Friday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
Totals have been erratic and a 13-9-1 against the spread record attached to favorites this week isn’t persuasive enough for a correlation in increasing the bankroll. Aside from those two facts, Friday gives us another opportunity to cash in on a pair of ESPN contests. Besides the two televised games of hoops, eight more NBA contests will dot the schedule en route to the weekend.
Cleveland at Boston – 8:00 p.m. EST
The Cavaliers (48-12 straight up, 40-20 against the spread) continue kicking in opponents and taking names. If four wins in a row, 17 victories in the last 21 games and a lone loss at home on the season isn’t enough reason to give the Cavaliers credit then an 8-2 ATS run in the last 10 should at least keep you financially content.
Cashing in on only two of four in a recent road trip was disappointing and heading into Friday’s contest with a 7-8 ATS record on the road versus teams playing above .500 isn’t the best of situations. A 24-13 ATS performance against fellow Eastern Conference opponents might give backers some confidence in this spot, and how can you beat a near perfect 10-1 ATS versus the Atlantic division?
And what might just break the bank is a dominant, seven straight ATS winning streak (head-to-head) and a 9-1 ATS run in the last 10 head-to-head games versus Boston (only installed as the favorite four times).
The Celtics (48-14 SU, 33-29 ATS) have dropped four ATS games in a row and an 0-5 ATS free fall in the last five home games might keep your negative thoughts churning on backing this team.
Remaining cautious with Kevin Garnett (knee), Boston is now a putrid 3-6 ATS in the last nine without the power foward. How can we gauge this from years past? During the 2007-08 season, the Celtics were able to maintain a prosperous return on your money by going an outstanding 8-1 ATS in Garnett’s absence. So, we now find the Celts struggling against the spread thanks in large part to books continuing to post this squad as a 9.4 PPG favorite in the last four games especially.
Expanding on economics of this matchup, Cleveland is 17-5-2 ATS in the last 24 head-to-head meetings while the ‘under’ is 7-3 in the last 10 clashes together. The Cavaliers are 18-12 ATS this season off one-day of rest. Cleveland is leaving behind a 91-73 pouncing over Milwaukee on Wednesday, covering the high rising 13-point spread.
Denver at Utah – 10:30 p.m. EST
Utah (38-23 SU, 33-28 ATS) has turned a corner somewhere along the line. In-fact that curve in the road has resulted in Utah taking nine games in a row (12-1 SU in the last 13), are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 and are 6-1 on the ‘under’ for all you total players out there. Case in point; the Jazz are dancing to their own, happy-go-lucky tune.
The saying goes, home is where the heart is and Utah has kept good on that motto. An 8-2 ATS stint in the last 10 home stands has been much to the credit of outscoring opponents, 106.3 to 91.6 PPG (point margin of 14.7 PPG!). In just the last two home games alone, books have closed the Jazz as 8 ½-point faves against Houston (winning 101-94) and an eye opening, 17-point favorites in a 102-89 ‘W’ over Sacramento last Saturday.
In the bigger picture, Utah is 27-11 SU at home but just 11-17 on the road. But with the change of momentum, the Jazz are now averaging 109.8 PPG in the last four road games for which the team is 3-1 SU and ATS. And compared to a 5-7 ATS record against teams above .500 on the road, Utah has prospered with the home cooking, going 10-4 ATS versus teams with a winning record.
Aforementioned above, the ‘under’ has been prosperous at 6-1. Books have been slaughtered by ‘over’ bettors through this stretch, installing totals upwards of 226 ½-points (an ‘under’ play which cashed on Sunday). An average total of 208.9 PPG has been listed in Utah’s last seven games as the real time score has averaged just 198.1 PPG. This can be attributed to a defense holding teams to 93.1 PPG during this ‘under’ run.
Emerging from the other locker room is Denver (39-22 SU, 32-28-1 ATS), a team who’s had internal strife with its star player, Carmelo Anthony. And the problems don’t stop there. A 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS letdown in the last seven games is nothing to be proud of. From scoring 102.8 PPG during the course of the season to falling apart in the same seven by averaging 97.2 PPG, there’s no question about the instability on offense.
