has won nine of the last ten meetings, including four of the last five in Toronto.
Lakers (53-18 SU, 30-38-3 ATS) at Thunder (43-27 SU, 41-29 ATS)
The Thunder finally broke through against the Rockets following a 13-game losing streak by running Houston out on Wednesday, 122-104. Now, Oklahoma City will try to snap a 12-game skid against the Lakers when the two teams meet up for the final time in the regular season (8:00 PM EST).
The Champs are in the midst of a five-game road trip that began with a 92-83 victory over San Antonio, the seventh straight win for the Lakers. Since allowing 121 points to the Warriors ten days ago, L.A. has limited each of its last four opponents to less than 100 points, resulting in four consecutive 'unders.'
The 122 points scored by OKC against Houston was the second-most put up by the Thunder this season, falling five points short of the 127 scored against Washington in mid-November. The Thunder has not been listed as a home underdog since a December 16 loss to Dallas, as Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS when receiving points at the Ford Center.
One of those covers came back on November 3 when the Lakers staved off the Thunder in overtime, 101-98, but OKC cashed as seven-point underdogs. Phil Jackson's club took care of business at Staples Center three weeks later with a 101-85 victory as 10 ½-point 'chalk.' The Thunder hung around in the next meeting on December 22 in Los Angeles, falling 111-108 as ten-point 'dogs.
Heat (37-34 SU, 35-35-1 ATS) at Bucks (39-31 SU, 44-25-1 ATS)
Milwaukee looks to bounce back from a horrific performance against Philadelphia when the Heat invades the Bradley Center (8:30 PM EST). The Bucks are 2-4 ATS the last six games since 11 consecutive covers from February 19 to March 12. The Heat, meanwhile, tries to break on through against the Bucks for the first time in four tries this season.
The Bucks were coming off solid wins over the Nuggets and Hawks before the stinker against the Sixers on Wednesday. Milwaukee shot 40% from the floor while allowing the offensive-challenged Sixers to break 100 points for just the second time in the last ten games. Despite the Bucks allowing 101 points, the 'under' has hit in seven straight at home.
The Heat will be on the second of a back-to-back following Thursday's game at Chicago. Since Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami lineup on February 28, the Heat is 8-4 SU and 6-5-1 ATS. Miami has played only a handful of road games during this stretch, but owns a 4-2 ATS mark the last six as a road underdog.
The final game the Heat played without Wade came against the Bucks in a Saturday afternoon in South Florida. Milwaukee dominated from start to finish with a 94-71 drubbing of Miami as two-point 'dogs. All three victories by the Bucks this season have come by double-digits, while each game has finished 'under' the total.
Cavs (57-15 SU, 36-35-1 ATS) at Spurs (42-28 SU, 36-33-1 ATS)
Cleveland and San Antonio hook up for the second time this month, but this time LeBron James will be playing after he missed the last meeting with a sprained ankle (8:30 PM EST). The Spurs are on a bit of a roller-coaster by alternating wins and losses each of the last six games. The Cavs, meanwhile, are hitting their stride with eight consecutive victories.
This winning streak began for Cleveland with a two-point home victory over San Antonio, 97-95 on March 8. That was the second game James missed resting a bum ankle, but the last five victories in this hot streak have come against teams on the outside looking in the playoff race. The defense has been stellar as the Cavs have limited opponents to less than 95 points in 12 of the last 13 games.
The Spurs are in the midst of an eventful stretch in which they have battled the Hawks (loss), Thunder (win), and Lakers (loss), while getting set to battle the Celtics on Sunday in Boston. San Antonio was limited to 37% shooting from the floor in Wednesday's defeat to the Lakers. The Spurs are 6-4 SU/ATS since Tony Parker broke his hand against Memphis on March 6, as the point guard is expected back in April.
The Cavs are 6-1 ATS this season when the pointspread range is between pick-em and 2 ½ points, while beating the Spurs in four of the last five meetings since the 2007 NBA Finals.
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L.A. Lakers (53-18, 30-38-3 ATS) at Oklahoma City (43-27, 41-29 ATS)
The surging Lakers shoot for their eighth straight win as they trek to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City for a matchup with the Thunder.
