NBA News and Notes Monday 1/11

NBA RoundUp For 1/10
By Dan Bebe

Celtics @ Raptors - A pick in Toronto with a total of 198. Didn't think we'd see the day when the Celtics weren't favored over the Raptors, but here we are, with Toronto playing half-decent basketball, and the Celtics are without their most ferocious weapon, Kevin Garnett. You've gotta think with the "relative marqueeness" of the two teams in this one, the Celtics are going to be garnering the vast majority of public money, especially against a team they just beat by 7, in Boston, a week ago, but this line doesn't favor the Celtics for a reason. Toronto has won 8 of 9, and covered 7 of those 9, with the only loss in there to these very same Celtics. A strong revenge angle should rear its head, and with the weird early Sunday start time up in Canada, this should be a tough spot for Boston. The Raptors finally gave up more than 103 points in their last game, a hard-fought 108-106 win over the Sixers, but these totals are much more reasonable on defense, and I think this game may feature the Celtics scoring in the mid-90's. I strongly believe Toronto wins this one by a reasonable sum, and courtesy of the Pick line, we can get a great idea of where the sharps sit, and where the public does, since it would take a lot of planning to set up a middle on a game this early. I lean Toronto, and I lean Under, since I don't think we get much fast-paced action in the early game.

Hornets @ Wizards - Hornets by 1.5 with a total of 198.5. Can New Orleans continue to win close games in this one? This isn't exactly a game they'll care about. The Hornets have won 5 straight games, though they failed to cover their last game, at home against New Jersey, and I wonder if we're going to see a couple of failed covers from the Nets now that they're through the "proving grounds", the games on the road against Utah and Oklahoma City. I'm curious to see how the motivation level is for New Orleans on this back-to-back in D.C. and Philadelphia. On the other side, you have the Wizards, who just beat the Magic fresh off the news that Gilbert is gone for as long as you can envision, courtesy of the wild, wild west locker room. I just wonder if this team is going to get the adrenaline going for a few games while they try to make a statement that they're not going belly-up without Gilbert. I like Washington's resolve in that last game, and I definitely do NOT see this game as a letdown spot for the Wizards. They're going to try to put together whatever they can right now, and the Hornets are beatable, especially here, starting a road trip to two cities they don't have any particularly strong feelings about. I lean Washington, and I lean Under, due to Washington's recent run of low-scoring games, somewhat unexpectedly low, in fact.

Heat @ Clippers - Clippers by 1.5 with a total of 193. Here's a strange matchup. Miami comes to Southern California off an outright underdog victory over the Phoenix Suns, a place that Miami generally does play pretty well. They also play well at Staples Center, barely losing to the Lakers earlier this year. Still, this is a different bird, with a surging Clippers club likely trying to build on the momentum of a win over the Lakers. I worry that this is a letdown spot for both teams, though, with both coming off impressive wins, I just can't see either team playing as well in this follow-up match. The Clippers have covered 5 straight, but this one just doesn't feel right for either team. No lean on the side. The total's an interesting bird, as the Clippers have been opening things up a bit lately. We know the Heat like to slow games down, as when they're playing defense they're at their best, but I get the feeling the Clippers somewhat mediocre defense and recent choice to start pushing the ball with a healthy lineup may lead to an Over. I know, short write-up on this game, but when I just get no feelings on the side, it's tough to elaborate. We may very well see sharps try to set up a middle, so don't be fooled if this one flips favorites to Heat by 1.5.

Nets @ Spurs - San Antonio by 14 with a total of 197. Well, Jersey got a cover in New Orleans, what's to stop them here? I'll tell you, a white-hot Spurs club playing defense and scoring. This is a scary team right now, even though they're coming off a home loss to the Mavericks. So, the question is, are the Spurs going to be angry enough to take Jersey down by 20 points, or are they going to be waiting patiently for the Lakers to come into town in a couple of days? My guess would to have to be that the Spurs are gameplanning for the Lakers already, and we're likely to see an 85% effort on this one. 14 points is just an absolute ton, and I think we see huge public money on San Antonio, so we'll keep an eye on this line. I lean Jersey, but I mean, come on, can we really play this game? Not so sure. This is a team, after all, that has gone 12-24 ATS this year, and no spread is high enough. That is, until the day you decide to play the other guys, hah. The total looks terribly high for a Nets game, but they're coming off a nice offensive game against New Orleans, and I think San Antonio allows an even faster tempo. I lean Over.

