NBA News and Notes Monday 11/10

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Orlando Magic

The Trail Blazers scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to come back and defeat the Timberwolves 97-93 last time out. The Trail Blazers failed to cover the 8-point spread, while the 190 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.

LaMarcus Aldridge netted a team-high 24 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double, and Brandon Roy also tossed in 24 points in the win.

The Magic took over in the second quarter on Saturday, as they defeated the Wizards 106-81. The Magic covered the 9-point spread, while the 187 points went UNDER the posted total of 198.5.

Dwight Howard netted a game-high 31 points with 16 rebounds for a double-double in the win.

Current streak:
Portland has won 2 straight games.
Orlando has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Portland: 3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS
Orlando: 4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS

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

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Portland's last 13 games when playing Orlando
Portland is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games at home

Next up:
Portland at Miami, Wednesday, November 12
Orlando at Oklahoma City, Wednesday, November 12

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

The Thunder lost to Atlanta 89-85 as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (186).

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 20 points and Russell Westbrook had 15 points

Six players reached double-digit scoring on Saturday, as the Pacers defeated the Nets 98-80. The Pacers covered the 7-point spread, while the 178 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.

Danny Granger led the Pacers with 23 points and six rebounds, while Troy Murphy netted 17 points in the win.

Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Oklahoma City: 1-5 SU, 4-2 ATS
Indiana: 2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing Oklahoma City
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games at home

Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Orlando, Wednesday, November 12
Indiana at New Jersey, Wednesday, November 12

Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics

The Raptors defeated Charlotte 89-79 as a 4.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (183).

Chris Bosh scored a game-high 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for Toronto, while Andrea Bargnani added 18 points in the win.

The Celtics defeated Detroit 88-76 as a pick'em on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (185.5).

Tony Allen scored a team-high 23 points off the bench for Boston, while Ray Allen added 17 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS
Boston: 6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Toronto's last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto

Next up:
Toronto home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, November 12
Boston home to Atlanta, Wednesday, November 12

New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat

The Nets were defeated 98-80 by the Pacers last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 178 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.

Vince Carter scored a game-high 31 points in a losing effort for the Nets.

The Heat were defeated 92-82 by the Hornets last time out, as 9.5-point underdogs. The 174 points went UNDER the posted total of 192.

Dwyane Wade dropped a game-high 30 points with six rebounds and 10 assists in the loss.

Team records:
New Jersey: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Miami: 3-3 SU, 3-2-1 ATS

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

Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

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

Next up:
New Jersey home to Indiana, Wednesday, November 12
Miami home to Portland, Wednesday, November 12

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns

The Grizzlies lost to Denver 100-90 as a 9-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (198).

O.J. Mayo scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Memphis, while Rudy Gay added 16 points in the loss.

Shaquille O'Neal tossed in a game-high 29 points to lead the Suns to a 104-96 victory over the Bucks on Saturday. The Suns covered the 5.5-point spread, while the 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.

O'Neal finished with 11 rebounds for a double-double, and Amare Stoudemire added 24 points in the win.

Team records:
Memphis: 3-4 SU, 4-3 ATS
Phoenix: 5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS

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

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Phoenix is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Memphis
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Memphis

Next up:
Memphis home to New York, Wednesday, November 12
Phoenix home to Houston, Wednesday, November 12

PORTLAND (3 - 3) at ORLANDO (4 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-1 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-0 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

OKLAHOMA CITY (1 - 5) at INDIANA (2 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 178-140 ATS (+24.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

TORONTO (4 - 2) at BOSTON (6 - 1)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 3-18 ATS (-16.8 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 71-43 ATS (+23.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 65-43 ATS (+17.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
BOSTON is 29-56 ATS (-32.6 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NEW JERSEY (2 - 3) at MIAMI (3 - 3)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-3 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MEMPHIS (3 - 4) at PHOENIX (5 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 178-222 ATS (-66.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

OKLAHOMA CITY vs. INDIANA
Oklahoma City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games

PORTLAND vs. ORLANDO
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Portland is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games

NEW JERSEY vs. MIAMI
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
New Jersey is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Miami is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games

TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

MEMPHIS vs. PHOENIX
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Memphis is 3-20 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

DENVER vs. CHARLOTTE
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Charlotte is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Denver

MILWAUKEE vs. CLEVELAND
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Milwaukee is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

UTAH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games

Hot Teams
-- Magic won their last four games, covering three of them.
-- Pacers covered four of first five games, are 2-1 SU at home.
-- Toronto is off to a 4-2 start. Celtics won four in row, six of first seven games.
-- Miami is 2-0 at home, winning by 26-23 points.
-- Grizzlies are 3-0 vs spread in game following a loss. Suns won four of their last five games.

