NBA News and Notes Monday 1/19

Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks

The Bulls were defeated 92-87 by the Spurs last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The game's 179 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 195.

Andres Nocioni had a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

The Knicks were defeated 107-97 by the 76ers last time out, as 2-point underdogs. The game's 204 points went UNDER the posted total of 211.

Al Harrington had 26 points to go with eight rebounds in a losing effort for the Knicks.

Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Chicago: 18-23 SU, 18-23 ATS
New York: 15-24 SU, 20-19 ATS

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games on the road
Chicago is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing New York
Chicago is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New York's last 10 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 9 games at home

Next up:
Chicago home to Atlanta, Tuesday, January 20
New York home to Phoenix, Wednesday, January 21

Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Mavericks scored just 17 points in the opening quarter, but picked up their game as they went on to defeat the Jazz 115-108 on Saturday. The Mavericks covered the 5-point spread, and the team's played OVER the posted total of 200.

Dirk Nowitzki led the way with a game-high 39 points, while hauling down eight rebounds in that win.

The 76ers won their seventh straight as they defeated the Knicks 107-97 last time out. The 76ers covered the 2-point spread, while the game's 204 points went UNDER the posted total of 211.

Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 28 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Andre Miller chipped in with 27 points in the win.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 7 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 23-17 SU, 17-23 ATS
Philadelphia: 20-20 SU, 21-19 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

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

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

Next up:
Dallas at Milwaukee, Wednesday, January 21
Philadelphia home to New York, Saturday, January 24

Toronto Raptors vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Raptors lost to Phoenix 117-113 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208.5).

Anthony Parker led the Raptors with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Chris Bosh delivered 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hawks were upset 119-114 by the Warriors last time out, as 2-point favorites on the road. The combined 233 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.5.

Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 25 points, and Maurice Evans netted 21 off the bench in a losing effort.

Current streak:
Toronto has lost 5 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 16-26 SU, 16-24-2 ATS
Atlanta: 23-16 SU, 21-18 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 1-9
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Toronto's last 17 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 17 games when playing Toronto
Atlanta is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games at home

Next up:
Toronto at Detroit, Wednesday, January 21
Atlanta at Chicago, Tuesday, January 20

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets

The Nuggets were clipped 106-88 by the Magic last time out, as 1.5-point favorites. The 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 209.5.

Linas Kleiza shot 9-for-13 from the field with 26 points and five rebounds in the loss.

The Rockets snapped the Heat' two-game win streak with an 93-86 victory on Saturday. The Rockets covered the 3.5-point spread, while the 179 points fell UNDER the posted total of 186.5.

Yao Ming collected a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Rafer Alston chipped in with 22 points in the win.

Team records:
Denver: 27-14 SU, 22-18-1 ATS
Houston: 25-16 SU, 19-22 ATS

Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2

Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Denver home to Sacramento, Tuesday, January 20
Houston home to Utah, Wednesday, January 21

San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Bobcats

Tim Duncan went for 18 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double Saturday, as the Spurs got past the Bulls 92-87. The Spurs covered the 3.5-point spread, while the game's 179 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 195.

Tony Parker went for 20 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs. Matt Bonner netted 12 points with 11 boards in collecting a double-double in the win.

The Bobcats turned in a 102-97 victory over the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Bobcats won the game as 2-point underdogs., while the 199 points sailed OVER the posted total of 178.5.

Gerald Wallace led the way with 31 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double.

Current streak:
Charlotte has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 26-13 SU, 18-20-1 ATS
Charlotte: 16-24 SU, 23-17 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 2-7
After playing Portland are 1-7
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games on the road
San Antonio is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Charlotte
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
Charlotte is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Next up:
San Antonio home to Indiana, Tuesday, January 20
Charlotte home to Memphis, Wednesday, January 21

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The Timberwolves scored 32 points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 105-103 victory over the Suns on Friday, as 8-point underdogs. The 208 points fell UNDER the posted total of 215.

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.

The Clippers roared back in the fourth quarter to dig out a 101-92 upset victory over the Bucks on Saturday, as 3-point underdogs. The combined 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.

Marcus Camby had 18 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win. Brian Skinner also netted 18 points, Mardy Collins dished out 11 assists.

