Game of the day: Cavaliers at Magic
By David Chan
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (-3, 188)
Beasts of the East
The Cavs and Magic were riding one and two in the East, at least for one night.
Orlando overtook Boston for second place before inexplicably losing to the Raptors at home Wednesday. Now the Magic find themselves a game back of the Celtics and six games back of the first place Cavs.
Some believe the Magic are better off staying put in third and avoiding a possible first round date with the Detroit Pistons, a team that's had their number over the years.
Head coach Stan Van Gundy thinks otherwise.
“The home court would mean a lot, but with the way we’re playing, I’m not sure our players understand that," said Van Gundy, referring to the Magic needing to finish ahead of the Celtics to lock up home court against everyone except the Cavs.
Home court at stake
Cleveland is in the driver's seat for home-court advantage throughout the NBA Playoffs, two and a half games ahead of the Lakers heading into Thursday's action.
The Cavs are having a record-setting season at home, where they had lost only once in 37 games before Thursday's hiccup to Washington. Cleveland fell 109-101 to the Wizards in a shoot out. Both teams fired over 50 percent from the field. But it was Washington's bench scoring that made the difference.
The Cavaliers have also made strides on the road, posting a 25-12 SU record to date. But one of those losses came in Orlando in late January.
LeBron James chalked that defeat up to a lack of execution.
"We missed a lot of easy shots," James told reporters. "Me personally, I missed a lot of easy shots. Some teams, if you miss shots, they can get off to a big lead. They were able to break the lead open in the third quarter."
If the Cavs want to win this game, they'll need to improve on their 38.6 percent shooting effort against the Pistons Tuesday night. They won that game despite scoring only 79 points.
Under the radar
These two teams have been among the best under bets in the league this season.
Cavs road games and Magic home games have played to the tune of a combined 30-44 over/under record.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that both previous meetings have played under the total.
The Cavs enter Friday's game in solid defensive form. Before Thursday's loss, they had held each of their last five opponents to fewer than 90 points, with those teams shooting a collective 38.9 percent from the field.
The Magic have played a much tougher brand of defense at home than they have on the road. Their opponents are averaging only 92 points per game at Amway Arena this season.
No rest for the wicked
You might think that playing on back-to-back nights would be a disadvantage for the Cavs, but the numbers tell a much different story.
Cleveland is 13-4 against the spread in the second of back-to-back games this season.
The Magic also fall into a favorable spot, 27-17 ATS when playing on one day of rest.
One other trend of note is that Orlando is 8-1 against the number in its last nine games following a straight-up loss.
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, April 3
Cleveland at Orlando (8 p.m. EDT). Two of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference meet, with Orlando having now fallen behind Boston for the No. 2 seed behind the Cavaliers.
STARS
Thursday
— J.R. Smith, Nuggets, scored 28 points and made a career-high eight 3-pointers to lead Denver to a 114-104 win over Utah.
— Caron Butler, Wizards, scored 25 points to lead Washington to a 109-101 against Cleveland that snapped the Cavaliers’ franchise-record win streak at 13.
— Andre Miller, 76ers, had 18 points and 11 assists in Philadelphia’s 105-95 victory against Milwaukee.
SIZZLING
The Denver Nuggets reached 50 wins faster than any time in their NBA history with a 114-104 victory over Utah. They won for the 10th time in 11 games and improved to 50-26. The Nuggets, who joined the league in 1976, reached the 50-win mark in consecutive seasons for the first time. With six games left, they have a shot at topping their best record, 54-28 in 1987-88.
SNAPPED
The Washington Wizards, the worst team in the East, beat Cleveland, the conference’s top team, 109-101 to snap the Cavaliers’ franchise-record 13-game winning streak. The Wizards, finally playing with the lineup it hoped to start the season with, beat Cleveland for the second time this season.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
LeBron James scored 31 points and had six assists and nine rebounds, but Cleveland lost to Washington 109-101. … A night after notching his first career triple-double, Ramon Sessions led Milwaukee with 18 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in a 105-95 loss to Philadelphia.