Cold Teams
-- Portland is 0-3 on road, losing by 20-11-7 points.
-- Thunder is 1-5 this season, but 3-1-1 vs spread in last five games.
-- Nets lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Five of six Orlando games stayed under the total; four of Blazers' last five games went over. .
-- Five of six Oklahoma City games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in Boston's first seven games.
-- Last five Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in first seven Memphis games.

Portland (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) at Orlando (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS)

The Magic will try to make it five straight wins when they host the Blazers in Orlando.

After losing two games to start the season, Orlando has rattled off four wins in a row (3-1 ATS), all at home. The Magic crushed Washington 106-81 as a 9½-point favorite Saturday with Dwight Howard leading the charge with 31 points and 16 rebounds.

Portland has won two in a row (1-1 ATS) after losing three of four (1-3 ATS) to begin the season. The Blazers got a combined 48 points from Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge in Saturday’s 97-93 victory over Minnesota, but they failed to cash as eight-point favorites. They are 0-3 SU and ATS on the road this season, averaging five points per game less (89.3) on the road than at home (94.3).

Orlando has won the last four meetings with the Blazers (3-1 ATS) and six of the last seven (5-1-1 ATS). The Blazers haven’t won in Orlando since 2004, going 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three visits to central Florida. Last year the Magic got a 101-94 home win as 5½-point favorites and prevailed 85-74 in Portland as a five-point chalk. The straight-up winner is 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 series clashes.

The Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last six after a non-cover but otherwise they are on ATS slides of 1-4 on the road, 3-8 after a straight-up win and 7-19 on Mondays. Orlando is on ATS streaks of 17-8-2 at home, 7-3 against the Northwest Division and 20-7-2 at home against teams with a losing road record.

Portland has topped the total in four of its last five games, but otherwise the under for the Blazers is on streaks of 8-2 on the road, 4-1 when playing with a day of rest and 10-1 after a straight-up win. The Magic have gone over the posted number in seven of their last 10 Monday games, but the team’s under streaks include 20-7 overall, 19-7 after a spread-cover, 7-2 against the Western Conference and 5-1 at home. In head-to-head meetings, the under is 9-3-1 in the last 13.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER

Toronto (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) at Boston (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS)

The Celtics shoot for their fifth straight victory when they host the Raptors inside the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.

Boston has won four straight (3-1 ATS) and six of seven to start the season and the defending champs are a perfect 3-0 in front of the home fans (but 1-2 ATS). On Sunday, the Celtics went to Detroit and throttled the Pistons 88-76, allowing just 29 first-half points in cashing as one-point road ‘dogs. The defense has been the key for Boston at home, limiting the opposition to 84.7 ppg and 37-percent shooting from the field, including 28.9 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

Toronto snapped a two-game losing streak with an 89-79 win in Charlotte on Sunday as a 4½-point favorite. The Raptors are 3-1 SU and ATS on the road this year, but dating back to last season they are just they have failed to cash in 12 of their last 16 on the highway.

Boston has won four of the last five meetings (SU and ATS) with the Raptors, but lost the most recent battle at home, 114-112 as an 8½-point favorite in January. The Celtics are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 series clashes and the straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS in those 10.

Toronto is just 3-5 ATS in its last eight overall and 2-10 ATS in its last 12 on the road against squads with a winning home record. Boston is just 5-11 ATS in its last 16 against the Eastern Conference and 1-4 ATS in its last five Monday games, but otherwise the Celtics are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 11-3 overall, 16-7 at home, 20-6-2 against teams from the Atlantic Division and 19-7-1 when playing on back-to-back nights.

