NBA News and Notes Friday 4/2

Game Of The Day: Jazz at Lakers
By Lee Kostroki

The skinny

Utah has won eight of its 10 ten games and owns third place in the Western Conference playoff standings. As of Thursday, the Jazz are a half game behind Dallas for second place and a half game ahead of Phoenix for fourth place.

Los Angeles has won seven of its last 10 but is coming off of a 2-3 road trip. The Lakers are in first place, four games ahead of Dallas. With only six games remaining, it’s unlikely that they’ll relinquish the top spot.

The Lakers have won seven of the last nine meetings with the Jazz and two of three meetings this season.

Playoff push

Utah flattened the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night. The Jazz opened with a 40-point first quarter, continuing to a 76-point first half and rolling to a 128-104 victory at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I think our guys got off to a great start," coach Jerry Sloan told reporters. "They came out and played hard, got themselves going. Their bodies were alive. I thought they did a good job defensively, and when they did that they got some easy baskets out of it."

It’s going to take a monstrous effort if they want to continue their climb in the playoff standings. The Jazz have dropped 13 consecutive games to the Lakers at Staples Center, counting the 2008 and 2009 playoffs, and scored just six points in the fourth quarter of a 101-77 loss back on December 9.

"It's going to be tough," point guard Deron Williams told the media. "We know they're going to be hungry after the way they played the last five games. It's a good test for us."

Another slump could drop them as low as fifth in the West, meaning they could lose home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. They’ve lost four of their last six road games and own a pedestrian 19-18 record away from home this season.

Andrei Kirilenko won't return from his strained left calf until at least next week, with the Jazz announcing that Kirilenko won't travel for Friday's game. Kirilenko has missed nine of the past 11 games with the playoffs fast approaching.

In La-La Land

Los Angeles is coming off a 17-point road loss to Atlanta. It was the Lakers’ worst loss at Atlanta since suffering a 106-89 defeat December 28, 1974. It dropped them to a sputtering 22-15 road record this season. Atlanta simply outplayed the Lakers, with the Hawks faring better against them in points in the paint (44-26), in field-goal percentage (54.2 percent to 45.8 percent) and in team balance (Atlanta had seven players crack double figures while the Lakers had four). Atlanta’s bench also outscored the Lakers bench, 44-22.

The Lakers’ lack an identity without Andrew Bynum in the starting lineup and it was especially apparent in their latest game. He missed his sixth consecutive contest due to a strained left Achilles' tendon, leaving the team settling for too many outside shots and the defense leaving itself vulnerable inside (Atlanta outscored the Lakers 19-4 in second-chance points).

Many are wondering if the Lakers are “packing it in” for the rest of the regular season, having all but solidified their playoff spot. But the players insist their effort level hasn’t decreased.

"Not a good trip at all for us, it's as simple as that," Derek Fisher told the press. "There isn't anyone in our locker room offering any excuses of any kind. We're taking it as hard as we can take it and wanting to come back and figure things out. We're not panicking. We're not throwing everything away. We're really trying to turn this thing around in a way that puts us in a better position going into the playoffs. There are still no guarantees, but we'd definitely like to improve."

They’ve allowed over 100 points in three straight games and they’ll have to step up their defensive intensity against the Jazz, who boast the top shooting percentage in the NBA (49.2 percent)

"Defensively we have to step it up," forward Pau Gasol told reporters. "We can't allow teams to score 100 points on us. They're shooting the ball well. Everybody is excited to play against us. We understand that. We just can't give open looks to people. They're too good of shooters. We've got to cut down on easy looks and layups. We have to make sure we don't give them second opportunities. We have to put a lot of thought and effort into it."

Head to head

In their last meeting, the Jazz took a nine-game winning streak into their showdown with the Lakers on February 10. Kobe Bryant sat out his third straight game and his teammates responded with their third consecutive win without their injured superstar, beating Utah 96-81.

The home team is 17-8-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings and the Jazz are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Los Angeles.

Trends

Utah is 19-6-2 ATS in its last 27 games vs. Western Conference teams and 15-6-1 ATS in its last 22 road games.

Los Angeles is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight home games and 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.

Atlanta (48-26, 44-30 ATS) at Cleveland (59-16, 36-38-1 ATS)

The Cavaliers try to make it nine straight wins over the Hawks when they welcome Atlanta into Quicken Loans Arena for an Eastern Conference battle.