Supporting the possibility of a fade play on the Nuggets begins with a 5-9 (35.7%) ATS record as the road underdog. We move this journey forward by exposing the Nuggets’ 7-10 ATS record as an underdog all together this season and despite their 7-2 SU performance against the Northwest division a 5-4 ATS stint isn’t convincing enough.
The good news; Denver is 16-9-1 ATS in ’08-09 when the team is coming off an ATS loss (losing outright in Detroit, 100-95).
Then there are the usual head-to-head trends which again indicate problems in Denver. The Jazz are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 head-to-head meetings and have accumulated a 6-3 record on the ‘over’ in the last nine clashes against the Nuggets. But that total run can be deceiving as the last three games have gone ‘under’ the set number. Utah has been dominant all around, taking seven of the last 10 head-to-head games.
Phoenix at Houston – 8:30 p.m. EST
Dropping two in a row on back-to-back evenings, Phoenix (34-27 SU, 23-35-2 ATS) is just looking to receive better play from a defense that’s caved in and allowed 116.9 PPG in the last 10. We all know about the Suns’ offense. Within the same time frame (10 games), Phoenix has trumped opponents by draining 122.7 PPG. But it’s the nights when the team scores less then 110 points that has seen ‘Ls’ pile up. A 3-10 SU record has been accounted for in the last 13 games when opponents have held the Suns under 110 points, followed by a 19-22 SU record on the season when scoring under that same total. An 0-5 ATS report has been recorded in the last five outings when the offense has stalled in this same 110 points or lower spot.
Houston (39-23 SU, 30-31-1 ATS) has been able to pull out four wins in the last six outings against the Suns, but more importantly have gone 3-1 ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings. But looking at the bigger picture, the Rockets have suffered with a 3-9 ATS skid in the last 12 pairings while Phoenix has continued to run to the counter, racking up an 8-1 ATS record in the last nine meetings in Houston. In defense of the Rockets, a 10-0 SU and a 7-2-1 ATS performance in the last 10 home game is hardly something to sneeze at. Since star Tracy McGrady went down for the season (knee), Houston has been a able to remain financially viable by putting together an 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS record in the last 10.
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Game of the day: Cleveland at Boston
By LARRY JOSEPHSON
Game: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
Line: -2, 184
What’s on the line
There are actually two races in the Eastern Conference. One between Cleveland, Boston and Orlando for best record and home-court playoff edge. The other is among the rest of the teams jockeying for scraps that fall off the table.
Last season the Celtics pushed themselves to the limit to gain home-court edge throughout the playoffs. Without it there probably would not have been title No. 17 to crow about.
With around 20 games left in the regular season, it basically comes down to this: Whichever team among the top three doesn’t finish with the best record in the East will probably have to defeat the other two, then the Lakers, to win the championship.
The Cavaliers have a two-game edge over Boston in the loss column. If you got a few beers in him, even Doc Rivers would admit that a loss Friday night would mean something supernatural would have to happen for Cleveland to spit out a three-game advantage with about 20 games left.
The Celtics defense vs. LeBron James
It’s safe to say the King never saw the kind of defense the Celtics threw at him in Games 1 and 2 of their playoff series last May. Game 1 was especially vexing for LeBron James. Boston hounded him into a surreal 2-for-18, 12-point performance that is eclipsed only by the night in January 1981, when the Golden State Warriors held Larry Bird scoreless.
Boston’s defense (this time without injured Kevin Garnett or the departed James Posey) will be fortunate to hold James to 12 in the first half this time around. Cleveland’s defense is better than even Boston’s this time around. The under cashed consistently in their playoff series last year and the bettors on the U won in both meetings this season, though the first time was on opening night.
Which is the greater loss: Scalabrine or Wallace?
Say what you want about Brian Scalabrine but the Celtics haven’t covered the number since he was knocked into next week with a concussion in the Denver game on Feb. 23. Ben Wallace is down for at least a month with a broken fibula. Scalabrine gave the Celtics a big with six fouls, Wallace gave the Cavs decent interior defense. Both would be hard-pressed to score in double figures if they were alone in a gym.