For the Raptors, the under is 12-5-1 in their last 18 overall, 28-9 in their last 37 Monday games, 8-1 on the second night of a back-to-back and 12-4-1 in their last 17 against the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Boston has stayed under the total in five of its first seven games this season, 19 of its last 26 on Monday and six of its last seven on the second night of a back-to-back. Lastly, the under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Gametimepicks.com

Monday NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs

It’s the day after a long weekend and the Monday blues are in full effect. But now’s not the time to fret, especially with a Monday Night Football game on tap and five NBA contests to wager on. Cutting right to the chase here’s what the beginning of the week has in store on the hardwood.

Portland at Orlando – 7:00 p.m. EDT

Are the young Trail Blazers for real? It might be too early to tell but a 101-99 overtime win over Houston on Nov. 6 is a good way to get the ball rolling. A 2-4 ATS performance on the season is nothing to write home about, but a 4-1 record for the ‘over’ has been a bet to key on in the last five games. Portland has struggled to score in three games on the road. Shooting blindly for 89.3 PPG with a 41.2 field goal percentage away from home and hoping to improve its 38.6 rebounds per game, are all areas that need improvement for sustained winning streaks.

The Magic have embraced a four-game winning streak at home. This is a home stand that’s witnessed Orlando draining the ball for 105.3 PPG and holding opponents to scoring just 91.3 PPG. And where the Trail Blazers have flourished on the ‘over’ the Magic have gone the opposite way with a 5-1 record on the ‘under’. With its staunch defense at home (allowing opponents to shoot 43.3 percent from the field), total players could be in for another treat at the counter.

Orlando is 20-7 on the ‘under’ in its last 27 overall games with the ‘under’ taking hold of a 9-3-1 record in the last 13 head-to-head meetings between these two teams.

Toronto at Boston – 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Celtics have picked up right where they left off. With the ball in one hand and the NBA Championship Trophy in the other, Boston is a near spotless 5-1 SU this season. The Celtics' only loss came in a Nov. 1 road game in Indiana (95-79). The team’s 4-2 record on the ‘under’ is indicative of a defense holding down opponents to scoring 88.5 PPG. The low scoring output by the opposition is a reflection of a 37.2 field goal percentage in the last five games. The Celtics are 4-1 SU and in the last five matchups against the Raptors and 5-1 ATS in the last six.

The Raptors enter Monday’s contest with a 4-12 ATS record in their last 16 road games. Shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc and scoring 96.6 PPG should be indication of an offense playing in unison, but not so fast. Allowing teams to run up offensive production with 97.8 PPG has Toronto’s scoring margin sitting at minus-1.2 points. With the Raptors giving up triple-digit scoring figures in the last two games and Boston draining the ball for 100 PPG in the last three, could we be in store for an easy ‘over’ play?

The “Big Three” on Boston continue to donate to the cause, combining for 51 percent of the scoring production.

Memphis at Phoenix – 9:00 p.m. EDT

Memphis may have started the season by rotating between wins and losses (3-3 SU) but a 4-2 ATS run to the window has helped backers to build an early bank roll. The Grizzlies are coming off a 109-104 win over Golden State last Friday and will now attempt to break the choke hold that Phoenix has applied in the past. In their last 10 meetings together, Memphis has fallen eight straight times for a 2-8 SU record. Even worse for gamblers who continue to support the Grizzlies is a 1-5 ATS record in the last six head-to-head games.

Most books have set an average total of 222 points in the last seven games between these two squads. The Suns premier offensive unit has been responsible for pushing the ‘over’ on seven occasions in the last 10, outscoring Memphis 113.8 PPG to 105.2 PPG. With the lack of defense in years past and a Phoenix offense that’s currently shooting 51.9 percent from the field are we again looking at another viable total play?

Just remember that before the Grizzlies worked for two straight ‘over’ plays in the last two games, the club was on a 4-0 ‘under’ run. Off one day of rest, Memphis is a hot 3-1 ATS this season.

vegasinsider.com.

Spurs Parker will miss 4 weeks with ankle sprain
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -Tony Parker will be out about four weeks with a sprained left ankle, a critical blow to the San Antonio Spurs, who are off to their worst start in 12 years.

An MRI taken Saturday confirmed the injury to the Spurs' star guard, who was hurt during a 99-83 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday - two nights after scoring a career-high 55 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Parker was driving for a layup when he rolled his ankle.