Cavs @ Blazers - Portland getting 5.5 at home with a total of 188. Uh oh, the fabled line. Road favorite of 5.5. Actually, for what it's worth, I think this one is accurate. We've seen a few that are trap lines, but after Cleveland closed favored by 4 in Denver, being favored by 1.5 more in Portland seems pretty reasonable. The Cavs come to Portland off a tough loss in Denver, a game that was seemingly much more important for the struggling Nuggets than the vastly superior Cavaliers. Interestingly, the Cavs are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, and the loss in Denver opened up a difficult road trip that will also send them to Golden State, Utah, and LA to play the Clippers. I know the Cavs are the better club, but I'm not sure I can trust them right now. That's not to say I can trust Portland. The Blazers got their typical home win over the Lakers, and I'd much prefer to see them play a low-level team in a letdown spot. Instead, we have to make a little bit of a guess as to how this extremely shorthanded team will handle two big teams in 3 days. If the past is any indication, Portland has been able to come back strong even in a potential letdown spot, as they showed in back-to-back road wins over Dallas and San Antonio in mid-December. They also played the Cavs tough in Cleveland, losing by just 5 points and covering a +10 spread on the road. That game was relatively high scoring, and went Over the posted total of 187 by 16 points. Here, interestingly, the side would seem to predict Portland doesn't play any better at home, and that's what scares me away from the typical +5.5 play. The total, though, is only 1-point higher despite the extremely high-scoring game in Cleveland. I believe oddsmakers are expecting a low-scoring game.

Bucks @ Lakers - LA by 10 with a total of 193.5. This Over is going to get killed, there is almost no question in my mind. So very rarely do you see a Lakers total this close to 190 that doesn't induce some public money on the Over, since folks, that's what the public likes best. Still, as we talked about yesterday, the public is winning some plays lately, and perhaps for the next week or two, we can't immediately eliminate particular plays just because they're square. Anyway, back to the game at hand. The Lakers return home after a stinker of a "road trip", losing to the Clippers and the Blazers, and as noted a few days back, when this team loses one game ATS, they almost always lose another. Well, now they've lost 2 straight, but they're just not the same team, defensively or offensively without Pau Gasol. Milwaukee has covered 5 straight against the Lakers despite going 1-4 SU, so do not be deterred by the fact that the Bucks look ripe for the picking. The Lakers have a road game in San Antonio coming up, but this feels more like the game where they look to build a little momentum than the look-ahead, so I don't think the Lakers will lose. I do, however, believe they will struggle to cover. They're just not scoring and defending like a team that can cover a large spread right now, because even when they put up some points, the opponents are scoring too. I lean to the Bucks, who have won 3 straight and sort of righted the ship. I also like the Under, since I think we'll see some solid defense at work in this one.

Atlanta (23-13, 24-12 ATS) at Boston (25-9, 15-19 ATS)

The Hawks and Celtics hook up for the second time in four days, with the scene shifting from Atlanta to Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden.

Atlanta knocked off the Celtics 93-85 as a 3½-point home favorite on Friday, but followed that with an ugly showing in Orlando on Saturday, losing 113-81 as a 3½-point road underdog. The Hawks have followed a six-game winning streak by losing seven of their last 11 (5-6 ATS), including 2-5 (3-4 ATS) on the road.

Point guard Rajon Rondo delivered a triple-double (23 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds) as Boston bounced back from Friday’s defeat in Atlanta with a 114-107 victory in Toronto on Sunday, cashing as a 1½-point favorite as it ended a three game road trip. The Celtics, who played seven of their last eight games on the road, have won three in a row and six of seven at home. All-Star forward Kevin Garnett has missed the last five games with a knee injury and is doubtful for this game.

The Hawks have topped Boston twice this season, including a 97-86 road upset as a nine-point underdog back on Nov. 13. Prior to that, the Celtics had won five in a row in this rivalry (3-2 ATS). The host has cashed in 10 of the last 13 series battles, with Boston going 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings at Banknorth Garden.

Atlanta is on ATS runs of 9-2 against Atlantic Division foes, 4-1-2 on Monday and 5-1 when playing after one day of rest. The Celtics have cashed in five of their last seven versus winning teams, but they’re in pointspread slumps of 3-7 at home, 1-4 when playing on back-to-back days and 0-5 on Monday.