Effect of the newcomers
Boston coveted Joe Smith for months as a big that could hit a few shots the way P.J. Brown did in Game 7 against the Cavs last May. But Cleveland got him and the Celts are forced to make do with Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury.
Moore kind of runs around a lot to little effect and Marbury hasn’t even been able to hold on to the ball too well. The X Factor is Smith, who played with the Cavs last year and the beneficiary is starting center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
“It gives us another big into the rotation,” Ilgauskas told reporters. “It will cut down minutes for me. It’s hard to play minutes at this point of the season. I expect him to fit right in.”
Momentum with Cleveland
The Cavs are on a nice little run. James is playing out of his mind, of course, and he’s getting support from point guard Mo Williams as well as Delonte West. They hardly broke a sweat in beating the Bucks Wednesday night, while the Celtics were life and death to put away New Jersey.
Boston has been on a win-one, lose-one treadmill for a while now. It’s staring down the barrel of a road-heavy schedule during the middle of March with absolute radio silence on the possible return of Garnett. In fact, Celtics commander-in-chief Danny Ainge says the goal right now is to be healthy heading into the playoffs. That’s code for “Kevin Garnett ain’t walking through that door anytime soon.”
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, March 6
Cleveland at Boston (8 p.m. EST). The Eastern Conference’s best teams square off, with the defending champion Celtics hoping to contain LeBron James and draw closer to the Cavaliers in the overall standings.
STARS
Thursday
— Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets, scored 38 points in his return from a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of a game last weekend, leading Denver past Portland 106-90 in a matchup for first place in the Northwest division.
— Chris Paul and David West, Hornets. Paul had 27 points and 15 assists and West added 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots to help New Orleans increase its season-best winning streak to six with a 104-88 victory over Dallas.
OBEDIENT
As promised, Carmelo Anthony sprinted straight to the bench when coach George Karl sent in a sub this time. Anthony scored 38 points in his return from a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of a game last weekend, and he led the Denver Nuggets past the Portland Trail Blazers 106-90 Thursday night.
STATS
Attendance in New Orleans was 17,230, the Hornets’ 14th sellout of the season, for a 104-88 win over Dallas. They had 13 regular-season sellouts last season, their first back in New Orleans full-time since Hurricane Katrina.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 27 points and added seven rebounds in a 104-88 defeat at New Orleans. … Brandon Roy scored 22 points for the Trail Blazers in a 106-90 loss at Denver.
SIGNED
Drew Gooden is the new big man the San Antonio Spurs hope will fortify their front line. Gooden joined the Spurs after buying out his contract earlier this week in Sacramento, where the Chicago Bulls traded the veteran power forward last month. The Spurs are his sixth team in seven years.
SIDELINED
The Hornets’ Peja Stojakovic sat out against the Mavericks because of back spasms that flared up at Philadelphia on Monday night. … Nuggets starting forward Kenyon Martin and backup point guard Anthony Carter missed the win against Portland. Both Martin (lower back strain) and Carter (left hip strain) are day to day.
SPEAKING
“I thought it was funny.”—Nuggets coach George Karl said, chuckling about Carmelo Anthony sprinting to the bench when he was substituted in a 106-90 win over Portland. It was Anthony’s return from a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of a game last weekend.
“Incredible. He made one of the best moves I’ve ever seen in my life—on an NBA player. I was at halfcourt and I just stopped. I couldn’t even finish the break because I had never seen anything like that.”—Hornets center Tyson Chandler after teammate Chris Paul dribbled the ball through Jason Terry’s legs at full speed before tossing a pass back to Rasual Butler for a dunk in a 104-88 win over Dallas.
ATLANTA vs. CHARLOTTE
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
MIAMI vs. TORONTO
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
NEW JERSEY vs. ORLANDO
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Orlando is 8-16-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing at home against New Jersey
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games at home
GOLDEN STATE vs. DETROIT
Golden State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Golden State is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
MILWAUKEE vs. CHICAGO
Milwaukee is 8-16-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 12-5-1 ATS in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chicago's last 15 games
PHOENIX vs. HOUSTON
Phoenix is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
WASHINGTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
DENVER vs. UTAH
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
Utah is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Denver
MINNESOTA vs. LA LAKERS
Minnesota is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games
LA Lakers are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with a game-high 35 points, and dished out 16 assists in a 135-129 victory over the Suns on Wednesday. The Heat covered the 3-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 225.