Team records:
Minnesota: 12-26 SU, 18-19-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 9-30 SU, 17-22 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 1-9
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Next up:
Minnesota at Utah, Tuesday, January 20
LA Clippers home to LA Lakers, Wednesday, January 21

Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Hornets

The Pacers took charge in the second quarter as they went on to defeat the spiralling Raptors 111-104 on Friday. The Pacers covered the 4.5-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 213.5.

Danny Granger led the Pacers with 23 points and five rebounds. Mike Dunleavy added 22 points, while Troy Murphy had 15 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double in the win.

The Hornets scored 24 points in the fourth quarter and came back to defeated the Pistons 91-85 on Saturday. The Hornets covered the 2.5-point spread, while the game's 176 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 176.

Chris Paul netted 23 points with five rebounds and 14 assists, and David West added 20 points in that win.

Current streak:
Indiana has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Indiana: 15-25 SU, 21-18-1 ATS
New Orleans: 24-13 SU, 16-19-2 ATS

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 9 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games at home
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of New Orleans's last 23 games when playing Indiana

Next up:
Indiana at San Antonio, Tuesday, January 20
New Orleans home to New Jersey, Wednesday, January 21

Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors

The Wizards rallied with 26 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Knicks 96-89 last time out. The Wizards covered the 3.5-point spread, while the 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 209.

Antawn Jamison led the way with 28 points and eight rebounds. Mike James added 19 points in the win.

Corey Maggette went for a double-double with 24 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Warriors in a 119-114 win over the Hawks on Friday, as 2-point underdogs. The combined 233 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.5.

Jamal Crawford netted a game-high 29 points, while Stephen Jackson added 24 in the win.

Team records:
Washington: 8-31 SU, 16-23 ATS
Golden State: 12-29 SU, 18-23 ATS

Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 1-9

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 15 games
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games
Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Washington

Next up:
Washington at Sacramento, Wednesday, January 21
Golden State home to Oklahoma City, Wednesday, January 21

Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Pistons were upended 91-85 by the Hornets last time out, as 2.5-point underdogs. The game's 176 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 176.

Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.

The Grizzlies were defeated 101-91 by the Jazz last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 192 points fell UNDER the posted total of 194.5.

Marc Gasol added 12 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.

Current streak:
Detroit has lost 5 straight games.
Memphis has lost 5 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 22-17 SU, 16-23 ATS
Memphis: 11-28 SU, 15-23-1 ATS

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 8-2
After playing New Orleans are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 4-5
After playing Utah are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games
Memphis is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

Next up:
Detroit home to Toronto, Wednesday, January 21
Memphis at Charlotte, Wednesday, January 21

Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics

The Suns defeated Toronto 117-113 as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208.5).

Amar'e Stoudemire scored a game-high 31 points for Phoenix, while Steve Nash had nine points and 18 assists.

Boston raced out to a 29-15 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back, defeating New Jersey 105-85 on Saturday afternoon.

The Celtics covered the 6.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 192.5.

Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Phoenix: 23-15 SU, 13-24-1 ATS
Boston: 33-9 SU, 22-20 ATS

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 8-2
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Next up:
Phoenix at New York, Wednesday, January 21
Boston at Miami, Wednesday, January 21

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Bucks were upset 101-92 by the Clippers on Saturday, as 3-point favorites on the road. That game's 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.

Richard Jefferson tossed in a game-high 26 points in a losing effort.

The Trail Blazers were defeated 102-97 by the Bobcats last time out, as 2-point favorites. The 199 points sailed OVER the posted total of 178.5.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points with six rebounds. Brandon Roy added 17 points and six rebounds.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 20-23 SU, 26-15-2 ATS
Portland: 24-16 SU, 19-21 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-9
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 2-6
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 Portland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Portland is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games

Next up:
Milwaukee home to Dallas, Wednesday, January 21
Portland home to Cleveland, Wednesday, January 21

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Bucks were upset 101-92 by the Clippers on Saturday, as 3-point favorites on the road. That game's 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.

Richard Jefferson tossed in a game-high 26 points in a losing effort.