Atlanta has won two straight after Wednesday’s 109-92 dismantling of the Lakers at home, cashing as a 1½-point favorite, with Joe Johnson doing most of the damage with 25 points and eight rebounds. However, the Hawks have dropped three in a row on the highway, including a week ago at Philadelphia, falling 105-98 as a 5½-point chalk.

After losing in San Antonio last Friday, the Cavs have won two in a row, including Wednesday’s 101-98 home victory over the Bucks, coming up well short as 9½-point favorites. LeBron James had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead the charge, but Cleveland has failed to cash in three straight and five of its last seven.

The Cavaliers have won both meetings against Atlanta this season (1-1 ATS) after sweeping the Hawks out of the Western Conference playoffs last year (3-0-1 ATS). They have won eight straight (4-3-1 ATS) over the Hawks, but the road team is o a 3-0-1 ATS run in the series.

Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five Friday contests, but it is on several positive ATS runs, including 5-1 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 21-8-1 as a ‘dog of between five and 10½ points, 4-0 against winning teams and 5-2 after a spread-cover. Cleveland has struggled at the betting window lately, currently on ATS slides of 2-5 at home, 2-5 overall, 3-9 after a non-cover, 2-8 at home against teams with losing road records and 0-4 on Fridays.

The Hawks are on several “over” streaks, including 11-1 after a straight-up win, 13-5 overall, 4-1 on the road, 5-0 as a road ‘dogs and 4-1 against Central Division teams. On the opposite end, the Cavs have stayed below the posted total in 11 of 16 Friday games, five of seven overall, five of seven at home, six of eight after a non-cover and five of seven as favorites. In this series, the “over” has been the play in five of the last six played in Cleveland.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA

Orlando (53-22, 40-33-2 ATS) at San Antonio (45-29, 39-34-1 ATS)

The Magic try to complete a two-game Texas sweep tonight when they take on the Spurs inside the AT&T Center.

Orlando went to Dallas on Thursday and scored a 97-82 victory as a 2½-point road favorite. Dwight Howard delivered a big game with 17 points and 20 rebounds and Vince Carter added 19 points and seven boards as the Magic shot 48.6 percent from the floor. Orlando has now won three straight (1-1-1 ATS) and six of its last seven (3-3-1 ATS) overall.

San Antonio blew out the Rockets at home on Wednesday, winning 119-102 as an 11-point chalk, two days after a humiliating 90-84 loss to the lowly Nets as a seven-point road favorite. Wednesday, the Spurs got 30 points and seven assists from George Hill with Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Richard Jefferson combining for 54 points.

The Magic have won three straight in this rivalry, including a 110-84 home win back on March 17, 110-84 as seven-point favorites. Last season, they went into San Antonio and took a 105-98 victory as three-point underdogs and have cashed in three straight and five of the last eight.

Orlando is on ATS slides of 1-4-1 as a ‘dog, 0-5 on Fridays and 4-8 against Southwest Division teams, but it is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 as a road pup of up to 4½ points. The Spurs are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 as a home favorite of up to 4½ points, but they are on ATS upticks of 13-4 overall, 10-3 against Southeast Division squads, 7-2 as a favorite, 6-1 at home, 4-0 on Fridays and 7-2 after getting a day off.

The Magic have topped the posted number in four of five when playing the second night of a back-to-back, but they are on “under” runs of 36-16-1 overall, 20-7 on Fridays, 8-2 as a ‘dog, 6-0 as a road ‘dog of up to 4½ points and 36-15-1 against Western Conference teams. San Antonio has topped the total in four of five at home and six of eight on Fridays, but otherwise they’re on “under” streaks of 7-2-1 at home against teams with winning road marks, 13-6-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 37-18-2 against the Southeast Division.

Finally, in this series, the over has been the play in four of the last five clashes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Utah (50-26, 47-26-3 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (54-21, 31-41-3 ATS)

The Jazz head to the Staples Center looking to hand the Lakers their third consecutive loss and improve their positioning in the Western Conference playoff standings.

Utah has won three in a row, including Wednesday’s 128-104 rout of Golden State as a 12½-point home favorite. Carlos Boozer led the Jazz with 25 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Deron Williams finished with 19 assists. Utah has scored at least 100 points in 11 straight games (7-4 ATS) and 17 of its last 19 overall, while holding the opposition to 98 points or less in five of the last seven.