Michael Beasley netted 28 points for the Heat, and Daequan Cook added 27 in the win.
Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani both went for 25 points and seven rebounds for Toronto in its 107-97 loss to Houston on Tuesday night.
Houston covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 198-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 32-28 SU, 28-31-1 ATS
Toronto: 23-39 SU, 23-36-3 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 4-6
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Next up:
Miami at Cleveland, Saturday, March 7
Toronto home to Utah, Sunday, March 8
New Jersey Nets vs. Orlando Magic
The Nets rally came up short in a 115-111 loss to the Celtics last time out, as 7-point underdogs. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 194.
Vince Carter dropped a game-high 34 points and Devin Harris had 25.
Rashard Lewis had 29 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Magic over the Suns 111-99 on Tuesday night.
Orlando covered as 7-point home favorites as the game played under the 231-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 27-34 SU, 33-28 ATS
Orlando: 44-16 SU, 38-21-1 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Jersey's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to New York, Sunday, March 8
Orlando at Boston, Sunday, March 8
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Hawks were defeated 109-105 by the Knicks last time out, as a pick'em on the road. That game's 214 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 214.
Al Horford collected a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Raymond Felton went for 18 points and nine assists, as the Bobcats stifled the Bulls 96-80 on Tuesday night.
Charlotte cashed as 3-point home favorites as the teams played under the 192-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 34-27 SU, 32-29 ATS
Charlotte: 26-35 SU, 37-24 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing New York are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to Detroit, Saturday, March 7
Charlotte at New York, Saturday, March 7
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
LeBron James netted 23 points and hauled down eight rebounds to lead the Cavaliers to a 91-73 rout of the Bucks on Wednesday. The Cavaliers covered the 13-point spread, but the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 197.
The Celtics held off a late surge to defeat the Nets 115-111 on Wednesday. The Celtics failed to cover the 7-point spread, but the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 194.
Paul Pierce led the way with a team-high 31 points, while Kendrick Perkins had 17 points along with 13 rebounds for a double-double in that win.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 48-12 SU, 39-21 ATS
Boston: 48-14 SU, 33-29 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games at home
Boston is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games at home
Boston is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games
Next up:
Cleveland home to Miami, Saturday, March 7
Boston home to Orlando, Sunday, March 8
Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons
The Warriors were defeated 110-88 by the Bulls last time out, as 7.5-point underdogs on the road. That game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 224.
Stephen Jackson tossed in 19 points and dished out six assists in the loss.
Tayshaun Prince scored 23 points to lift the Detroit Pistons past the Denver Nuggets 100-95 on Tuesday night.
Detroit covered as 3.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 189-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 21-40 SU, 28-32-1 ATS
Detroit: 30-29 SU, 24-35 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
Golden State is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Detroit
Golden State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Golden State
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Golden State at Milwaukee, Saturday, March 7
Detroit at Atlanta, Saturday, March 7
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
Richard Jefferson tossed in a game-high 29 points in the Bucks 91-73 loss to the Cavaliers last time out, as 13-point road underdogs. That game's combined score went UNDER the posted total of 197.
The Bulls charged out with 35 points in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, as they closed out the Warriors 110-88. The Bulls covered the 7.5-point spread, but the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 224.
John Salmons led the way with 23 points and nine rebounds. Brad Miller added 19 points in that win.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 29-35 SU, 35-27-2 ATS
Chicago: 28-34 SU, 30-31-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Golden State, Saturday, March 7
Chicago at Miami, Monday, March 9
Washington Wizards vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Wizards were defeated 88-83 by the Thunder last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs. That game's 171 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.
Antawn Jamison led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Spurs were defeated 107-102 by the Mavericks last time out, as 3-point road underdogs. The 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.