SHOOTING
J.R. Smith came up one 3-pointer shy of Denver’s franchise mark, hitting eight in a 114-104 victory against Utah. Michael Adams in 1991 set the Denver record for 3s in a game, and it was tied four years later by Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
STREAKS
Philadelphia won its fifth in a row against the Bucks, 105-95, including all three this season.
SLUGGISH
Utah has lost six of its last seven road games after falling at Denver 114-104.
BIG LOVE
The Minnesota Timberwolves have started a Web site promoting Kevin Love for rookie of the year. The highlight of the campaign is an infomercial style video, with Love touting “Mr. Love Miracle Glass Cleaner,” which plays off his stellar rebounding stats.
SPEAKING
“It’s still a meaningless win toward the record. But for us, it’s a real win. Because they’re trying to be the best. He’s trying to win an MVP award, so they had everything to lose, and we had everything to gain.”—Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas after Washington snapped Cleveland’s 13-game winning streak with a 109-101 victory.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers
Tim Duncan went for 21 points and 12 rebounds for San Antonio in its 96-95 loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Oklahoma City cashed as 12-point road underdogs as the game played over the 188-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Danny Granger dropped 31 points to lift the Pacers over the Bulls 107-105 on Tuesday night.
Indiana covered as 1.5-point home favorites as the teams played under the 216-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Indiana has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 48-26 SU, 36-36-2 ATS
Indiana: 32-43 SU, 38-34-3 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 10-0
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Antonio's last 13 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Indiana's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Indiana's last 13 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 10 games
Next up:
San Antonio at Cleveland, Sunday, April 5
Indiana at Oklahoma City, Sunday, April 5
Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Heat were outlasted 98-96 by the Mavericks last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. The 194 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.5.
Dwyane Wade had 23 points with three rebounds and six assists in the loss.
The Bobcats fell 111-109 to the Celtics in double OT last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 181.
Boris Diaw had 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 39-36 SU, 36-38-1 ATS
Charlotte: 34-41 SU, 46-29 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Miami is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games at home
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Miami at Washington, Saturday, April 4
Charlotte at Detroit, Sunday, April 5
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Josh Smith drained 33 points for Atlanta in its 98-85 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia covered as 3-point home favorites as the teams played under the 193-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Paul Pierce netted a game-high 32 points and the Celtics defeated the Bobcats 111-109 on Wednesday. The Celtics failed to cover the 8-point spread, while the 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 181.
Ray Allen added 22 points for the Celtics, and Rajon Rondo chipped in with 21.
Current streak:
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 43-32 SU, 41-33-1 ATS
Boston: 57-19 SU, 39-37 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
Atlanta is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Orlando, Saturday, April 4
Boston home to New Jersey, Wednesday, April 8
Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Mavericks came back in the fourth quarter to earn a 98-96 win over the Heat on Wednesday. The Mavericks failed to cover the 5.5-point spread, while the 194 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.5.
Dirk Nowitzki tossed in 30 points and grabbed six rebounds. Josh Howard added 20 points and hauled in eight rebounds in that win.
The Grizzlies were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but pulled out a 112-107 victory over the Wizards on Wednesday. The Grizzlies covered the 3-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 201.5.
Mike Conley had 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Rudy Gay tossed in a team-high 25 points in that win.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Memphis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 45-30 SU, 36-39 ATS
Memphis: 20-54 SU, 33-40-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Dallas is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing Memphis
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Memphis is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games at home
Next up:
Dallas home to Phoenix, Sunday, April 5
Memphis at Milwaukee, Saturday, April 4
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
The Cavaliers were defeated 109-101 by the Wizards last time out, as 10-point favorites on the road. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 196.5.
LeBron James netted 31 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists in a losing cause.
The Magic were upset 99-95 by the Raptors last time out, as 10-point favorites. That game's 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.
Dwight Howard tossed in a game-high 30 points and hauled down eight rebounds in a losing effort.
Team records:
Cleveland: 61-14 SU, 44-31 ATS
Orlando: 55-19 SU, 46-27-1 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Cleveland home to San Antonio, Sunday, April 5
Orlando at Atlanta, Saturday, April 4
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
LaMarcus Aldridge dropped 26 points, as the Trail Blazers cruised past the Jazz 124-105 on Tuesday night.