The under is on streaks of 9-4 for the Hawks on the road, 8-2 for the Hawks on Monday, 10-3 for the Celtics against the Southeast Division, 23-9-1 for the Celtics on Monday and 19-9 for the Celtics when playing the second night of a back-to-back. Finally, 10 of the last 14 Hawks-Celtics battles in Boston have stayed low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA and UNDER

Miami (18-16, 17-17 ATS) at Denver (20-17, 21-16 ATS)

The Heat continue their five-game Western Conference road swing with their one and only visit this season to EnergySolutions Arena for a clash with the Jazz.

Miami began its trip with Friday’s 109-105 upset victory at Phoenix as a six-point underdog, then followed up with Sunday’s 94-84 loss at the Clippers as a one-point pup. The Heat are just 2-5 SU and ATS in their last seven games (1-3 SU and ATS) on the road. The SU winner has covered in 31 of Miami’s last 34 games, including the last 14 in a row.

Utah blew out the Mavericks 111-93 as a 5½-point home underdog on Saturday, cashing for the third game in a row. The Jazz are just 6-8 in their last 14 contests, but 8-6 ATS, and they’ve lost three of their last four home games both SU and ATS dating back to Dec. 14.

Miami has won four in a row and 11 of the last 12 in this rivalry, cashing in each of the last 10 contests. That includes the Heat’s 80-70 win in South Beach as a one-point home chalk on Dec. 23. Miami is 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS in its last six trips to Salt Lake City, including last year’s 93-89 win as a four-point underdog. The Heat have been a ‘dog in six of the last seven meetings with the Jazz.

Miami is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games against Western Conference foes and 4-10 ATS in its last 14 on Monday. Utah is on ATS tears of 9-3 at home, 21-8 on Monday, 9-4 against winning teams and 7-2 versus the Eastern Conference, but it has failed to cover in 19 of its last 28 against Southeast Division squads.

The Heat are on “under” rolls of 8-2 overall, 5-0 on the road and 5-0 against the Western Conference, but the over is 38-17-1 in their last 56 games against Northwest Division teams. Also, Utah has stayed low in four of its last five when playing on one day of rest. However, the over is on a 9-4 run in this rivalry (though last month’s meeting in Miami stayed low).

ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI

New Orleans Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The New Orleans Hornets and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Wachovia Center.

The Hornets defeated Washington 115-110 as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (197.5).

Chris Paul scored 26 points to go with 14 assists for New Orleans and Peja Stojakovic added 20 points in the win.

Andre Iguodala led the way with 16 points on Saturday as the 76ers picked up a 104-94 win over the Pistons.

The Pistons had been favored by 5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (192).

Current streak:
New Orleans has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
New Orleans: 19-16 SU, 17-18 ATS
Philadelphia: 11-25 SU, 15-21 ATS

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a win are 7-3

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Next up:
New Orleans home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, January 13
Philadelphia home to New York, Wednesday, January 13

Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers

The Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Raptors lost to Boston 114-107 as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (198.5).

Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Andrea Bargnani added 23 points.

Kevin Durant exploded for 40 points on Saturday night as the Thunder held on for a 108-102 win over the Pacers.

The Thunder failed to cover the 8.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (206.5).

Current streak:
Indiana has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 19-19 SU, 18-20 ATS
Indiana: 11-25 SU, 14-22 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Toronto is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
Indiana is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Indiana's last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games at home

Next up:
Toronto at New York, Friday, January 15
Indiana home to Phoenix, Wednesday, January 13

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

The Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at TD Garden.

The Magic had no trouble with the Hawks on Saturday night, cruising to a 113-81 win at home.

The Magic easily covered the 3.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (196.5).

The Celtics defeated Toronto 114-107 as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (198.5).

Rajon Rondo had a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists for Boston, while Rasheed Wallace netted 29 points in the win.

Team records:
Atlanta: 23-13 SU, 24-12 ATS
Boston: 26-9 SU, 16-19 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 9-1
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games

Next up:
Atlanta home to Washington, Wednesday, January 13
Boston at New Jersey, Wednesday, January 13

New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Ford Center.

The Rockets started out slowly but poured it on in the second half in their 105-96 win over the Knicks on Saturday night.

The Rockets managed to cover the 6-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (202.5).

Kevin Durant exploded for 40 points on Saturday night as the Thunder held on for a 108-102 win over the Pacers.

The Thunder failed to cover the 8.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (206.5).

Team records:
New York: 15-21 SU, 18-18 ATS
Oklahoma City: 20-16 SU, 21-15 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New York's last 9 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Oklahoma City is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing New York

Next up:
New York at Philadelphia, Wednesday, January 13
Oklahoma City home to San Antonio, Wednesday, January 13

Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls

The fans at United Center will be treated to a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls when they take their seats on Monday.