The Trail Blazers were defeated 102-97 by the Bobcats last time out, as 2-point favorites. The 199 points sailed OVER the posted total of 178.5.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points with six rebounds. Brandon Roy added 17 points and six rebounds.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 20-23 SU, 26-15-2 ATS
Portland: 24-16 SU, 19-21 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-9
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 2-6
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 Portland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Portland is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games

Next up:
Milwaukee home to Dallas, Wednesday, January 21
Portland home to Cleveland, Wednesday, January 21

CHICAGO vs. NEW YORK
Chicago is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Chicago is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
New York is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chicago

DALLAS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Dallas is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas

DENVER vs. HOUSTON
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 12 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

SAN ANTONIO vs. CHARLOTTE
San Antonio is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
Charlotte is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing San Antonio
Charlotte is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Antonio

TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Toronto's last 17 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games at home

INDIANA vs. NEW ORLEANS
Indiana is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

MINNESOTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 16-7 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
LA Clippers are 7-16 SU in their last 23 games when playing Minnesota

WASHINGTON vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Golden State
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

DETROIT vs. MEMPHIS
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

PHOENIX vs. BOSTON
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Boston is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home

MILWAUKEE vs. PORTLAND
Milwaukee is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

CLEVELAND vs. LA LAKERS
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
LA Lakers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games when playing at home against Cleveland
LA Lakers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Tips and Trends

Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers

Cavs: LeBron James has had no problem getting motivated when he plays Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. James is averaging 37.3 points in the last three meetings with LA, and his team owns a five-game winning streak in the series. He totaled 41 points and nine rebounds in a 98-95 victory at Staples Center the last time the teams met nearly a year ago. However, Cleveland has dropped three of four away from home this year and begins a tough four-game West Coast road trip in LA.

Cavs are 6-1 SU & ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Cleveland's last 8 games vs. Western Conference.

Key Injuries - G Delonte West (wrist) is OUT.
C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99

Lakers (-4, O/U 202): LA head coach Phil Jackson gave his team the day off on Saturday before returning to practice on Sunday following two straight losses for the second time this season. The Lakers are battling through one of their toughest stretches of the year and will try to take advantage of a Cavs team that will be lacking depth due to injuries to Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Still, Jackson does not see any edge. "There's no advantage to home court in this situation," Jackson said. "We have to stop this bleeding right now."

Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Luke Walton (foot) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 103

Special Monday Preview
By Josh Jacobs

Running congruent to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the NBA has a full schedule of action planned. Even better is the fact that TNT will televise a triple header, beginning at 5:30 p.m. EST.

Before we take a look at what’s facing gamblers on Monday it’s worth making mention that in the last four days no real pattern or trend has emerged. From Wednesday to Saturday, favorites went a not so convincing 18-15 SU and 17-16 ATS. Total wagering witnessed the ‘under’ going 11-7-1 on Friday and Saturday. However high totals were the name of the game at mid-week with the ‘over’ registering a hot 9-2 record (on Wednesday).

The first matchup to hit the tube includes a tip-off between Detroit (22-17 straight up, 16-23 against the spread) and last place Memphis (11-28 SU, 15-23-1 ATS).

The Pistons have been unable to stop the train wreck that continues to run wild. This is a group responsible for dropping five straight games SU and ATS. While opponents like Utah and Denver are expected to give teams a run for their money, losing to Oklahoma, Indiana and Charlotte in consecutive contests seems inexcusable.

Including the recent five-game stretch of losses, Detroit is now 3-8 ATS at home and 4-6 on the road versus teams playing with a record below .500. When installed as a six to 13 ½-point favorite, the Pistons have been awful at 4-11 ATS.

So what’s the problem in the Motor City? How’s about squandering double-digit leads in the second half of games twice during a one week span (80-78 loss against Charlotte on Tuesday and 84-83 defeat in Portland last Wednesday).

On the injury front, Tayshaun Prince (groin) remains ‘day-to-day’. Richard Hamilton played through an elbow injury in the loss to New Orleans on Saturday (91-85) and will remain ‘day-to-day’.

And Allen Iverson has been a bit too quiet for the Pistons, averaging just 16 PPG in the last 15 games. This season's 17.8 PPG is almost 10 full points below his career average of 27.3 PPG recorded.

Not much can be expected from a team that’s been installed as a favorite nine times this season. The Grizzlies have and continue to suffer from an offense scoring 93.5 PPG this season (27th worst) and a defense not helping the cause by sacrificing 99.4 PPG.

