NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, Nov. 24
San Antonio at Memphis (8 p.m. EST). The Spurs have won four of their last five games to improve to 6-6. Memphis (4-9) has lost two straight.
STARS
Sunday
— Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 24 points and tied a season high with six assists as Los Angeles improved the NBA’s best record to 11-1 with a 118-109 victory over Sacramento.
— Elton Brand, 76ers, had 23 points and 12 rebounds as Philadelphia moved above .500 for the first time this season with an 89-81 victory over Golden State.
— Randy Foye, Timberwolves, had 23 points and a career-high 14 assists to lead Minnesota over the Detroit Pistons, 106-80, for its first road victory of the season.
— Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets. Martin scored a season-high 26 points, making all 10 shots from the field, and Anthony had 21 points, 13 rebounds and a season-high eight assists in Denver’s 114-101 victory over Chicago.
SURGING
The Boston Celtics have won five straight and 11 of their last 12 after beating the Toronto Raptors 118-103 on Sunday. … The Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth in a row since their only loss with a 118-108 victory over Sacramento. … The Denver Nuggets’ 114-101 victory over Chicago was their fifth consecutive home victory.
SLUMPING
Detroit’s starting guards were a combined 5-for-22 from the field in a 106-80 loss to Minnesota. Allen Iverson was 3-for-11 for nine points and Richard Hamilton was 2-of-11 for seven points. Top reserve Rodney Stuckey missed all five of his shots.
STICKING AROUND
Antonio McDyess is coming back to play for Detroit. “After long deliberation Antonio has decided that he will return to the Pistons,” Andy Miller, McDyess’ agent, informed The Associated Press via text message Sunday night. Detroit dealt McDyess, Chauncey Billups and project Cheikh Samb to Denver for Allen Iverson on Nov. 3. The cost-cutting Nuggets waived McDyess a week later and he has to wait until 30 days have passed since the trade to rejoin the Pistons.
SPEAKING
“I stunk up the gym tonight. I couldn’t do anything right on the offensive end. It was one of the nights you wish you never have, but they happen. It will be tough to sleep tonight.”—Allen Iverson, after scoring nine points on 3-of-11 shooting in Detroit’s 106-80 home loss to Minnesota on Sunday.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The 76ers defeated Golden State 89-81 as a 6.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208).
Elton Brand scored 23 points to go along with 12 rebounds for Philadelphia, while Andre Iguodala added 15 points in the win.
The Bobcats were defeated 79-74 by the Bucks last time out, as 2.5-point favorites. That game's 153 points fell UNDER the posted total of 180.
Emeka Okafor had a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds for the Bobcats.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS
Charlotte: 3-9 SU, 6-6 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 7-3
After a win are 3-7
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-7
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 14 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Charlotte's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games at home
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Orlando, Wednesday, November 26
Charlotte at Toronto, Wednesday, November 26
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Bucks won their second straight as they got past the Bobcats 79-74 last time out, as 2.5-point underdogs. The 153 points fell UNDER the posted total of 180.
Andrew Bogut had 12 points and hauled down 17 rebounds for a double-double in that win.
The Magic lost to a streaking Rockets team by a final score of 100-95 last time out. The Magic had been favored by 2-points in that contest, while the 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Jameer Nelson shot 7-for-16 from the field with 21 points, and Rashard Lewis had 18 in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 7-8 SU, 10-4-1 ATS
Orlando: 9-4 SU, 6-6-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Milwaukee is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at Atlanta, Wednesday, November 26
Orlando at Philadelphia, Wednesday, November 26
Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat
The Rockets won their fourth game in five outings with a 100-95 victory over the Magic last time out, as 2-point road underdogs. The 195 points made it OVER that game's posted total of 185.
Yao Ming tossed in a game-high 22 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double to lead the way.
The Heat dominated the fourth quarter to earn a 109-100 victory over the Pacers on Saturday. The Heat covered the 5.5-point spread, and the 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 197.5.
Dwyane Wade dropped a game-high 38 points with four rebounds and eight assists to lead the Heat, and Shawn Marion had 18 in the win.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 9-5 SU, 7-7 ATS
Miami: 7-6 SU, 6-6-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Indiana are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Houston
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
Houston home to Indiana, Wednesday, November 26
Miami at Portland, Wednesday, November 26
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Spurs dominated the second half and earned a 119-94 victory over the Jazz on Friday. The Spurs covered the 4.5-point spread, while the 213 points sailed OVER the posted total of 174.
Roger Mason led the Spurs with a game-high 29 points, and George Hill chipped in with 23 points in the win.
The Grizzlies lost 103-94 to the Jazz last time out, as 3-point favorites at home. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 187.5.