Andre Iguodala led the way with 16 points on Saturday as the 76ers picked up a 104-94 win over the Pistons.

The Pistons had been favored by 5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (192).

Joakim Noah had 20 points on Saturday night as the Bulls rolled to a 110-96 win over the Timberwolves.

The Bulls managed to cover the 8.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (200.5).

Current streak:
Detroit has lost 12 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 11-24 SU, 15-19-1 ATS
Chicago: 15-20 SU, 15-18-2 ATS

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 0-10

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Chicago is 9-0-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games

Next up:
Detroit at Washington, Tuesday, January 12
Chicago at Boston, Thursday, January 14

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at US Airways Center.

The Bucks lost to the Lakers 95-77 as a 9.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196.5).

Hakim Warrick led the Bucks with 14 points and Jodie Meeks had 12 points.

The Suns were torched by Dwyane Wade's 33 points, losing 109-105 to the Heat at US Airways Center Friday.

Miami covered as a 6-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 214.5-point total.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 15-19 SU, 18-16 ATS
Phoenix: 23-14 SU, 21-15-1 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee at Portland, Wednesday, January 13
Phoenix at Indiana, Wednesday, January 13

Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz

The Miami Heat and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.

The Heat lost to Clippers 94-84 as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (192).

Dwyane Wade led Miami with 24 points and Michael Beasley had 20 points.

Deron Williams scored 20 points on Saturday night as the Jazz grabbed a 111-93 win over the Mavericks.

The Mavericks had been favored by 7.5 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (196).

Team records:
Miami: 18-17 SU, 17-18 ATS
Utah: 20-17 SU, 21-16 ATS

Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Miami is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Utah
Utah is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Utah is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Utah's last 13 games when playing Miami
Utah is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

Next up:
Miami at Golden State, Wednesday, January 13
Utah home to Cleveland, Thursday, January 14

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets meet at Pepsi Center.

Joakim Noah had 20 points on Saturday night as the Bulls rolled to a 110-96 win over the Timberwolves.

The Bulls managed to cover the 8.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (200.5).

Tyreke Evans had 27 points on Saturday night as the Kings got past the Nuggets by a final score of 102-100.

The Kings managed to cover the 1.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (214).

Team records:
Minnesota: 8-30 SU, 17-20-1 ATS
Denver: 23-14 SU, 17-19-1 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6

Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Minnesota
Denver is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games at home
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games

Next up:
Minnesota at Houston, Wednesday, January 13
Denver home to Orlando, Wednesday, January 13

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Oracle Arena.

The Cavaliers defeated Portland 106-94 as a 5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (190.5).

LeBron James scored a game-high 41 points to go with 10 rebounds and eight assists for Cleveland, while Mo Williams chipped in with 16 points in the win.

The Warriors took a 108-101 win over the Kings with the help of Monta Ellis' 39 points at ORACLE Arena Friday night.

Golden State covered as a 4.5-point home favorite while the final score played UNDER the 229-point total.

Current streak:
Golden State has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Cleveland: 29-10 SU, 20-19 ATS
Golden State: 11-24 SU, 19-15-1 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Utah are 8-2
After playing Portland are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 2-8
After playing Sacramento are 8-2
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Cleveland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Golden State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games

Next up:
Cleveland at Utah, Thursday, January 14
Golden State home to Miami, Wednesday, January 13

Pay-Back
By SportsPic

The Boston Celtics will have a bad taste in their mouth when upstart Hawks visit TD Banknorth Garden on Monday. Hawks beat Celtics 97-86 on this floor back on November 1 and handed Boston a second beatin' last Friday (93-85) at Philips Arena. Got to lean with Boston this go round. Celtics are off a 114-107 momentum building win at Toronto Sunday and enter 17-0 (11-6 ATS) following an offensive outburst (>110). Meanwhile, Hawks suffering a 32-point spanking in Orlando Saturday come into this contest 1-7 (1-6-1 ATS) following a 25 or more point defeat, 1-3 ATS off a DD road loss allowing the host team to shoot =>50%. Keep in mind, Celtics are 15-5 (12-8 ATS) last twenty hosting Atlanta and that Hawks haven't been the greatest on the road the past five going 1-4 outscored 106.6 to 94.2.