The Lakers wrapped up a five-game road trip (2-3 SU and ATS) on Wednesday in Atlanta, falling 109-92 as a 1½-point pup. Los Angeles lost the final two games of the roadie, in New Orleans (108-100 as a six-point favorite) and in Atlanta. The Lakers have struggled offensively, managing 100 points or less in five of their last six overall, averaging about nine points less than their season average of 102.3.

Los Angeles has won two of three (SU and ATS) against Utah this season, including a Feb. 10 victory in Salt Lake City, winning 96-81 as a 5½-point ‘dog. The Lakers have won five straight at home (3-2 ATS) over the Jazz, dating back to last season’s 4-1 series win (2-3 ATS) in the Western Conference playoffs. Utah is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 trips to face the Lakers as the home team carries a 17-8-1 ATS run into this contest.

The Jazz are just 1-4 ATS on the road against teams with winning home records, but they are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 41-18-3 overall, 20-9-3 after a straight-up win, 15-6-1 on the road, 19-6-2 against Western Conference teams and 10-3 as underdogs of up to 4½ points. Los Angeles has cashed in five of seven after a non-cover, but they are on several ATS skids, including 2-5 overall, 1-6-1 at home, 0-5 after a day off, 2-7-1 against Northwest Division foes and 1-4 as a chalk.

Utah has topped the total in 30 of its last 45 as a road underdog, but the “under” is on runs of 3-1-1 overall, 6-0 against winning teams and 7-2 on Fridays. Meanwhile, it’s been all “unders” for the Lakers lately, including 11-4 against the Western Conference, 13-6 as a favorite, 27-13 after a straight-up loss, 8-2 after a non-cover and 5-0 on Fridays. In this rivalry, the “under” has cashed in six straight overall, but the “over” has been the play in 12 of the last 16 in the Staples Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH

NBA RoundUp For 4/2
By Dan Bebe

Heat @ Pacers - This line is OFF. I assume because of Jermaine O'Neal, and probably because books are getting pasted by large favorites covering right now, so they don't want to bring this line out too low, then find out O'Neal is playing. Miami has clobbered Indiana all 3 times they've played this year, but Indiana has not played this well all season long. So, from a situational standpoint, there's no real edge for either team. Miami has a cake schedule the rest of the way, so they're in the driver's seat for getting a nice spot in the mid/bottom of the East. Indiana isn't really in a letdown or look-ahead because they've stunk all year, so each game is its own little challenge. I'll be curious to see where this line comes out. If the Heat are bigger than a 5 point road favorite, I'd look at Indiana; otherwise, probably pass, or maybe Heat if it's a short enough line. Both teams are playing their best basketball all season, and both teams are dominating at the defensive end, which is especially surprising for the Pacers. I happen to think Indiana's offensive-minded approach could potentially inflate the total, but Miami's numbers should yank that sucker down. This is a very tough game, but if I had to offer a lean, I'd say Miami to keep rolling on the side, and the Under on the total, although all 3 meetings this year have stayed Under, so if this number isn't drawing money on the over, we should be VERY careful.

Bucks @ Bobcats - This line is OFF. I don't actually know the injury situation here, but I do know that with a win, the Bucks can stave off the Heat's charge for 5th place in the East. I'm not sure Milwaukee and Miami care which has 5th and which has 6th, since they're playing Atlanta or Boston (and don't know which), but I definitely feel both teams want to avoid the 7th and 8th spots. That brings us to Charlotte, currently in 7th place, a couple games ahead of Toronto and a couple behind the Heat/Bucks tandem. How badly does Charlotte really want to clobber in this game? I don't know. How well do the Bucks bounce back off a very tough road loss in Cleveland in their last game? I don't know that, either, but that's really the only situational angle at play, here. These teams have played 3 times, and the home team has won all 3, so you have to lean to Charlotte on that notion, as well. When you add the situational and revenge angles together, and I think it's safe to disregard the "big picture" stuff because both teams want the win, we have to lean just slightly to the Bobcats. These teams have also played ultra low-scoring games to this point, and I'd honestly be nervous to take the under on what's sure to be a very low opening number. Let's wait and see, but there might be some value with the Over, since Charlotte has actually been scoring pretty well, and the Bucks haven't been quite as solid on defense over the last week or two.