Even with a ‘D’ giving up so many points, Memphis is 5-1-1 on the ‘under’ in the last seven. The club is 2-8 SU and 3-6-1 ATS in the same 10 and is 1-8 ATS in the last nine overall. Getting outrebounded in six of the last nine games is only one piece of the poor performing puzzle.

The Grizzlies’ Darrell Arthur (hamstring) was limited to five minutes of playing time in a loss to Utah (101-91) on Friday and Quinton Ross (back) has now missed two games in a row. Memphis is 1-9 SU without Darko Milicic in the lineup. The seven foot center is expected to remain in street cloths after breaking his knuckles almost two weeks ago.

The Grizzles are 13-9 on the ‘under’ at home this season and is just 2-4 ATS off two days of rest.

The underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 head-to-head meetings.

Phoenix at Boston – 8:00 p.m. EST

After taking six of seven games from Dec. 29 to Jan. 13, Phoenix (22-15 SU, 13-23 ATS) has since stumbled on a two-game losing streak. The Suns began the mini slide with an overtime loss in Denver (119-113) as a three-point ‘dog followed by a Friday defeat against Minnesota (105-103) as eight-point ‘chalk’. This was the same Timberwolves team that entered the contest with an 11-26 record.

What gamblers are facing now is a Phoenix squad who’s gone 5-16 ATS in its last 21. A 1-4 ATS record in the last five road games (and 3-8 ATS in the last 11 road trips) can be attributed to winning games by a margin of just 1.9 PPG in the last eight ATS losses.

Phoenix is 20-15 on the ‘over’ when the total has been set between 190 to 200-plus points.

It looks as though the Celtics may have turned up the heat since being plagued by a 2-7 SU and ATS slump. Boston is coming off a 105-85 win in New Jersey on Saturday, highlighted by six of its players squeezing into the box score with double-digit points.

The Celtics’ 2-4 ATS performance on the road versus teams playing above .500 is hardly impressive, while the applicable 6-5 ATS record at home versus teams with a winning record still doesn’t impress. Boston is still yet to be installed as a one to 3 ½-point favorite this season.

The difference between the Celtics who dropped those seven of nine compared to the same team which has snatched up four straight wins is in the offense. During those seven defeats, Boston struggled for 88.6 PPG (and the ‘D’ was responsible for giving up 97.6 PPG).

Ray Allen was seen as struggling during the Celtics woes, averaging 14.8 PPG from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4. In the last seven games, Allen has jump started his production to 18.6 PPG.

Boston’s Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) is expected out on Monday. Coincidentally, since his departure with the injury, the Celtics have made their 4-0 run. The Celtics are 20-2 SU and 13-9 ATS at home.

Some books have already opened the Suns as eight-point underdogs in this contest. A total of 204 has been attached.

Cleveland at L.A. Lakers – 10:30 p.m. EST

Talking about being effective at home, the Lakers (31-8 SU, 18-21 ATS) lost just their third game inside Staples Center on Friday. A hot Magic team decided to rain on L.A’s parade, defeating the Lake Show, 109-103 as 4 ½-point visiting ‘dogs. More importantly, L.A. dropped its 13 ATS loss in 23 home games this season.

Defense continues to mare the success of the Lakers. Friday’s defeat marked the 20th game in which L.A. has allowed its opponents to notch triple-digit scoring figures. This is a core of players giving up 107.6 PPG this season and 109.6 PPG in the last seven (2-5 ATS).

With the lackadaisical defensive effort, L.A. is 16-7 on the ‘over’ at home (versus 9-7 on the ‘under’ on the road). Sportsbetting.com has set a total of 201 1/2 in this contest. It's worth a look as the Lakers are 17-11 ATS when a total of 200-plus points has been attached.

Beginning with a 116-105 loss against New Orleans on Jan. 6, L.A. has failed to cover the last four games at home.

What will be the impact now that 12.3 PPG scorer, Delonte West is out up to six weeks with a broken right wrist? Cleveland (31-7 SU, 27-11 ATS) has been able to move ahead, going 5-2 SU and ATS without their big man, Zydrunas Ilgauskas in the lineup. Ilgauskas has a chip fracture in his ankle.