O.J. Mayo netted a game-high 23 points for Memphis, and Rudy Gay had 21 in the loss.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS
Memphis: 4-9 SU, 6-7 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing Utah are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games
San Antonio is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Memphis
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Chicago, Wednesday, November 26
Memphis at Utah, Wednesday, November 26
Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz
The Bulls lost to Denver 114-101 as a 9-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208).
Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 28 points and Drew Gooden had 21 points and seven rebounds.
The Jazz were in tough all night at managed to pull off a 103-94 victory over the Grizzlies last time out. The Jazz won the game as a 3-point underdog, while the 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 187.5.
Ronnie Brewer tossed in 21 points, and Mehmet Okur had a game-high 23 points in the win.
Team records:
Chicago: 6-8 SU, 8-6 ATS
Utah: 9-5 SU, 7-7 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 10-0
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Utah
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Chicago at San Antonio, Wednesday, November 26
Utah home to Memphis, Wednesday, November 26
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Kings lost to the Lakers 118-108 as a 16-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (209).
John Salmons led the Kings with 24 points, while Bobby Brown had 21 points and seven assists.
Brandon Roy netted a game-high 26 points in the Trail Blazers' 102-92 loss to the Suns on Saturday, as 5.5-point road underdogs. The 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 198.
Steve Blake added 22 points in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 5-10 SU, 8-7 ATS
Portland: 8-6 SU, 8-6 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Portland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to New Jersey, Wednesday, November 26
Portland home to Miami, Wednesday, November 26
New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Hornets won their second straight over the Thunder with a 109-97 victory on Saturday. The Hornets failed to cover the 15.5-point spread, and the 206 points sailed OVER the posted total of 190.5.
Chris Paul was outstanding with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists for a triple-double in that win.
The Clippers lost 112-95 to the Nets last time out, as 3.5-point road underdogs. The 207 points sailed OVER the posted total of 190.5.
Baron Davis tossed in a game-high 30 points with 10 assists for the Clippers.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 7-5 SU, 3-8-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 2-11 SU, 3-10 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Denver are 2-8
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing New Orleans
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans at Denver, Thursday, November 27
LA Clippers home to Denver, Wednesday, November 26
PHILADELPHIA (7 - 6) at CHARLOTTE (3 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (7 - 8) at ORLANDO (9 - 4)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 5-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (9 - 5) at MIAMI (7 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 56-43 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 270-217 ATS (+31.3 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 57-35 ATS (+18.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
HOUSTON is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 39-54 ATS (-20.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 33-57 ATS (-29.7 Units) in home games in November games since 1996.
MIAMI is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 3-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (6 - 6) at MEMPHIS (4 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 99-68 ATS (+24.2 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 4-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (6 - 8) at UTAH (9 - 5)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 2-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (5 - 10) at PORTLAND (8 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE vs. ORLANDO
Milwaukee is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHARLOTTE
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
HOUSTON vs. MIAMI
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Miami is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Houston
SAN ANTONIO vs. MEMPHIS
San Antonio is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Memphis is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Memphis's last 25 games when playing San Antonio
CHICAGO vs. UTAH
Chicago is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Utah is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
SACRAMENTO vs. PORTLAND
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Sacramento is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
NEW ORLEANS vs. LA CLIPPERS
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
GOLDEN STATE vs. WASHINGTON
Golden State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Golden State is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State
Washington is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Golden State
Hot Teams
-- 76ers won five of their last six games.
-- Bucks are 9-1-1 vs spread in their last eleven games. Magic won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Rockets won four of their last five games.
-- Spurs won four of their last five games.
-- Portland is 4-0 at home, winning by 1-2-4-42 points.
-- Hornets won last two games, but covered just two of last nine.
Cold Teams
-- Bobcats lost four in row, six of last seven games.
-- Miami is 1-5 vs spread in the game following a win.
-- Grizzlies lost six of their last seven games.
-- Bulls are 0-7 on the road (3-4 vs spread). Jazz lost four of their last five games.
-- Kings lost last five games, by 2-2-15-21-10 points.
-- Clippers lost 11 of their first 13 games.
Totals
-- Under is 10-1-1 in Charlotte games this season.
-- Seven of last ten Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Houston games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Memphis games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Chicago games went over the total.
-- Last three Sacramento games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Clipper games went over the total; seven of the last nine Hornet games stayed under.
Chicago (6-8, 8-6 ATS) at Utah (9-5, 7-7 ATS)
The Jazz will try to stay perfect at home when they welcome the Bulls to EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Utah is 6-0 (4-2 ATS) in front of the home fans, outscoring visitors by an average of 10 points per contest (103-93) and outshooting them by five percentage points (49.4 to 44.4). The Jazz come into this contest having won and covered three of their last four, including Saturday’s 103-94 victory in Memphis, cashing as 3½-point favorites.