Bulls @ Wizards - Chicago by 4 with a total of 192.5. This game is intriguing for one reason - does Chicago still care? The Bulls don't have the world's toughest schedule the rest of the way, facing the Wiz here, Charlotte twice, Milwaukee, Jersey, Boston, Cleveland, and Toronto, but that one game with Toronto could make a monster difference. Realistically, if the Bulls can pick up some huge wins over Milwaukee and Charlotte at home, they should be right in the mix for that last playoff spot in the East. I don't think this team gives up just yet, even though they're coming off a brutal loss to the Suns in their last game. They've had plenty of time to gather themselves before this one, and if you don't believe in late-season letdown spots, the Bulls are actually the better situational play. Washington is starting a homestand for the first time in over a month, really. This is the first time Washington will have more than 2 straight home games since February 22-26. I wonder how they'll respond to finally getting to settle in for a few days. I have to think that Chicago's desire is just so strong here, and even though this is a hugely public side, I lean to the Bulls - they're not giving up just yet, I don't think. Maybe with another loss and Toronto win, but they're still close enough to make this relevant. Lean to Chicago, and lean to the Under, since I just don't see Washington scoring over 85.

Rockets @ Celtics - This line is OFF. If there's one thing we need to remember, it's that Boston threw a public temper tantrum after their last game. They were not happy with the calls Kevin Durant was getting, and they are going to be aggressive and expecting fouls to be called. And they should be, as Houston is going to be severely outsized, outstrengthed (not a word, I know), and just generally outclassed by the Celtics. We saw Houston get manhandled by the Spurs, and it wasn't for lack of effort, or even for lack of shooting from the perimeter - the Rockets just don't have the horses to play defense against bigger, stronger teams right now, and they don't have the depth to compete without Kevin Martin and Shane Battier. This team was already small, then they got smaller at the trade deadline, and even smaller because of injuries. Boston should run away with this one. There is one small issue of the look-ahead to Cleveland, but Boston wants this game, as they want to get back into the #3 spot in the East, and secure themselves a first round series against whichever team between the Heat and Bucks is less hot down the stretch. Bottom line, Boston is annoyed, and they are not a team you want to mess with when they're pissed. Lean to Boston. Both teams are coming off very high scoring games, and I think Boston puts up a nice offensive night, I'm just not sure if Houston does their part. Slight lean to the Under, but I have a feeling the oddsmakers are going to peg this one properly.

Hornets @ Grizzlies - This line is OFF. I have this gut feeling that the Grizzlies used everything left in the tank in that game against the Mavericks, and still couldn't hang on. The home crowd is not going to give a hoot about this one, which, in my opinion, greatly diminishes home court edge. Also, Chris Paul is one of the select few basketball players that seems mostly impervious to playing on the road. But really, what incentive does either of these teams have to play hard? None, really. The Hornets got that sweet home win over the Lakers, then lost to the Wizards in the very next game. They don't care - they got the one piece of candy they wanted. On the Memphis side, I'm sure they'd like to end the season on a slightly positive note, but I haven't a clue if they've got anything left in the tank. Two teams that don't care? I have no lean on the side, though believe me, I'm looking for a reason to back the Hornets. On the total, with two teams that don't care, I think we might see some extended run for the young guys, which means two things - turnovers, and missed shots. The tempo is going to be quicker, but I think the ugly basketball might very well balance that out. I'd like to see how each of these teams plays now that the season is over, but if I had to take a shot in the dark, I'd say we get a little value on the Under.

Suns @ Pistons - This line is OFF. My guess is that Detroit sits a few guys, which should boost this line up to a solid 8 or 9 points. That's not an easy road cover, but if anyone can suck hard enough, it's the Pistons. This team is looking for a lotto pick, and honestly, with the way the injuries hit them, they're right in the mix for a top 3 selection. Detroit wants a big man and listening to local radio, there's some clamoring to try to get Cousins if Detroit gets a high enough picks, even though folks don't seem to trust "what's between the ears," as they say. In any case, the draft isn't important, what is important is that Rip Hamilton got a night off for no legitimate reason, and I would expect to see a different starter taking a game off every day the rest of the way. Can Phoenix defend well enough to cover what's sure to be a colossal spread? Not really, but they sure as hell can score. I guess my concern is that Detroit has been surprisingly close in a few recent games (not the most recent against the Heat), so will they play with enough pride to stay in this thing? Phoenix, with a few wins and a few losses by key Western Conference teams, could actually slide up to a pretty solid playoff spot, and they're playing good basketball. Even with a huge spread, I can't trust a team that's given up - lean to the Suns. Detroit has been trying to get out and run, and I happen to think this game hits 210, so let's see where the total comes out.