Los Angeles opened a five-game road trip on Wednesday with a 92-83 win in San Antonio, cashing as a two-point underdog. The Lakers got 24 points and six assists from Kobe Bryant and the trio of Ron Artest, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol combined for 45 points and a whopping 33 rebounds. L.A. has cashed in just four of its last 10 overall but it has covered four of its last five roadies.
Oklahoma City snapped a two-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 122-104 home win over the Rockets as an eight-point chalk. Kevin Durant, the NBA’s top scorer, had 25 points and Jeff Green added 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. The Thunder have averaged 105.2 points a game over their last five, five points better than what they’ve done the rest of the season.
The Lakers have won 12 straight over the Thunder, including three this season. Back in November, Los Angeles went to Oklahoma City and scored a 101-98 overtime win, but failed as a seven-point favorite.
Los Angeles has cashed in four of five on the road and four straight on the highway against teams with winning home records, but it is on ATS slides of 5-11-1 overall, 1-4 on Fridays, 0-5 after a spread-cover and 2-6-1 against Northwest Division squads. The Thunder are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 8-1 on Fridays, 5-1 against Western Conference teams, 13-5 against winning teams, 5-2 after a day off and 14-6 at home against teams with a winning road mark.
The Lakers bring in several “under” streaks, including 4-0 overall, 4-0 on Fridays, 4-0 after a straight-up win, 5-1 on the road, 10-2 against Western Conference teams, 7-3 after a day off and 13-3 on the road against teams with winning home records. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is on “over” runs of 5-1-1 overall, 6-2 against Pacific Division teams, 5-1 after a day off, 11-1 after a straight-up win, 7-1 after a spread-cover and 3-0-1 at home.
Finally, four of the last six Lakers-Thunder clashes have stayed under the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and UNDER
Cleveland (57-15, 36-35-1 ATS) at San Antonio (42-28, 36-33-1 ATS)
LeBron James and the red-hot Cavaliers take an eight-game winning streak into the AT&T Center for a matchup with the Spurs.
Cleveland dumped New Orleans 105-92 on Tuesday, winning its eighth in a row and easily cashing as a 5½-point chalk. James was unstoppable, scoring 38 points, pulling down six rebounds and delivering nine assists to lead the Cavs, who are still just 4-4 ATS during their current surge. Cleveland has been tough to beat on the road, going 26-11 this season, 21-15-1 ATS.
San Antonio has alternated wins and losses in its last six overall (3-3 ATS), losing at home Wednesday to the Lakers, 92-83 as a two-point favorite. Manu Ginobili had 24 points against Los Angeles, but the Spurs got nothing inside as Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess combined for just 14 points. The Spurs had won six straight at home (5-1 ATS) before Wednesday’s loss to Los Angeles.
Cleveland has won three straight (2-1 ATS) and four of five (3-2 ATS) against San Antonio dating back to 2008. The Cavs scored a 97-95 home win back on March 8, but came up short as 5 ½-point favorites, as the road team improved to 4-1 ATS in the last five series clashes.
The Cavaliers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five Friday contests, but they are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 after a spread-cover. San Antonio is on positive ATS streaks of 10-3 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-1 after a non-cover and 4-1 after a straight-up loss.
For Cleveland, the under is on several streaks, including 4-0 overall, 11-3-1 on Fridays, 5-0 against Southwest Division teams and 7-3-1 against teams with winning records. The Spurs have topped the total in five of seven Friday contests and three of four after a non-cover, but they are on “under” runs of 11-5-1 against Eastern Conference teams, 7-3-1 against winning teams and 3-0-1 at home against teams with winning road marks.
In this series, the under has been the play in seven of the last 11 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA RoundUp For 3/26
By Dan Bebe
Wolves @ Magic - Orlando by 15 with a total of 209. Unless there's a supremely obvious reason to take one side or the other in a game with a spread this high, the side is going to be a pass. Here, we have Orlando on the first game home off a 3-game road trip that ended with a tip-slam loss in Atlanta, and a potential look-ahead to a game coming up with Denver, but at the same time, the Wolves can't be trusted to compete. Gun to my head, I'd take the visitors, since situationally, they're in a slightly better spot, but again, nearly impossible choice here. On the total, I lean slightly to the Under, since the Magic have been ultra-focused defensively whether they're overlooking a team, or not. They've allowed over 100 points to an opponent just once in a non-overtime game this month, so it's going to be tough to hit 209 if the Wolves can't break 100.