Portland cashed as 5.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 194-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Kevin Durant scored 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lift the Thunder past the Spurs 96-95 on Tuesday night.
Oklahoma City cashed as 12-point road underdogs as the game played over the 188-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Portland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 47-27 SU, 40-34 ATS
Oklahoma City: 21-53 SU, 42-31-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Utah are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Portland
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Houston, Sunday, April 5
Oklahoma City home to Indiana, Sunday, April 5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz
Kevin Love went for 23 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota in its 108-88 loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.
Dallas cashed as 8-point road favorites as the game played under the 200-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Mehmet Okur had a double-double for the Jazz, tossing in 14 points to go with 15 rebounds in a 114-104 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday. The Jazz were 5-point underdogs in that game, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Current streak:
Utah has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 21-54 SU, 33-40-2 ATS
Utah: 46-29 SU, 37-38 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
Before playing New Orleans are 10-0
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Minnesota's last 18 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Utah's last 10 games at home
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Denver, Sunday, April 5
Utah at New Orleans, Sunday, April 5
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
The Kings fell 143-141 to the Warriors in overtime on Wednesday, as 8.5-point road underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 238.
Kevin Martin dropped a game-high 50 points in leading the Kings.
The Suns stopped a three-game losing skid by defeating the Rockets 113-109 on Wednesday. The Suns covered the 1.5-point spread, while the 223 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 223.
Steve Nash netted 25 points and dished out 17 assists to lead the Suns. Grant Hill added 23 points, and Shaquille O'Neal chipped in with 22 points and 10 boards for a double-double.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 16-58 SU, 36-38 ATS
Phoenix: 41-34 SU, 32-42-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to Golden State, Sunday, April 5
Phoenix at Dallas, Sunday, April 5
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Rockets fell 113-109 to the Suns last time out, as 1.5-point road underdogs. That game's 223 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 223.
Ron Artest led the Rockets with 28 points, and Yao Ming added 20 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 30 points and hauled down eight rebounds to lift the Lakers to a 104-98 victory over the Bucks on Wednesday. The Lakers failed to cover the 7-point spread, but the 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.
Lamar Odom tossed in 20 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win, and Pau Gasol added 15.
Team records:
Houston: 48-27 SU, 36-38-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 59-16 SU, 37-37-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 9-1
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Houston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston home to Portland, Sunday, April 5
LA Lakers home to LA Clippers, Sunday, April 5
New Orleans Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors
The Hornets won their third straight as they defeated the Clippers 104-98 on Wednesday. The Hornets covered the 3-point spread, while the 202 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Chris Paul dropped 30 points and dished out 14 assists for the Hornets. David West chipped in with 19 points in the win.
The Warriors rallied to send the game into overtime, and then came away with a 143-141 victory over the Kings on Wednesday. The Warriors failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 238.
Monta Ellis led the Warriors with a team-high 42 points to go with nine rebounds and nine assists.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 47-27 SU, 32-40-2 ATS
Golden State: 26-49 SU, 35-39-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 9-1
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Orleans's last 11 games
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
New Orleans is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games at home
Golden State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Golden State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Utah, Sunday, April 5
Golden State at Sacramento, Sunday, April 5
MIAMI vs. CHARLOTTE
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Charlotte is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
SAN ANTONIO vs. INDIANA
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Antonio's last 13 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Indiana is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
ATLANTA vs. BOSTON
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
CLEVELAND vs. ORLANDO
Cleveland is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Orlando is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
DALLAS vs. MEMPHIS
Dallas is 17-6 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Memphis
Dallas is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 6-17-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Dallas
Memphis is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games when playing Dallas
PORTLAND vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Portland
MINNESOTA vs. UTAH
Minnesota is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
SACRAMENTO vs. PHOENIX
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
HOUSTON vs. LA LAKERS
Houston is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Houston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Lakers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Houston
NEW ORLEANS vs. GOLDEN STATE
New Orleans is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Golden State
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Hot Teams
-- Pacers won four of their last five games.
-- Bobcats won three of last four games (4-0 vs spread).
-- Celtics won seven of their last eight games.