Tony Parker dropped a game-high 37 points with four rebounds and four assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 14-47 SU, 22-37-2 ATS
San Antonio: 40-20 SU, 30-28-2 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 9-1
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington's last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Washington at Dallas, Saturday, March 7
San Antonio home to Phoenix, Sunday, March 8
Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets
Steve Nash had 29 points with five rebounds and 10 assists in the Suns 135-129 loss to the Heat on Wednesday, as 3-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 225.
Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Richardson each had 22 points in that loss.
The Rockets were defeated 101-94 by the Jazz last time out, as 8.5-point road underdogs. That game's 195 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Deron Williams led the Rockets with 26 points, while dishing out 14 assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 34-27 SU, 24-36-1 ATS
Houston: 39-23 SU, 30-31-1 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
Phoenix is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Phoenix at San Antonio, Sunday, March 8
Houston home to Memphis, Sunday, March 8
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Randy Foye scored 19 points for Minnesota in its 118-94 loss to Golden State on Tuesday night.
Golden State cashed as 1-point road favorites as the game played under the 229-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Kobe Bryant dropped 31 points to lead the Lakers past the Grizzlies 99-89 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles failed to cover as 15.5-point home favorites as the game played under the 207-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 18-42 SU, 26-33-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 49-12 SU, 30-30-1 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 2-8
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Portland are 8-2
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Minnesota is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
LA Lakers are 14-3 SU in their last 17 games
Next up:
Minnesota at Portland, Saturday, March 7
LA Lakers at Portland, Monday, March 9
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
The Nuggets got out to a 14 point lead as they finished off the Trail Blazers 106-90 on Thursday. The Nuggets covered the 7.5-point spread, while the 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.
Carmelo Anthony led the way with a game-high 38 points, and J.R.Smith added 17 in the win.
The Jazz snuck out a 101-94 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday. The Jazz failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, while the 195 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Ron Artest led the the way with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Yao Ming added 19 points in the win.
Current streak:
Utah has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 40-22 SU, 34-27-1 ATS
Utah: 38-23 SU, 33-28 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing Portland are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games when playing on the road against Utah
Denver is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Utah
Denver is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver at Sacramento, Sunday, March 8
Utah at Toronto, Sunday, March 8
NEW JERSEY (27 - 34) at ORLANDO (44 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 22-41 ATS (-23.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 29-19 ATS (+8.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
ORLANDO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
ORLANDO is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 6-3 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA (34 - 27) at CHARLOTTE (26 - 35)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 7-4 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-5 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (32 - 28) at TORONTO (23 - 39)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 60-80 ATS (-28.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
TORONTO is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE (21 - 40) at DETROIT (30 - 29)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (48 - 12) at BOSTON (48 - 14)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 51-79 ATS (-35.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 100-69 ATS (+24.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 79-59 ATS (+14.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-34 ATS (+12.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Friday nights this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-84 ATS (-34.4 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 39-69 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 11-4 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-8 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (34 - 27) at HOUSTON (39 - 23)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 35-17 ATS (+16.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 61-95 ATS (-43.5 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (14 - 47) at SAN ANTONIO (40 - 20)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (29 - 35) at CHICAGO (28 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 207-264 ATS (-83.4 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 45-65 ATS (-26.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 8-23 ATS (-17.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (40 - 22) at UTAH (38 - 23)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 103-143 ATS (-54.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
UTAH is 50-28 ATS (+19.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 113-82 ATS (+22.8 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (18 - 42) at LA LAKERS (49 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 96-123 ATS (-39.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 49-64 ATS (-21.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-55 ATS (-30.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 45-30 ATS (+12.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
LA LAKERS are 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Tips and Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
Cavs: Cleveland became the first team to clinch a playoff berth on Wednesday with a 91-73 rout of the Bucks while Boston followed soon thereafter. The Cavs have surpassed the Celtics as the best defensive team in the NBA this year, allowing 90.3 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting. “We got one goal,” Cleveland star LeBron James said. “That’s to win an NBA championship.” The Cavs may have helped their chances by bringing back free-agent big man Joe Smith earlier in the week. “It’s a great thing for us,” Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said. "We’ll have a big who can shoot, play good defense, a great teammate who knows the system. I expect him to fit right in.”