The 26-year-old Parker was using crutches and wearing a protective boot while watching Sunday's practice. He was second in the league in scoring behind LeBron James at 27.4 points per game.

The Spurs are 1-4 and play at home against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. In 1996, they opened the season 1-5.

Parker will be replaced by either rookie George Hill or 12th-year veteran Jacques Vaughan. Hill took Parker's place against the Heat.

''You'll probably get to see George play a lot,'' Spurs president R.C. Buford said. ''We'll continue to evaluate not only our team, but the NBA market as we go along. Our guys have been encouraged with what George has done to date.''

One of the last cuts the Spurs made in the preseason was fourth-year point guard Salim Stoudamire, who has not been signed by another team.

The Spurs are also missing Manu Ginobili, who is expected to be out until December while recovering from ankle surgery. He participated in cutting and shooting drills during Sunday's practice.

''I don't think we can comment on Manu other than to say that he continues to progress as prescribed,'' Buford said.

Hill has played 35 minutes since being drafted 26th overall out of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. He played 10 minutes after Parker left Friday, missing three shots from the floor. He finished with one point, an assist and a turnover.

The 33-year-old Vaughan was inactive, though no injury was listed. He dressed but did not play Wednesday at Minnesota. He averaged 10 minutes in the Spurs' first four games this season.

Bulls Hinrich will be out up to three months
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO (AP) -Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and will miss up to three months.

Hinrich was hurt Friday night in Chicago's 100-83 victory over Phoenix.

''I'm frustrated,'' Hinrich said Saturday. ''I worked hard in the offseason. I'm still trying to figure out how long 12 weeks is going to be and, really, what I'm going to do with myself.''

Hinrich, making his first start, was injured in the third quarter trying to knock the ball away from Amare Stoudemire. The guard initially thought he hyperextended the thumb but realized it was more serious as the swelling mounted.

Even so, he didn't expect this diagnosis.

The Bulls initially called it a sprain, but an exam before Saturday night's game against Cleveland revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

''I was going home last night thinking maybe in a couple days I'd be feeling better,'' Hinrich said. ''I was kinda shocked that I find out today I had torn a ligament.''

It's the first major injury for Hinrich, who said he has never had surgery. The operation is scheduled for Tuesday.

''It's tough to swallow,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said before the Bulls played Cleveland. ''I feel bad for him. Without question, it affects the team.''

The injury creates a leadership void and leaves the Bulls without a reliable backup point guard behind No. 1 draft pick Derrick Rose.

''We're going to be real careful,'' general manager John Paxson said. ''We're looking at the (luxury) tax number. We've already talked about some things. I'm going to sit down (Sunday) and take a look at the available people out there (and) how does it work with us in the tax line.''

In his sixth season, Hinrich was averaging 8.3 points and 4.0 assists in mostly a backup role now that Rose is in the fold. The Bulls went with Thabo Sefolosha at shooting guard the first five games but he struggled, so Del Negro started Hinrich with Rose against the Suns.

On Saturday, Ben Gordon started at shooting guard and the Bulls might stick with him for at least a few games. When they drafted Rose, they envisioned him penetrating and passing out to an open Gordon on the perimeter, and they figure to get more time together now that Hinrich is hurt.

But who will back up Rose?

Larry Hughes is expected to participate in contact drills this week and will add depth to the backcourt once he returns after dislocating his right shoulder in the preseason, but he's not a point guard. Ballhandling is not a strength of Gordon or Sefolosha.

''We know Derrick's going to play those 35 to 40 minutes a night,'' general manager John Paxson said. ''It's those other minutes that you get a little bit concerned about.''

Besides Hinrich, forward Drew Gooden sat out with a sprained right ankle. He is day to day.

NBA Monday Preview
By Andre Gomes

Portland @ Orlando

After Orlando has entered the season with two horrible games, where they scored 85 and 84 points, they have bounced back and they are coming to this game with a winning streak of 4 games, all of them at home. Today they will play their last home game before going on a road trip. Howard had his best season game so far on the last game against the Wizards, with 31 pts, 16 reb and 3 blocks and it looks like the Superman is back. It's also important to say that the bench scored 35 points on that game, a new season high. The Magic have just committed 10 and 12 TO on their last two games, which are very good numbers at the beginning of the season.