Tips and Trends

Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics

Hawks: Atlanta has been very inconsistent of late, having lost 5 of their past 7 games SU. The Hawks are 9-9 SU on the road this season, having lost 4 of their past 5 road contests. Atlanta has averaged only 78 PTS over their past 2 road games. The Hawks are 11-7 ATS on the road this year, including 5-2 ATS as the listed road underdog. Arlanta averages 6 more PTS than they allow, scoring over 103 PPG while allowing 97 PPG. The Hawks are 6th in the NBA in scoring because they have 5 different players averaging double figures in PTS. Regarding the inconsistency mentioned above, this Hawks team beat the Celtics and then lost by a season worst 32 PTS the following night against the Magic. Super sub G Jamal Crawford has been cold of late, scoring 11 PTS or fewer in 3 of his past 6 games. C Al Horford is critical to the Hawks success, as Atlanta is 19-5 SU when Horford scores at least 11 PTS.

Hawks are 9-2 ATS last 11 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 9-4 last 13 road games.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 90

Celtics (-3.5, O/U 191.5): Boston has the 2nd best record in the NBA heading into tonight, but they should be plenty motivated. That's because the Celtics have lost both games SU to the Hawks this year by a combined 19 PTS. Boston is 11-4 SU and 6-9 ATS at home this season. The Celtics are also 2-2 ATS at home as a single digit favorite this season. Boston is happy to be home considering they've played 8 of their last 9 games on the road. Boston has scored at least 103 PTS in 3 of their past 4 games, with a season long average of 100.4 PPG. All 5 starters average double figures in PTS, led by F Paul Pierce and his 18 PPG. F Rasheed Wallace and PG Rajon Rondo come off performances in their last game that make the Celtics even more dangerous. Wallace had a season high 29 PTS and Rondo had a triple double. Boston only allows 93.2 PPG this year, the 2nd lowest point total in the NBA.

Celtics are 1-4 ATS last 5 games playing on no rest.
Under is 19-9 last 28 games playing on no rest.

Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (knee) is questionable.
G Marquis Daniels (wrist) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (Side of the Day)

Trend Report - Monday
By Ed Meyer

Pistons at Bulls - The Pistons are 6-0 ATS (6.8 ppg) since November 17, 2000 on the road with at most one day of rest after a home loss in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-5.3 ppg) since January 27, 2007 at home after a home win in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them.

Hawks at Celtics - The Hawks are 7-0 ATS (9.0 ppg) since April 11, 2008 on the road after a game on the road in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

Heat at Jazz - The Heat are 10-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since December 06, 2004 versus the Jazz. The Jazz are 7-0 ATS (8.1 ppg) since April 18, 2007 at home after a win in which their DPS was at least plus 15 points.

Timberwolves at Nuggets - The Timberwolves are 7-0 ATS (7.6 ppg) since December 13, 1996 after a loss against the Bulls. The Nuggets are 7-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since December 31, 2004 as a favorite when seeking revenge for a loss as a favorite in which they led by double digits. The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (8.2 ppg) since December 01, 2006 when seeking revenge for a loss as a favorite in which they allowed at least 50% shooting from the field.

Raptors at Pacers - The Raptors are 0-10-1 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since November 22, 2001 off a home loss that broke at least a three-game winning streak.

Hornets at Sixers - The Hornets are 8-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since January 21, 2006 after playing the Wizards. The Sixers are 0-6 ATS (-4.2 ppg) since March 24, 2000 at home with at most one day of rest after a double digit win in which they shot at least 55% from the field.

Bucks at Suns - The League is 14-0-1 ATS (6.1 ppg) since April 12, 2008 with no rest after a road loss in which they shot less than 35% from the field. The Bucks are 0-10-1 ATS (-6.4 ppg) since February 24, 2006 after a road loss in which they committed fewer than ten turnovers.

Knicks at Thunder - The Knicks are 6-0 ATS (11.2 ppg) since December 22, 2006 before playing the Seventysixers on the road.

Cavaliers at Warriors - The Cavaliers are 0-9 ATS (-10.2 ppg) since January 21, 1996 on the road with no rest after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The League is 0-8 ATS (-17.2 ppg) since January 22, 2007 as a road favorite with no rest after a double digit road win in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight. The Warriors are 11-0 ATS (10.1 ppg) since February 20, 2008 at home when facing a non-conference team they lost to in their first match-up of the season.The Warriors are 0-9 ATS (-9.4 ppg) since February 24, 2004 with two or more days of rest after a game at home in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line.