Jazz @ Pacers - Utah by 5 with a total of 210.5. Wouldn't think these two teams would BOTH be red hot right now, but that's where we are. I wouldn't recommend a play on the side, since both teams are equally hot, though again, if you put a gun to my head, I'd say take the really hot team getting points. We all know, though, how quickly the Jazz can stomp you into submission. Pacers have won 4 straight, covered 7 straight, and are actually playing some defense, but Utah is basically unstoppable, so you have to try to keep up. That's what makes the total so tough to determine, as well. These teams faced off in December with a posted mark right around 210, and both clubs shot the ball terribly; if they shoot better, this one could go Over, so I'll offer a tiny, tiny lean that way.
Nuggets @ Raptors - Denver by 5 with a total of 217. We had two red-hot teams in the game above, and here we have two ice-cold squads, with the Nuggets losing 3 straight, and the Raptors losing by 26 on their home court. The Nuggets lost by 14 in Boston, and have failed to cover 6 straight games. So, did Denver bottom out against the Celtics, or did Toronto bottom out against Utah? Or, conversely, are both teams just struggling, and there's no bottoming out on the radar? Once again, I'd say it's a dicey proposition to try to pick the team that's stinking less, so I'd again recommend passing on the side, but if you absolutely must squeeze a lean out, I suppose you'd again have to take the lesser of two evils - that is, the evil that's getting points - tiny lean to Toronto. The total is interesting, since Toronto has been having issues scoring against, well, anything that can move on defense, and Denver's offense has been slow and hugely based on iso plays. I like the Under.
Hawks @ Sixers - This line is OFF. This one is interesting because the Hawks just clinched a playoff berth, so you have to wonder if they celebrated and are going to be sluggish in this one, or if they think they've got a legitimate shot at shuffling their position in the playoff standings. You've got to think that if ever there were a game where Atlanta might be in a letdown spot, this would be the one, but can we truly trust the Sixers to get the job done on the other side? Neither team is really in a look-ahead spot, so the only true situational angle is Atlanta's playoff situation, and for that reason, and because Philly is coming off a strong effort in Milwaukee, I think they should a little moxie and get it done. Lean to Sixers. I'm expecting a total near 200, and I like the Over, since I can't imagine Atlanta bringing the heat on defense, and we know both teams have great athleticism if they choose to use it.
Wizards @ Bobcats - Charlotte by 10.5 with a total of 181. This is a rematch of a game we saw a couple days ago that the Bobcats won going away in overtime, but still had a total of just 181 even after the 5 extra minutes. I'm very curious to see where the money comes on this game, since I feel like Washington tries to push the pace a little more this time around, realizing they're in big trouble if they try to get into another dogfight with Charlotte, when the Bobcats are playing at home. Still, oddsmakers are showing a ton of confidence in Charlotte's defense by bringing this line out SO LOW. No leans on the total here until we see the initial move, since I feel like public perception is going to dictate quite a bit. But, like I said, I think we see a little more movement early, and again a very slow second half. This total might actually be spot on th nose. As far as the side goes, I think Washington poured their heart out when these teams squared off in our nation's capital, and I think that might have been all they had in the tank. I lean to Charlotte to win in blowout fashion.
Kings @ Celtics - This line is OFF. This one could go one of two ways. The Kings could lay down, which to me seems like the more probable, or the Celtics could have a slight letdown off the game with Denver. I don't think it's the right time of year for Boston to suffer a lapse in focus. They are rolling at home, and this one could very well be a 25-point win when all is said and done. Sacramento is a young team headed for the lottery and missing their superstar, Tyreke Evans. They're also on a strangely scheduled 5-game road trip that nearly ends their season. These guys aren't focused, and they don't care. They couldn't beat Boston with their best effort at home, and the Kings are on the metaphorical tracks with the train coming through. Beware the teams tuning up for the playoffs right now, and Boston is one of those clubs building confidence heading towards the postseason. Lean to the Green. The total should go Under, as I love playing Sactown Unders right now - they struggle to score on the break without Evans, and Boston should be able to really clamp down on the other guys.