-- Cavaliers had their 13-game win streak snapped last night. Orlando is 6-1 in its last seven games.
-- Mavericks won four of their last six games. Grizzlies won three of their last four.
-- Portland won six of its last eight games.
-- Utah won its last fifteen home games (10-5 vs spread).
-- Hornets won six of their last eight games.
-- Lakers won six of their last eight games. Rockets won five of their last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Spurs are 5-6 in last 11 games (2-7 vs spread in last nine).
-- Miami lost its last four games, three by six or less points.
-- Hawks lost three of their last four games.
-- Thunder lost five of their last seven games.
-- Minnesota won eight of its last nine games.
-- Suns lost three of their last four games. Kings lost nine of eleven.
-- Warriors lost five of their last six games.
Totals
-- Eight of last ten Indiana games stayed under the total; four of Spurs' last five games went over.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 12-4 in Oklahoma City's last sixteen games.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Last five Golden State games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-1 in Houston's last eight road games.
Back-to-Back
-- Miami is 4-1 vs spread if playing first of two straight nites on road.
-- Atlanta is 1-3 vs spread on road if they're at home the next night.
-- Cavaliers are 10-3 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Memphis is 5-1 vs spread at home if they're on road the next night.
-- Jazz are 3-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
Friday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
San Antonio vs. Indiana
Lean on the Over here as Indy can score at home, they did defeat the Magic, Lakers and Cavs all at home. They lost to San Antonio by 18 earlier this year, have revenge, with a short line and the pub heavy on SA, a lean on the over. SA comes off back to back losses to OKC and New Orleans while Indiana has won 4 of 5 SU and their last 3 at home (wash, chi and miami).
Atlanta vs. Boston
The Big Ticket will be out this game; that hasn 't stopped the Hawks from blowing on the road (article to come soon on this), Boston beat this team by 6, 3 on the road, and 1 at home, Atlanta comes off a rough loss to Philly and Cleveland on the road in their last 2 road games, I know, there is no big ticket, but lean on Boston as Atl is just dismal on the road.
Dallas vs. Memphis
Dallas leads the series 2-1 this year, but Mem beat this team by 20 at home earlier this year the last time they played. Plenty of revenge for Dallas here but Mem is playing better having beat Washington, Sacramento and GS of late. There is no line here, but I'm just staying away - note, Howard is questionable.
Portland vs. Oklahoma City
These 2 teams have split the season so far going 1-1 SU, OKC has revenge in their most recent contest losing by 14 on the road, Portland has covered 8 of 10 including beating Utah, Memphis and Phoenix at home and covering 4 of their last 5 on the road as well, OKC just beat SA on the road winning Outright, nevertheless, tough to go against a hot Portland team right now.
Cleveland vs. Orlando (ESPN)
I don't know how anyone can reasonably bet on either side here. Do you want to bet against a Cle team that comes off a loss to their nemesis (yes, nemesis, they hate Washington, from hard foul from Haywood on Lebron to Lebron and Deshawn Stevenson having words and the list goes on and on), or do you want to bet against an Orlando team that has revenge against this team from an earlier season loss and who come off a loss against Toronto themselves. no thanks.
Minnesota vs. Utah
I wouldn't be surprised if Minnesota shows up here with some revenge, but Utah comes off back to back road losses and Minny has suck lack of depth due to injuries, no thanks.
Sacramento vs. Phoenix
Sac beat this team by 8 last time with revenge, now Phoenix looks to do the same at home, Sac comes off an OT loss to GS on the road and has covered 3 straight, Phoenix just beat Houston and have revenge here, but still a huge lay for Sac as revenge or no revenge, they come off a loss and this is a rivarly and I don't see a 40 point dubbing like the last time out in Phoenix.
New Orleans vs. Golden State
The pub favors NO 2:1 here, but even though GS is banged up (see injuries at the bottom), they still got it done over the Kings at home in OT as they have so many young guns, no thanks, they have a bit of revenge as well and NO nearly lost to the Kings winning by just 1 point as I don't trust them on the road, or as a favorite.