Hawks @ Cavaliers - Cleveland by 5.5 with a total of 195.5. This is a tough one. On the one hand, we're seeing Atlanta playing some of their best basketball in the last few months with two easy wins over the red-hot Pacers and Western Conference-leading Lakers, but what have they done on the road, and what have they done against Cleveland? In fact, including the playoffs, Atlanta hasn't beaten Cleveland since December of 2008, a span of 8 straight losses for the Hawks. It looks like the Cavs just have Atlanta's number, though again, that is straight up. The Hawks lost in Cleveland earlier this year in a game with this exact same spread, but covered by the hook, so it's not like they get blown out every game. Still, something about this game tells me we're getting some value on the Cavaliers side. Cleveland is coming off a game where they just barely squeaked past a highly motivated Bucks team, and seemingly in cruise control, Cleveland might not be expected to go full tilt. I happen to think Cleveland (Lebron in particular) believes in the art of intimidation, and I think we see a top-notch effort from a Cavs team looking to show that no matter what the Hawks do against the Lakers, or against the Magic at home, Cleveland is still their "daddy." Also, with Atlanta coming off that monster win over the Lakers, their value is bottoming out - they're not a good road team, they're an incredible home team, and something just tells me folks saw them at their best in the last couple games. Lean to Cavaliers, and lean to the Under, as I think points are going to require some hardcore work.

Magic @ Spurs - San Antonio by 2.5 with a total of 195.5. Well, this is a difference. Last night, Orlando crushed the Mavericks as a 2.5-point road favorite, now on the back-to-back, they're a 2.5-point underdog to the Spurs. Now, San Antonio needs this game way more than Orlando, and with the Magic playing on TNT, you know folks are going to enjoy snapping up some Magic and points, here, but given that San Antonio got murdered in Orlando just a few weeks ago in a game that wasn't even close, I struggle to see how this line isn't screaming at the public to take Orlando. I mean, for one, the Spurs were 7-point underdogs in Orlando when they were on a back-to-back, so based on those numbers, the Spurs should actually be 3-point favorites here with a normal swing. We're getting a half-point of value with San Antonio even though this game looks like it should be an easy cruising winner for Orlando. The Magic are coming off that big win in Dallas, are just 7-8 ATS in back-to-backs, but more than anything, they score a ton of points on back-to-back games, as the defense seems to relax, and they just figure they can cream teams with superior offense. Lean to the Spurs on revenge, and lean to the Over, especially because I think Orlando's low scoring game with Dallas should help move this line down a hair.

Knicks @ Warriors - This line is OFF. Monta Ellis or no, I think we get a monster effort from the Warriors here. I'm not convinced the Knicks care. They seemed to lay it all on the line in Utah, but didn't have anything left in the tank for a game in Portland, and now they have to try to play clean basketball with the Warriors scratching and clawing? The Knicks don't really have a size or skill edge on the Warriors, and try to play up-tempo themselves, but usually not as effectively as Golden State. Both teams are coming off getting blown out, so there's value on both sides from that, but I think from a motivational standpoint, the Knicks are way out West in a tough building, and the Warriors are trying their asses off to get Don Nelson that record-breaking win. I've talked about it, before - this team has not given up. They're going to get a high draft pick, but these youngsters want to be the guys to get Nellie the record, and they know that the Knicks are the perfect first victim down the stretch. I expect a strong, strong effort from the Warriors against one of the few teams in the NBA that doesn't have a size advantage on them. Quick versus quick? I'll take the home team with the better point guard - lean to Warriors. The total could be colossal, though the Knicks have been known to lay an egg from time to time on offense. I have to believe the number is going to be inflated - let's see where the total comes out and which side draws the money, then we can make a call.

Jazz @ Lakers - Lakers by 5 with a total of 205. First game home, we've seen it a thousand times. Everyone figures the Lakers are just going to roll into their own building and beat someone down, but I don't think it's going to be so easy. The Jazz are one of the toughest teams in the NBA right now, and they need these wins to secure that #2 spot in the West. You know they've got their sights set on it, too, and Utah can beat the Lakers if LA doesn't play rock solid defense. And flying cross country when there's team turmoil is not a good way to get a homestand started. Obviously, I wish the Lakers didn't get so much publicity for how bad they've been playing, since that greatly diminishes the value on the Jazz, but I still believe the Lakers need more time to get this ship turned around. Maybe 46 minutes of basketball...something tells me Kobe wins this one on a last-second shot, and everything gets better in LA. Still, that smells like a Jazz cover - lean to Utah. And defense is usually lacking in a first game back home, and I think we see well over 100 points in the first half before things slow a bit. I lean Over.