Lakers @ Thunder - Pick with a total of 199. The way the Lakers played that second half in San Antonio was SCARY. This is not a team I'm going to advocate fading right now. It looks like the Zen Master has gotten into his team's head and is starting to tune up for the playoffs, and what better way than to play some staunch defense against some teams they might very well meet in the playoffs? The Lakers made the Spurs look absolutely silly in San Antonio, and while the Thunder historically play the Lakers pretty darn tough, I still don't think you can underestimate LA right now. I don't necessarily think they run away with it, since Kevin Durant is basically unguardable, but the Lakers sure do have the size to make scoring very, very difficult for anyone that's not a superstar. If I had to pick a lean, I'd take Lakers. Thunder haven't seen anything this tough since the last time they played the Cavs, and while Oklahoma has some very solid wing players, I just don't see them having the size to score inside. I lean Lakers, and I lean Under.
Pistons @ Nets - Jersey by 1 with a total of 192.5. This game could very well challenge the record-books for one of the ugliest ever. Still, it's time for the Pistons to lay down. Those old farts have plenty of pride, but this season is going nowhere, and with Detroit having lost, now, 6 in a row, I think we might see some of the older guys taking nights off. The Nets, as we know, are playing with their backs against the wall of history. They don't want to be the worst team ever, and this game is definitely their most winnable the rest of the way. Much like the win over the Kings, the Nets just want this one more, and I have no reason to think Detroit brings the pain. Lean to Jersey. On the total, Jersey doesn't want to open this one up and give the Pistons a chance to enjoy themselves - they want it to be a game without rhythm where they can use Brook Lopez to win a grudge match. The two totals this season between these teams have been 190 and 191, and those games have featured surprisingly decent shooting. This one ends in the 180's thanks to the outrageously slow pace, and I lean Under.
Heat @ Bucks - Milwaukee by 5 with a total of 184.5. Miami looked scary last night, but no team is ever as good as their best game, and no team is ever as bad as their worst game, which Milwaukee might have played the last time out. Still, Miami is just 6-9 ATS on back-to-back spots, and getting 5 points basically means these teams are ranked as equals. I'm not sure I agree with that. Milwaukee has dominated Miami this season in all 3 meetings, and Miami has shot 37, 36 and 36 percent in the previous 3 games. Not surprisingly, all 3 of those games have gone under the posted total. The Heat don't play defense quite as well on back-to-backs, but they score worse, as well, so they're actually an under team when fatigued, believe it or not. Still, it's tough to see them playing as awfully against Milwaukee a 4th time as they did the previous 3. I'm torn on this side. I think I have to lean Milwaukee, since there's just no way Miami can duplicate the beating they laid on Chicago last night, and Milwaukee really seems to understand how Miami works. On the total, these games have been played at an outrageously ugly tempo, and they've been ending in the 170's pretty consistently. I think Miami brings a little better action on the offensive end, but once again I'm curious to see which side this line draws money on before I make an official lean.
Cavs @ Spurs - This line is OFF. The Spurs just looked so awful against the Lakers, I can't see them looking a whole lot better against an equally tough defensive team. Hell, the Spurs lost to the Cavs when Cleveland was without half their roster. I know San Antonio probably wants this one more, but that argument did us no good in the Spurs' last game. Bottom line, the Spurs just have to be exhausted from this stretch of ridiculous competition. They have one more tough game after this one, then finally a short respite, but man did Tim Duncan look completely worn out in the last one. I can't trust the Spurs to really compete when they're this tuckered out - I lean Cavs to cover, barely, whatever line we get -- I'm thinking close to a Pick, maybe Cavs by a point. On the total, I'm looking at the Under. It's clear the Spurs have no desire to play at a quick tempo right now, and the Cavs would annihilate the Spurs in a fast game, so we'll likely see a final score in the high 180's.