Today they will face the Blazers, who are coming from a tough win against the Wolves. They won the game by 97-93 and I remember the team was losing on the last minutes of the game. Portland is still unbeatable at home, but they are 0-3 on the road this season and they will now face a team who has won 4 home games in a row, so this will be a tough challenge for them. Orlando has defeated Portland twice last season, also covering the spread in both games. However, I have to remember the Magic are inconsistent and we have on the table 7 points for this game.

Oklahoma City @ Indiana

The Thunder lost yesterday a good opportunity to win a game by not taking advantage of the terrible game the Hawks played. From the betting point of view, this team may be playing terrible, but the truth is that they have covered the 12,5 points spread at Utah and yesterday they were a 5 points dog and they lost by 85-89. We don't know very well how they do it, but they keep the result always very close. Today they will play a back to back game at Indiana and coincidently or not, their only win until now was in a back to back game.

The Pacers easily defeated the Nets at home and they showed once again how well they are in this early season. Even though the team is 2-3 SU, they are 4-1 ATS, which shows how they are performing better than it was expected. The team lost in Cleveland by allowing 40 points in the fourth quarter, but then against the Nets, they allowed just 29 points in the whole second half of the game! Danny Granger continues to be in good form and TJ Ford had an amazing game, with almost reaching a triple double: 13pts, 9reb and 9ast! The Pacers are clear favorites on this game, but the spread of 11 points scares me, not only because the Thunder have shown before that they can be close even playing badly, but also the Pacers aren't a trust worthy team when it comes to big spreads, as they are a jump shooting team and bad offensive games happen.

Toronto @ Boston

Allen Iverson wanted to show to the current champions that he had arrived to the East, but what happened was the Celtics showing why they are the champions and defending like they did yesterday, nobody can stop them. Detroit scored just 10 points during the second quarter and their big three was very well defended: Hamilton 0-7 FG, Iverson 4-11 FG, Wallace 4-17 FG. This gives us a total of 8-35 FG! Boston allowed just the Pistons to shot 34.7% FG. Today Boston will play a back to back game at home against the Raptors and this will be already their 3rd back to back game of the season. Their defense has been again the decisive factor on their success, as the Celtics have just allowed 83, 89 and 76 points on their last three games! Today they will face the Raptors, who had an identical performance yesterday.

Toronto allowed just 79 points to the Bobcats, however they won the game just on the 4th quarter, when Chris Bosh who alone outscored the Bobcats, with 30pts and 15reb. Today he will be coming to this game very confident, knowing that his matchup against Garnett will be very tough. Last season, Boston won the series by 3-1, but the Raptors won the last game of the series at Boston. The Raptors have been inconsistent in this early season, with nice performances but then suffering letdowns. Today they will need to be at their best to be competitive and betting against the Celtics right now seems to be a bad play by principle.

New Jersey @ Miami

For this game Devin Harris is questionable and he is the reason why the lines are still offline. The Nets had a good first half against Indiana, but they couldn't handle the pace on the second half and got outscored by 29-49. The team depends a lot from Carter and without the drives to the basket of Harris, it becomes hard for the Nets to be competitive.

Miami after having defeated the Spurs, lost by 11 points against the Hornets and they are now returning home, where they are unbeatable this season, with good wins against the Kings and the Sixers.Miami seems to be in a good spot for this game and it will depend from the line if the value will be on Miami or not, as D-Wade is currently at a level of a MVP player.

Memphis @ Phoenix

Shaq forgot he is 36 years old and had a monster game against the Bucks, with 29pts and 11reb, with the team bouncing back from an ugly loss at Chicago. The Suns are 5-2 right now and they have already played five games on the road. They are coming from a road trip of 4 games in the East. Even with some problems of ball handling, the Suns managed to win the games due to the amazing moment of Amare Stoudemire and today they will play at home a team who will play their 3rd game in 4 days.

The Grizzlies began their game against Denver last night very well, with their rookie Mayo scoring 20pts in the 1st quarter, but then they were slowed down in the second half by scoring just 36 points. The team in their four losses until now have never lost a game by more than 11 points and that needs to be taken in consideration for today's game, as the Suns are a large favorite in here. I remember they are coming from a tiring road trip and it will be hard for the Suns to be well at both floors of the court tonight.