Houston vs. L.A. Lakers (ESPN)
Rockets can beat anyone on any given day is my personal opinion, heck,they went into SA and beat the Spurs (but so did OKC), they have revenge from a 6 point home loss and a 5 point home loss, they lost at Phoenix and Utah and Lake show come home after a long road trip, but have not been all that dominant and over 70% favor the Lakers here, I actually like Houston to stay inside the number and a potential outright.
NBA Injury Updates
Boston: Garnett Out.
Dallas: Howard is Questionable.
Portland: Fernandez is Questionable.
Minnesota: Foye is Doubtful.
Sacramento: Nocioni is Questionable.
Golden State: Jackson is Questionable.
Phoenix: Barbosa is Questionable.
Hornets: West is Probable, Stojakovich is Questionable, Posey and Chandler are both OUT.
Warriors: Ellis is Probable, Wright is Questionable, Maggette, Jackson, Bellinelli and Biedrins is OUT.
MIAMI (39 - 36) at CHARLOTTE (34 - 41)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 68-87 ATS (-27.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) in April games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 46-29 ATS (+14.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 7-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 6-5 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (48 - 26) at INDIANA (32 - 43)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 143-90 ATS (+44.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
INDIANA is 192-153 ATS (+23.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
INDIANA is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
INDIANA is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 104-75 ATS (+21.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA (43 - 32) at BOSTON (57 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 106-77 ATS (+21.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 82-66 ATS (+9.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-39 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-39 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 42-32 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-8 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-6 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS (45 - 30) at MEMPHIS (20 - 54)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-5 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 10-1 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (47 - 27) at OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 53)
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-31 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
PORTLAND is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (61 - 14) at ORLANDO (55 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 35-25 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 8-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 6-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (21 - 54) at UTAH (46 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 33-41 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 56-71 ATS (-22.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-63 ATS (-32.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) on Friday nights this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-50 ATS (-21.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-5 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 8-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (16 - 58) at PHOENIX (41 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
SACRAMENTO is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 32-42 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 192-237 ATS (-68.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (47 - 27) at GOLDEN STATE (26 - 49)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 137-109 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 68-52 ATS (+10.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 69-86 ATS (-25.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-70 ATS (-33.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 7-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-5 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (48 - 27) at LA LAKERS (59 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 283-232 ATS (+27.8 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 62-28 ATS (+31.2 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
HOUSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 7-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 6-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Inside the Paint - Friday
By Chris David
Meaningless games at the end of every regular season in all professional sports happen, sometimes more often than not. The great thing about the gaming industry is that no matter who’s playing, a vested interest certainly heats up the action.
Ten games highlight Friday’s NBA card and more than half of the contests fit the above criteria, but we do have four quality battles on tap that deserve some extra attention.
Let’s take a closer look at the quartet and then delve into some extra angles as well.
Miami (39-36 SU, 35-39 ATS) at Charlotte (34-41 SU, 45-29 ATS): Even though the Heat own the better record on paper, it can be argued that the Bobcats are the superior team at this point in the season. Charlotte has won three of its last four, with the lone loss coming on Wednesday in double-overtime to Boston, 111-109. Larry Brown’s team trails Chicago by 1 ½ games for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race and are playing with a lot of confidence. Meanwhile, Miami appears to have given up on the fourth seed in the East and could wind up falling to the No. 6 seed. The Heat are 3-7 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games and the three victories came against the Bucks, Grizzlies and Pistons – nothing to write home about.
This series has been all about the home team lately, with the host capturing six straight and eight of the last 10. This will be the fourth and final installment between the Southeastern foes and Miami has won two of the first three. However, the Bobcats have covered all three of the meetings.
Charlotte has been tabbed a five-point ‘chalk’ at most books for this matchup and it’s a fair line considering the ‘Cats are the second best team in the league when it comes to ATS Rankings (45-29).
Atlanta (43-32 SU, 41-32 ATS) at Boston (57-19 SU, 39-37 ATS): The Hawks and Celtics renew their mini-rivalry tonight from Beantown and the books are expecting a tighter contest. Boston is only laying 4 1/2-points, largely due to the absence of Kevin Garnett (knee). When KG was down last month, the team went 3-10 versus the number. Boston has won seven of its last eight games and is dueling for the second seed in the East with Orlando, so these games still matter for Doc Rivers’ troops. Atlanta can only drop in its postseason positioning, currently sitting in the fourth spot in the East. The Hawks have gone 6-4 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10, but it should be noted that all four of the setbacks (Cavs, Spurs, Celtics, 76ers) came against playoff-caliber clubs.