Knicks @ Suns - Phoenix by 11 with a total of 224. Oh, this is a fun one. Mike D'Antoni's Knicks versus, well, let's be honest, Mike D'Antoni's Suns. There's no secret, here. D'Antoni knows how the Suns want to play, and he knows the best way to defend it, and the Knicks beat the crap out of Phoenix earlier this year on the East coast. The Knicks are playing competitive basketball, but we know how tough it can be to head out on the road this late in the season. Still, I'm a little surprised to see the Knicks getting 11 points against a team that really only blows out the worst few teams in the League (see: Clippers, Wolves). Situationally, this game probably favors the Suns, since you know the Knicks are ready to pack it in, and want no part of going on the road, but from a schematic standpoint, the Knicks have a huge edge. The Suns haven't changed much under Alvin Gentry, other than using guys like Robin Lopez a bit more than previously, and if anyone knows Steve Nash's weaknesses, it's his former coach. I expect to see the Knicks play a very strong game, and though I think the Suns ultimately win, I think they do so by 7-8 points. I lean Knicks. I also lean to the Under - this total is inflated, and unless the Knicks go absolutely nuts with the tempo, this one should stay in the 220 range.
Trend Report - Friday
By Ed Meyer
Wizards at Bobcats – The Wizards are 0-9 ATS (-6.6 ppg) since January 02, 2009 when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which they were out-rebounded by double-digits. The Wizards are 8-0 ATS (8.0 ppg) since April 13, 2007 on the road with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Bobcats are 7-0 ATS (11.4 ppg) since January 16, 2008 at home after a win in which their DPA was positive.
Heat at Bucks – The Bucks are 0-6-1 ATS (-7.1 ppg) since February 21, 2006 at home with at least one day of rest after a loss in which they had at least 12 steals. The Bucks are 5-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since January 02, 2010 after a double digit loss in which they were outshot by at least 10 percent.
Kings at Celtics – The Kings are 0-8 ATS (-5.6 ppg) since January 12, 2007 when they suffered a double digit ATS loss for two straight games. The League is 9-0 ATS (9.4 ppg) since April 16, 2008 at home after a double digit win in which they had at least 10 more personal fouls than their opponent. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-8.1 ppg) since April 16, 2000 at home with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they were whistled for at least 30 personal fouls.
Timberwolves at Magic – The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS (7.3 ppg) since December 09, 2008 with at least one day of rest after a loss in which they had at least 10 shots blocked. The Magic are 10-0-1 ATS (5.2 ppg) since April 28, 2007 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which their opponent shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Magic are 7-0 ATS (14.5 ppg) since December 03, 2008 at home with at most one day of rest off a loss that broke at least a three-game winning streak.
Pistons at Nets – The Pistons are 0-9-1 ATS (-6.2 ppg) since December 19, 2008 when their DPS was minus 15 points or less in their previous game. The Nets are 0-9 ATS (-12.1 ppg) since November 02, 2007 at home after a game at home in which they allowed less than 40% from the field.
Jazz at Pacers - The Jazz are 9-0 ATS (14.9 ppg) since April 13, 1997 on the road with at most one day of rest after a win in which their opponent shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than 25% of them. The Pacers are 11-0-1 ATS (9.3 ppg) since January 25, 2000 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which they shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than a 25% of them.
Nuggets at Raptors – The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since February 23, 2004 on the road when they allowed revenge in each of their last two games. The Raptors are 9-0 ATS (7.8 ppg) since November 23, 2005 with at most one day of rest after a loss in which they had fewer than fifteen assists.
Hawks at 76ers – The Hawks are 5-0 ATS (13.1 ppg) since November 11, 2009 on the road with at least one day of rest after a home win in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two. The Sixers are 0-6 ATS (-14.3 ppg) since March 02, 2009 at home when seeking revenge for a double-digit loss.
Cavaliers at Spurs – The Cavaliers are 9-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since December 06, 2008 on the road after a double digit win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Spurs are 5-0 ATS (8.0 ppg) since January 26, 2007 when playing the second game of a two game homestand after losing the first. The Spurs are 0-5 ATS (-11.6 ppg) since March 31, 2009 when seeking revenge for a road loss in which they led at the half.
Knicks at Suns – The Suns are 11-0-1 ATS (9.0 ppg) since May 09, 2005 with at least one day of rest after a road win in which they allowed at least 50% from the field. The Suns are 6-0 ATS (12.2 ppg) since January 25, 2009 after a game on the road in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four.
Lakers at Thunder – The Lakers are 0-9 ATS (-12.3 ppg) since December 01, 2004 on the road after a road win in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line. The Lakers are 8-0 ATS (8.8 ppg) since November 12, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a win in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted. The Thunder are 0-7 ATS (-11.2 ppg) since March 24, 2009 with at least one day of rest after a game in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.