Cavs are 22-5 ATS in their last 27 games vs. Atlantic Division.
The UNDER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (leg) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 89 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Celtics (-2, O/U 184): The defending NBA champs will be without All-Star forward Kevin Garnett for the seventh straight game, which could be the difference in what has become the best rivalry in the Eastern Conference. The home team has won the last 14 meetings between them, but Garnett's absence could turn the tide by ending that streak. “I think you have to play a team in the playoffs to get a better rivalry, like us with Cleveland,” Boston head coach Doc Rivers said. “I think that’s what starts it,” the coach added. “You see a team every night, seven times, the next time you see them in the next regular season, you can’t love each other anymore.”
Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Boston's last 16 Friday games.
Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 91
Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz
Nuggets: Denver stayed in first place in the Northwest Division with a 106-90 rout of Portland on Thursday. The Nuggets had lost five of seven games but got a game-high 38 points from Carmelo Anthony, who returned from a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of Sunday's loss at Indiana. “I wanted to be aggressive tonight with a must-win after the two losses,” Anthony said. “After everything that was going on, it was good to come out and have a good game tonight. I was feeling it since this morning. I wanted this game so bad tonight.”
Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The OVER is 3-1 in Denver's last 4 road games.
Key Injuries - F Kenyon Martin (back) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 98
Jazz (-9.5, O/U 210.5): Utah will be trying to win 10 in a row overall and 11 straight at home and hopes the healthy return of Carlos Boozer will help the team win the division. Boozer is coming off his best game since coming back from a knee injury, scoring 20 points and grabbing 17 rebounds in a 101-94 win over Houston on Wednesday. “My knee’s getting better and better - every day is an improvement,” Boozer said. “I’m trying to stay encouraged about it. I still can’t jump high, but that’s OK. I’m going to continue to take what they give me and figure out a way to be effective.”
Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Utah's last 7 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 112 (Side Play of the Day)
Friday NBA Report
by Andre Gomes
New Jersey @ Orlando
The Magic beat the Suns last game in a late comeback and it was the second consecutive game they did that, as they beat the Sixers in the same way. However they committed 23 turnovers against the Suns and this is a huge number for a top team. Today they will face the Nets who are coming from a disheartening loss at home against the Celtics. Somehow the Nets are playing better lately, as they are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games and they have revenge after being spanked by 84-101 in the only game against Orlando this season. Although the Magic have some matchup advantages in this game, I remember that they will play @ Boston and @ Detroit after tonight?s game and they may overlook the Nets tonight.
Atlanta @ Charlotte
The Bobcats are playing their best basketball of the season right now and they have won their last 4 games. They made an impressive performance last game against the Bulls even though they were in a bad spot (after a long road trip), they still played good defense and shared the ball. They will play tonight against the Hawks, who are coming from a loss in New York against the Knicks. The Knicks deserved to win because they played harder then the Hawks, maybe it was a wake up call for the Hawks, as they really need to bring more effort to the court if they want to win on the road. For this game, the Bobcats have triple revenge, as they lost all the previous 3 matchups against the Hawks and usually this is a great spot to back the Bobcats, as they are playing great lately and playing at home while having revenge is always the spot we want to make a play, however there is the question of the matchup and this issue favors clearly the Hawks. I think that the Bobcats are the little poor version of the Hawks' team and maybe that's why they are 0-3 against them this season.