But beware of the Cavaliers 1-3 SU and ATS stint in the last four road games. Cleveland has been outscored 93.3 to 91.8 PPG in those four. Looking like a four-point ‘dog on Monday, the Cavs are just 1-0 ATS this season (the Lakers are 2-1 as four-point favorites).

L.A. is 11-6 ATS versus teams playing with a winning record, but don’t let that fool you. While the Lake Show is a near perfect 5-1 ATS on the road versus quality opponents, a much weaker 6-5 ATS record at home doesn’t serve purpose in this spot.

Off two days of rest, L.A. is 1-2 ATS. The Lakers are coming off back-to-back losses against Orlando and Sacramento (112-111), but not before a four-game winning streak had the club jousting against Houston (105-100), Miami (108-105) and Indiana (121-119) as four, 11 and 14 ½-point favorites respectively. During that stretch, the Lakers were just 1-2 ATS.

The ‘over’ is 7-3 in the last 10 for L.A. and 4-1 in the last five. These totals have ranged from a low 195 ½ to 226.

This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Cleveland has had a 6-1 SU and ATS strangle hold on the Lakers in the last seven tip-offs. The Cavs have been installed as ‘dogs in all but three of those meetings.

Overtime

-- In another quality matchup in this special MLK Day preview, Denver (27-14 SU, 22-18-1 ATS) will square off against Houston (25-16 SU, 19-22 ATS) at 2:00 p.m. EST.

-- Bodog.com has opened the Rockets as 2 ½-point home favorites with a total of 196 ½ set.

-- Houston is only 2-6 ATS in its last eight as a home favorite even though it possess a point difference of 8.1 PPG. The real problem stems from books installing the Rockets at an average of 7.7 PPG (eight points or higher four times).

-- Coming off a 93-86 win over Miami on Saturday, Houston is a slumping 5-10 ATS off one-day of rest.

-- The Nuggets are 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in the last four, 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS in the last seven home games and have rocked the ‘over’ with a 7-3 record in the last 10.

-- Denver has punished backers by going 2-6 ATS on the road versus teams playing over .500. After a straight up loss, losing to Orlando (106-88) as 1 ½-point home favorites, the Nuggets are 8-5 ATS.

-- The Rockets own the edge in this matchup by taking a 108-96 win on Dec. 16. Houston covered the four-point spread, while the ‘over’ 201 cashed tickets. The Rockets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head games.

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Denver (27-14, 22-18-1 ATS) at Houston (25-16, 19-22 ATS)

The Rockets will try to make it seven straight wins for the home team in this budding rivalry with the Nuggets in an early afternoon affair at the Toyota Center.

The host has won six straight (5-1 ATS) in this rivalry, including both meetings this season (2-0 ATS). Denver scored a 104-94 victory back on Nov. 30 as a 3½-point home favorite and Houston returned the favor on Dec. 16 with a 108-96 victory as a four-point chalk. The Rockets have gone 8-3 ATS in the last 11 clashes, including 4-1 ATS in Texas.

The Nuggets just wrapped up a seven-game homestand with Saturday’s 106-88 loss to the streaking Magic, falling as 1½-point favorites. Denver, which went 5-2 SU and ATS on the homestand, has topped the 100-point mark just once in its last four games (1-3 ATS), and that was a 119-113 overtime win against the Suns on Thursday as three-point favorites.

Houston has won four of its last five (3-2 ATS), including Saturday’s 93-86 victory over the Heat, cashing as a 3½-point home chalk. The Rockets, who allow just 91.1 points per game at home, are 13-5 in front of the home crowd this season, but just 7-11 ATS.

The Nuggets are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games and 0-4 in their last four games as a ‘dog, but they are on positive ATS runs of 4-1 after a non-cover, 11-4 after getting a day off and 12-5 against the Southwest Division. Houston is mired in ATS ruts of 4-9 overall, 2-5 at home, 0-4 against the Western Conference and 5-10 after getting a day off this season.