The Celtics defeated the Hawks in seven games during the first round of the playoffs last year, with the home team winning every game in the best-of-seven battle. This season, Boston has captured the first three meetings, but only covered once. Last Monday (Mar. 27), the Celtics defeated the Hawks 99-93 as one-point road underdogs. The combined 192 points went ‘over’ the closing number of 185 ½ points.
Cleveland (61-13 SU, 44-30 ATS) at Orlando (55-19 SU, 46-27 ATS): This Eastern Conference clash should be dubbed the “Look-Ahead Battle” since both clubs were surprised in their most recent outing. Orlando had its six-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday when it lost to Toronto 99-95 as a 10-point home favorite. Even worse, Cleveland saw its franchise-record 13-game winning streak snapped last night in a road battle against Washington, 109-101. Head coach Mike Brown and the Cavs are in a back-to-back spot tonight, yet they’ve played well under those circumstances (15-2 SU and 13-4 ATS).
Even though the Cavaliers are likely to claim the top seed in the East, the Magic have played well against their counterparts. Orlando owns an impressive 7-3 SU and 9-1 ATS record against Cleveland in the last 10 meetings. Recently on Mar. 17, the Cavs rallied past the Magic for a 97-93 victory at home. The Magic wound up covering as 6 ½-point underdogs and the combined 190 points barely fell ‘under’ the closing number of 191 ½.
Something has to give in this battle considering the sick regular season trends involving each club. The Cavs have only lost back-to-back games once this year, and the Magic have never suffered back-to-back defeats at home. Oddsmakers made Orlando a short 3 ½-point favorite, while the total has been adjusted to 187. We mention that adjustment, because this is the lowest ‘over/under’ posted in the last 11 meetings between the two.
ESPN will give gamblers a chance to wager and watch at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
Houston (48-27 SU, 36-38 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (59-16 SU, 38-37 ATS): If the Rockets want to earn the label as contenders, then they’ll need to score a road win over the Lakers on Friday, which is something they haven’t been able to do this year. Houston is 0-3 both SU and ATS versus L.A., including an embarrassing 29-point (111-82) loss on Nov. 9 in California. The two clubs met recently in Houston and the Lakers captured a 102-96 win as 3 ½-point road favorites.
A lot of pundits wrote off the Rockets after All-Star Tracy McGrady (knee) went down for the season, but the club has responded with a 16-6 ledger. What’s even more surprising is that Rick Adelmen’s team has a shot to claim the second seed in the jumbled West. A win tonight would snap a two-game road losing skid for Houston and also give the team a jolt for a big two-game set at home versus Portland and Orlando.
Some believe Phil Jackson will begin to rest starters but the Purple and Gold can still catch Cleveland for the best record in the league. The Lakers just concluded a seven-game road trip, which saw the club go 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS.
Total players should note the improved play of the Lakers’ defense lately. Since Mar. 1, the Lakers have held 11 of their last 16 opponents under the century mark, and that’s produced an eye opening 13-3 ‘under’ run. The books have listed tonight’s ‘over/under’ at 196 points.
ESPN will conclude their double-header coverage at 10:30 p.m. EDT.
CD’s Bonus Hits:
# Keep an eye on the Dallas-Memphis game tonight because if the Grizzlies upset the Mavericks, then you know Phoenix should come out swinging against Sacramento at home. Plus, the Kings just handed the Suns a crucial loss last Sunday. On another note, the total (244) is easily the highest I’ve seen in the NBA in a long-time, probably ever in my gaming lifetime. Please email me if you got another game you recall.
# Utah (-13.5) has been made the heaviest favorite on the board come Friday, when Minnesota visits Salt Lake City. The Jazz have dominated teams at home this year, but are off a 114-104 road loss to Denver last night. The setback is noted because Jerry Sloan’s team is a horrendous 3-15 SU and 5-13 ATS when playing on zero days rest.