Trend Report - Friday
By Ed Meyer

Bucks at Bobcats – The Bucks are 11-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since January 26, 2010 when they have a revenge game at home next. The Bucks are 7-0 ATS (6.8 ppg) since January 18, 2010 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.

Hawks at Cavaliers – The Hawks are 0-7 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since March 28, 1996 on the road when seeking revenge for a loss in which they led by double digits at the half. The Cavaliers are 10-0 ATS (8.2 ppg) since March 18, 1999 at home after a win in which they had at least 10 fewer personal fouls than their opponent. The Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since December 02, 2009 at home with at least one day of rest after a win in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average.

Rockets at Celtics – The Rockets are 0-9 ATS (-10.4 ppg) since November 25, 2009 when facing a team they lost to as a dog in their previous same-season match-up. The Celtics are 10-0 ATS (11.1 ppg) since November 09, 2007 with at most one day of rest after a game in which they shot at least 10 percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-11.1 ppg) since May 06, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-8.1 ppg) since January 07, 2009 when they lost as a favorite in each of their last two games.

Hornets at Grizzlies – The Hornets are 0-7-1 ATS (-8.0 ppg) since January 23, 2005 on the road with at most one day of rest when their opponent is off an overtime game. The Grizzlies are 0-8 ATS (-8.4 ppg) since January 13, 2009 at home when they have lost their last three games SU and ATS.

Jazz at Lakers – The Jazz are 10-0 ATS (10.4 ppg) since December 10, 2009 when they have a revenge game at home next. The Jazz are 6-0 ATS (3.9 ppg) since March 28, 2008 after a win in which they controlled at least 60% of the available rebounds. The Lakers are 0-7 ATS (-4.1 ppg) since April 09, 2004 at home when they allowed revenge in each of their last two games.

Heat at Pacers – The Heat are 10-0 ATS (11.9 ppg) since March 18, 2008 when they have a revenge game on the road tomorrow. The Heat are 6-0 ATS (19.8 ppg) since January 15, 2010 when playing the first of back-to-back road games. The Pacers are 6-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) since January 02, 1998 with two or more days of rest after a win in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds. The Pacers are 0-6-1 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since February 11, 2009 after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

Suns at Pistons – The Suns are 8-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since May 14, 2007 on the road with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Pistons are 0-10-1 ATS (-12.1 ppg) since January 17, 2009 at home when they have lost and failed to covered their last four games. The Pistons are 0-8 ATS (-9.7 ppg) since March 10, 2010 when facing a team they lost to in their previous same-season match-up.

Magic at Spurs – The Magic are 0-4 ATS (-6.9 ppg) since December 11, 2009 when playing the second of back-to-back road games. The Spurs are 0-7 ATS (-10.4 ppg) since January 11, 2009 at home when seeking revenge for a double-digit loss.

Knicks at Warriors – The Knicks are 7-0-1 ATS (7.1 ppg) since January 04, 2008 on the road with at least one day of rest off a loss in which they never led. The Knicks are 6-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since January 12, 2009 with at least one day of rest after a game on the road in which they controlled 40% or less of the available rebounds. The Warriors are 9-0 ATS (6.3 ppg) since January 09, 2000 after a double digit road loss in which they shot at least 10 percentage points lower than their season-to-date average.

Bulls at Wizards – The Bulls are 6-0-1 ATS (6.9 ppg) since February 03, 2009 on the road when their assist-to-turnover ratio was higher than two for in each of their last two games. The Wizards are 0-6-1 ATS (-4.2 ppg) since March 03, 1999 with at most one day of rest after a win in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds. The Wizards are 0-6 ATS (-8.2 ppg) since January 22, 2009 after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

Tips and Trends

Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers

Hawks: Atlanta comes into tonight's contest more prepared than ever to beat Cleveland. Despite losing their past 8 games SU against the Cavs, the Hawks enter tonight with plenty of confidence. That's because Atlanta manhandled the Lakers in their last game 109-92 SU. The Hawks have won 7 of their past 10 games SU, including 9 straight at home. Atlanta is 48-26 SU this season, good enough for 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks have struggled of late on the road, losing their past 3 games SU, and 5 of their last 7 away from home. For the entire season, the Hawks actually have a losing record away from home, going 17-19 SU and 20-16 ATS. Atlanta is 11-7 ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Hawks are 18-10 ATS this season in the game after a double digit SU win. The Hawks scored 109 PTS against the Lakers, snapping a 4 game skid where they were held under 100 PTS. The Hawks are 8th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 102.1 PPG this season. 6 different Hawks players average 9 PTS or more this season, led by G Joe Johnson and his 21.4 PPG this year. Defensively, the Hawks have held 4 of their past 5 opponents to 98 PTS or fewer entering tonight's contest.