Denver is on “over” streaks of 9-3 overall, 5-2 against the Southwest Division, 5-1 after a non-cover and 4-0 on the road. On the other hand, the Rockets are on under runs of 4-1 overall, 4-1 at home, 20-8 as a home favorite, 6-1 as a favorite and 4-0 when getting one day off.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Phoenix (23-15, 13-24-1 ATS) at Boston (33-9, 22-20 ATS)

The Celtics will try to make it five in a row when they welcome the Suns into TD Banknorth Garden.

After dropping four straight and seven of nine (SU and ATS) in late December and early January, Boston has won four in a row (3-1 ATS), including a home-and-home sweep of the Nets Wednesday and Saturday. In the first contest against New Jersey, the Celtics rolled to a 118-86 home win over New Jersey as 10-point favorites, then they went to Jersey on Saturday and won 105-85 as a 6½-point chalk.

Phoenix broke a two-game SU and ATS losing skid with Sunday’s 117-113 win in Toronto, pushing as a four-point favorite. The Suns are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight overall and they haven’t held a team to less than 100 points since Jan. 2, giving up 108.4 points per game in their last five.

The home team has won each of the last three meetings between these two (2-1 ATS) but just four of the last 10. Last year, the Celtics got a 117-97 victory in Boston, covering as a seven-point favorite to snap a five-game Suns winning streak (3-2 ATS) in this series. The road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, with Phoenix sporting a 5-1 ATS mark in its last six visits to Beantown.

The Suns are on a host of negative ATS trends that include 8-21-1 overall, 3-8-1 on the road, 1-5-1 as a road ‘dog, 1-6-1 as an underdog anywhere, 0-4-1 against the Eastern Conference and 0-4 on Monday. Boston is on ATS slides of 1-5 against the Western Conference and 1-6 on Mondays, but the Celtics are on positive ATS streaks of 10-3 at home, 9-3 against the Pacific Division and 7-3 as a home favorite of five to 10½ points.

The Suns are in the midst of “over” streaks that include 15-7 overall, 8-1 on the road, 13-3 as a road ‘dog, 7-2 on the second night of a back-to-back and 27-11 against the Eastern Conference. Boston has topped the total in six of its last seven at home, but otherwise the Celtics are on “under” runs of 9-4 overall, 18-7-1 on Mondays, 10-1-1 against the Western Conference and 6-2 after getting a day off. Finally, the over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings between these squads, including 6-1 in Boston.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER

Cleveland (31-7, 27-11 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (31-8, 18-21 ATS)

It’s a battle of NBA heavyweights at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as LeBron James brings his Cavaliers into Hollywood for a battle with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Cleveland dropped its last road outing Thursday in Chicago, falling 102-93 as a 7½-point favorite. But the Cavs were able to rebound Friday and get a 92-78 home win over the Hornets, cashing as 2½-point favorites. They have cashed in four of their last five games and have limited opponents to 92 points or less in six of their last seven.

The Lakers have dropped two in a row, losing 112-111 in San Antonio on Wednesday but cashing as three-point ‘dogs, then falling 109-103 at home to Orlando on Friday as 4½-point favorites. Los Angeles is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven overall and hasn’t held an opponent to less than 100 points in seven straight games.

The Cavaliers have rattled off five straight wins over the Lakers (4-1 ATS), including a 98-95 win as four-point underdogs in its one trip to Los Angeles a year ago. Cleveland also delivered a 114-108 road win as 7½-point underdogs in 2007, and LeBron and Co. are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.

Cleveland is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games, but otherwise the Cavs are on positive ATS trends of 37-14 overall, 10-1 against the Western Conference, 11-5 against the Pacific Division, 39-19 as a road ‘dog, 20-7 on Mondays and 6-1 when getting two days off. The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five Monday games, but they are on a plethora of negative pointspread of 0-4 at home, 6-20 against the Eastern Conference 2-12 after an non-cover, 1-6 when getting two days off, 5-16 after a straight-up loss and 6-13 at home against a team with a winning road mark.

For the Cavs, the under is on streaks of 5-2 on the road, 6-2 against the Western Conference, 4-1 as a road ‘dog, 5-1 on Monday and 6-1 after a spread-cover. Los Angeles is on over streaks of 4-1 overall, 16-6 at home, 6-2 on two days of rest, 12-5 against the Eastern Conference and 22-9 after a straight-up loss. However, the under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in this series.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND

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