Miami @ Toronto
The Raptors need badly to win if they want to make a late push into the playoff hunt. They lost all their three games in the last road trip although those matches were against good teams (Phoenix, Dallas and Houston) and now return home in a bad mood. Today they will face Miami who is coming from a big home win against the Suns. Dwayne Wade is playing as well as we have ever seen and the Heat may have a shot to grab the home court advantage in the playoffs. However since the trade between them and the Raptors (Jermaine O'Neal and Moon) the Heat are yet to win consecutive games, as they are 4-4 in those games. I expect a great effort from the Raptors tonight, but down the stretch can they hold a red hot Dwayne Wade? Note that the Raptors are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Cleveland @ Boston
In the Celtics' 115-111 win Wednesday night, the Nets scored more points in regulation than any other Boston opponent this season. The Celtics have surrendered 99 or more points in four of the last six games. And their defense will receive an even tougher test when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. The Celtics are having some problems to fare well without Garnett. They are 2-2 L4 games and their defense isn't playing at their usual high note. This is perfectly normal taking in account if we get that the actual best defensive player of the year is been out. The Cavs meanwhile bounced back from a humiliating defeat suffered in Houston and won the last 4 games. This can be a statement game for them however they are yet to defeat the Celtics and the Magic on the road. The weirdest thing of this series is that the home team won the last 14 games! Having such spread in here it is the same to guess who will win tonight.
Milwaukee @ Chicago
These two teams are fighting for the last spot of the Eastern conference playoff picture, so we might consider this game as a big game. Note that this game is the final game of the series and the Bulls are leading 2-1, so a possible Bulls win today would give them the advantage in a tiebreaker scenario. The Bucks lost consecutive games and the although they lost by 22 points against the Cavs last game, it was a normal loss considering the way the Cavs are playing at home, so naturally I expect a better performance by them tonight, as the Bulls aren't a consistent team right now. They were spanked on the road in Charlotte, but bounced back against the Warriors in their last game, but then again, can they be consistent in consecutive games? Remember that they are 9-19 ATS after playing a home game this season!
Phoenix @ Houston
The Rockets lost their last game in Utah against the Jazz, but they were extremely competitive, despite playing on a brutal spot (double back to back games and playing in Utah). Now they want to make a bounce back and play at home is the right place for them to bounce back, as they have won their last 10 games in the Toyota Center. Today they will face the Suns who are coming from back to back losses in Florida against Orlando and Miami. It's fun to watch these Suns playing but while they can't make some defensive stops down the stretch, it will be extremely hard for them to win on the road. They have a terrible record against teams with winning records: 8-21 ATS!
Denver @ Utah
The Nuggets bounced back with style yesterday by spanking the Blazers and gained some ground in the fight for the Division. For today the challenge is even bigger, as they will play in Utah against the Jazz a back to back game. The Jazz are the only undefeated team since the all star break and they look impressive. now that they are finally healthy. That?s why we have such large spread in here for them. This game is somehow similar of the Jazz's last game, as their opponent is playing in worst conditions than the Jazz are. The last time these two teams meet each other, the Nuggets spanked the Jazz by 20 points at home, now it?s payback time for Utah, however for the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony had a monster game last night after his suspension and he looks to be at his best level right now.
NEW JERSEY at ORLANDO
NEW JERSEY: 7-17 ATS AWAY 2nd half of the season
ORLANDO: 10-1 ATS playing with 2 days rest
ATLANTA at CHARLOTTE
ATLANTA: 48-68 ATS off an Over
CHARLOTTE: 10-2 ATS vs. division opponents
MIAMI at TORONTO
MIAMI: 11-3 ATS after allowing 105+ points
TORONTO: 3-12 ATS playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
GOLDEN STATE at DETROIT
GOLDEN STATE: 29-16 ATS off DD road loss
DETROIT: 1-10 ATS at home vs. Western Conference
CLEVELAND at BOSTON
CLEVELAND: 10-1 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
BOSTON: 16-41 ATS after a game where both teams scored 105+ points
PHOENIX at HOUSTON
PHOENIX: 3-11 ATS as a road underdog
HOUSTON: 34-19 ATS off a road loss
WASHINGTON at SAN ANTONIO
WASHINGTON: 9-19 ATS playing with same season revenge
SAN ANTONIO: 24-8 Under after a loss by 6 points or less
MILWAUKEE at CHICAGO
MILWAUKEE: 25-14 ATS after playing as underdog
CHICAGO: 8-28 ATS off a home win
DENVER at UTAH
DENVER: 10-22 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
UTAH: 11-2 ATS at home on Friday
MINNESOTA at LA LAKERS
MINNESOTA: 11-1 ATS AWAY after 5+ SU losses
LA LAKERS: 8-22 ATS in March