Chicago comes in on the second night of back-to-back games after falling in Denver on Sunday 114-101, failing to cash as an 8½-point underdog. The Bulls have lost three of four (2-2 ATS) on their current seven-game road trip that will make stops in San Antonio and Philadelphia after tonight. Chicago is 1-5 (3-3 ATS) on the road this season, as defense has gotten torched for 106.8 ppg and 46.3 percent shooting.
The SU winner has cashed in each of Utah’s last nine contests, and the winner is 12-2 ATS in Chicago’s 14 games this year.
The home team has won six of the last seven meetings between these two (3-4 ATS) including both games last season. The Bulls cashed in both outings, though, including as 12-point ‘dogs in last February’s 97-87 setback in Salt Lake City. The Bulls are 6-3 ATS in the last nine meetings and the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10.
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last seven against the Western Conference and 4-1 ATS in its last five Monday games, but they are on ATS slides of 2-5 on the second night of a back-to-back and 1-5 on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Jazz are on ATS runs of 43-18-2 at home and 16-5-1 on Mondays.
For the Bulls, the over is on stretches of 16-8-2 on the road, 7-3-1 on the second night of a back-to-back and 6-2-2 on Mondays. Utah is on over streaks of 6-0 overall, 4-0 at home, 4-1 against the Central Division and 4-0 when the Jazz get a day of rest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH and OVER
Gametimepicks.com
NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By Indiancowboy
Philly vs. Charlotte
I know Charlotte stinks, but Vegas is obviously betting on them getting fired up and winning at home as they have done occasionally at home, such as the Utah game for example. Hence 90% are riding Philly on the road here. Richardson will be out for this game once again and Jordan of course is on the hot seat and putting others on the hot seat as well as this team has started the year 3-9. Philly did lose to Minny on the road so it is not impossible for this team to lose here as well with Charlotte coming off a tough loss to a much improved Bucks team. Either way, I'm staying away as obviously Vegas thinks that Charlotte will show up today, but considering they play such inconsistent basketball, no thanks.
Bucks vs. Magic
I've been reporting for quite some time how good the Bucks are. Folks, this team just blew out the Knicks at home recently and they are 7-8, one game away from .500 and frankly, that is around what the Raptors are at this point. This Bucks team is not bad at all and on their way to making the playoffs at this .500 clip. Milwaukee just beat Charlotte on the road. Now, trust me when I tell you that I would be all over the Bucks typically with the 8.5 points, but the Magic come off a home loss to the Rockets so they have incentive to bounce-back big here, I'm staying away for that reason only. However, I do think the total is likely to dip below here but that goes against my dog/over theory, so again, just staying away.
Houston @ Miami
I know the public favors Houston here 2:1 but there is good reason why, the public favored Houston when they were at Washington and they covered big time with a huge 4th quarter. Frankly, I think Houston is just too good and too much of a veteran team for the Heat here. I think Vegas should have made this line around +5.5 for Miami but instead they rolled with +3 - I think Houston likely covers here despite being the public favorite. Heck, Houston won at Phoenix as well and it is not unlikely for the Heat to lose at home as they lost to the Raptors at home when the Raps were on a bounce-back and that was with the Heat having revenge in that game.
San Antonio vs. Memphis
Well, if you are looking for the biggest public fade, than this is your game. San Antonio comes off a huge win over Utah in front of the public eye as a DD win and that was without Manu and Tony Parker as Manu is out with an ankle injury indefinitely while Parker will be out early December. Memphis comes off a tough road trip and a tough loss to Utah at home. I know it sounds nuts, but Memphis will look to rebound big after their own home DD loss to Utah. Lean on Memphis here for the big upset - probably won't make a play on it though as I don't think I have the gonads for it - but I do expect Memphis to be very competitive in this game as SA just does not score well on the road.
Chicago vs. Utah
Lord, how bad do I want to take Utah here. The Jazz come off an ugly, ugly loss to the Spurs on the road, they return home to play the Bulls. They were just -4.5 favorites and the line quickly jumped to -6.5 and rightfully so as the Jazz are on a bounce-back here. But, if you take a look at Chicago's numbers, they are not a team that has back to back losses of covers typically and they come off an ATS loss to Denver. I will force myself to stay away as well because 65% are on Utah. I wouldn't be surprised to see this game go over the posted total btw.
Sacramento vs. Portland
Wow, Portland getting some love here as an -11.5 point chalk. But, you have to see it coming. Portland is 8-6, that's better than the Spurs. Portland beat the Kings on the road by a score of 96-117 by 21 points back on November 21st. Plus, although Sacramento comes off just a 10 point loss to the Lakers and easily covered, note, that Portland comes off a 10 point loss to the Suns as they return home. Plus, remember what happened in Portland's last home game, they beat the Bulls by a score of 116-74. By the way, the Blazers have yet to lose Back to Back covers this year if I am not mistaken . Based on that alone, my lean on is on the Blazers, but Sac does have revenge from a 20 point loss at home, so that alone wants to make me stay away unfortunately.