# No games on Friday’s board fit within the systems applied in our “Down the Stretch” piece but there are five scattered over Saturday and Sunday.
# In case you forgot, the NCAA Tournament finale is on Monday, which means no NBA games will be played. However, Sunday’s card features a solid 11-game slate.
vegasinsider.com
MIAMI at CHARLOTTE
MIAMI: 14-6 Over when the total is 180 and 189.5
CHARLOTTE: 11-3 ATS vs. division
SAN ANTONIO at INDIANA
SAN ANTONIO: 1-5 ATS after a loss by 3 pts or less
INDIANA: 7-0 ATS at home off division game
ATLANTA at BOSTON
ATLANTA: 21-11 ATS as an underdog
BOSTON: 2-10 ATS at home 2nd half of season
DALLAS at MEMPHIS
DALLAS: 8-2 ATS revenging SU loss as road favorite
MEMPHIS: 10-0 Under after scoring 110+ points BB games
PORTLAND at OKLAHOMA CITY
PORTLAND: 8-1 ATS off win by 20+ pts
OKLAHOMA CITY: 19-10 Under as home dog
CLEVELAND at ORLANDO
CLEVELAND: 12-0 ATS off a road loss
ORLANDO: 76-109 ATS off home loss
MINNESOTA at UTAH
MINNESOTA: 4-12 ATS on Friday nights
UTAH: 20-8 ATS at home off BB road games
SACRAMENTO at PHOENIX
SACRAMENTO: 10-2 ATS vs. division
PHOENIX: 3-11 ATS revenging SU loss as favorite
NEW ORLEANS at GOLDEN STATE
NEW ORLEANS: 13-4 Over Away vs. Pacific Division
GOLDEN STATE: 0-10 ATS off home win by 3pts or less
HOUSTON at LA LAKERS
HOUSTON: 4-13 ATS if road dog last game
LA LAKERS: 8-0 ATS at home off 3+ Unders
Tips and Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic
Cavs: Cleveland saw its franchise-record 13-game winning streak come to a grinding halt on Thursday with a shocking 109-101 road loss at Washington. The Cavs lost for the first time all season when scoring at least 100 points and fell to the worst team in the Eastern Conference for the second time this year. “Records never matter when you play the Wizards,” Cleveland star LeBron James said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in first place or who is not in first place. It’s always going to be like that every time we play them.”
Cavs are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 Friday games.
The UNDER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (shin) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 90 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Magic (-3.5, O/U 188): Orlando has won seven of the last 10 meetings with Cleveland and hopes to rebound from a bad home loss to Toronto on Wednesday. The Magic saw their six-game winning streak end with a 99-95 setback against the Raptors and realize they still have to finish strong in order to finish second in the Eastern Conference. “We’ve been taking a lot of things for granted,” Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy said. “We’ve got a real tough stretch coming up here, and if we continue to play like this, it could get real ugly. Hopefully, it will serve as a wake-up call.”
Favorite is 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-2 in Orlando's last 9 games overall.
Key Injuries - PG Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 93
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Rockets: Houston has some work to do down the stretch in hopes of securing home court in the first round of the playoffs. The Rockets are just a half-game ahead of New Orleans in fourth place in the Western Conference but can still finish as high as second if they can overtake the Spurs in the Southwest Division. They are coming off a 114-109 loss at Phoenix and need to play better defense. “We did everything we talked about not doing,” Houston head coach Rick Adelman said. “We allowed them to run the court, if they missed they got the offensive boards back. It was all the stuff we talked about that you can’t allow them to do.”
Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
The UNDER is 7-1 in Houston's last 8 road games.
Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (calf) is OUT.
F Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 95
Lakers (-5, O/U 198): LA plays five of its last seven games at home and returns to Staples Center following a 5-2 road trip. “It was a good trip,” Lakers star Kobe Bryant said even though his team has failed to cover three straight. “We had two tough games, but we bounced back from that and didn’t let those losses get past two.” They have already clinched home court throughout the Western Conference playoffs and will be trying to sweep the Rockets for the first time since the 2001-02 season.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
The UNDER is 14-3 in LA's last 17 games overall.
Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 103 (Side Play of the Day)