Hawks are 4-0 ATS last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 11-1 last 12 games following a SU win.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 98 (Side of the Day)

Cavaliers (-5.5, O/U 194.5): Cleveland will be going for their 60th SU win tonight against a team they have dominated of late. The Cavaliers are 59-16 SU, the best overall record in the NBA. Cleveland has won the past 8 meetings against the Hawks, so Cavaliers nation is confident that they will get win #60 tonight. F LeBron James scored a season high 48 PTS in their most recent game against the Hawks, a 106-101 SU victory. The Cavaliers are 33-4 SU and 16-21 at home this season. Cleveland is 30-34 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Cleveland has a 6.5 game lead for #1 seed in the Eastern Conference with only 7 games to play. Home court advantage for the Cavs will be vital considering just how dominant they've been at home this season. The Cavaliers have held 6 of their past 7 opponents under 100 PTS. Cleveland has outshot their opposition in 17 consecutive games, and for the season shoot 48.6%, the 3rd highest in the NBA. James averages a team high and NBA high 29.7 PPG this season for Cleveland.

Cavs are 2-8 ATS last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 5-2 last 7 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - F Anderson Varejao (hamstring) is questionable.
C Shaquille O'Neal (thumb) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers

Jazz: Utah is surging up the Western Conference standings, thanks to a current 8-2 SU stretch. Utah is up to 3rd in the Western Conference playoff standings, and are only 4.5 games behind their opponent today. Utah will have their work cut out today sustaining their hot streak, as they've lost the past 13 games against the Lakers in Los Angeles. Utah will need to play great defense in order to win tonight, as the Lakers have averaged 114 PPG and 51% shooting during that 13 game home winning streak against the Jazz. Utah is 50-26 SU and 47-26-3 ATS overall this season. The Jazz are 19-18 SU and 21-15-1 ATS on the road this season. The Jazz are 12-9 ATS as the listed underdog this year. Offensively, Utah has been nearly unstoppable of late. Over their past 11 games, the Jazz are averaging 110.4 PPG. The Jazz are 24-9 SU in games after they've scored at least 105 PTS. PG Deron Williams has done a superb job directing this offense, always delivering the ball in the perfect spot. Williams had a season high 19 assists in his last game. F Carlos Boozer has struggled against the Lakers this season, averaging less than 13 PPG over 3 meetings. Boozer enters tonight averaging 24.3 PTS over his past 3 games.

Jazz is 1-4 ATS last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 5-0 last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Key Injuries - F Andrei Kirilenko (calf) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 106

Lakers (-5, O/U 205): Los Angeles returns home after a very disappointing road trip that saw them go 2-3 SU. While the 2-3 record doesn't look bad, the way the Lakers lost those games does. Los Angeles is dealing with a little turmoil amongst their players so it will be interesting to see how they play in front of their fans tonight. The Lakers still have the best record in the Western Conference at 54-21 SU. The Lakers hold a 4.5 game lead over the Dallas Mavericks for homecourt advantage in the Western Conference. Speaking of homecourt, the Lakers are 32-5 SU and 15-21-1 ATS at home this season. The Lakers are 27-34 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Despite focusing on defense, the Lakers have allowed each of their past 3 opponents to score more than 100 PTS against them. The Lakers will be looking to avoid losing 3 consecutive games SU for the 2nd time this month. G Kobe Bryant is 1 of 3 players averaging more than 15 PPG for the Lakers this season. Bryant is 4th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.2 PPG this season. Bryant has gone over his average in back to back games, after being held under that average for 5 consecutive games. This -5 number the Lakers are favored by is the 3rd smallest spread the Lakers have faced at home this season.

Lakers are 4-0 ATS last 4 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 7-2 last 9 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (achilles) is out.
F Ron Artest (ankle) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 108 (OVER - Total of the Day)