Phoenix (6-1, 4-3 ATS) at Philadelphia (3-3, 2-4 ATS)
The red-hot Suns conclude a five-game, seven-dayr Eastern Conference road trip with a stop in Philadelphia for a battle against on the Sixers inside the Wachovia Center.
After suffering its first loss of the season on Wednesday – 122-100 in Orlando as a 7½-point underdog – Phoenix has rebounded to upset the Celtics 107-101 on Friday as 10½-point ‘dogs and then beat the Wizards in Washington 102-90 on Sunday as two-point favorites. Going back to the end of last season, Phoenix has won nine of its last 10 games (6-4 ATS), scoring at least 100 points in all 10 contests.
Philadelphia has alternated wins and losses in its last four, losing in Detroit 88-81 as a 1½-point underdog Sunday. The Sixers’ offense has struggled lately, topping the 100-point mark just once in its last five games, with that being a 141-127 overtime win in New York on Halloween.
These teams split their two matchups last season with the home team winning and covering in each outing. Philadelphia scored a 108-91 victory as a 3½-point favorite in February and then lost in Phoenix 126-116 as a seven-point ‘dog six weeks later. The home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 clashes, with the favorite going 11-2 ATS during this stretch. Also, the Suns have covered in 10 of the last 14 overall.
Phoenix has failed to cash in seven of its last 10 Monday games, but it is 4-1 ATS in its last five against the Eastern Conference and 5-2 ATS in its last seven against teams with winning records. Philadelphia is on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 3-8 against the Western Conference, 2-8 when playing the second day of a back-to-back and 2-6 on Mondays.
The Suns have stayed under the posted total in six of its last eight road games and five of six Monday contests, but they’re also on “over” runs of 4-1 against Atlantic Division teams and 7-1 when playing the second day of a back-to-back. The Sixers are on “under” streaks of 8-3 overall, 5-1 at home and 23-8-2 on Mondays. Finally, the under is 6-3 in the last nine meetings in this rivalry, with the last three at the Wachovia Center staying low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and UNDER
Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Phoenix Suns and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The Suns defeated Washington 102-90 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (216).
Jason Richardson scored a game-high 22 points for Phoenix and Steve Nash added 11 points and 17 assists in the win.
The 76ers lost to Detroit 88-81 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (191.5).
Andre Igoudala had a game-high 24 points for Philadelphia and Marreese Speights added 15 points.
Current streak:
Phoenix has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS
Philadelphia: 3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 15 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix home to New Orleans, Wednesday, November 11
Philadelphia at New Jersey, Wednesday, November 11
Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks
The Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
The Jazz got behind early and never recovered Saturday as they were upset 104-99 by the Kings. Sportsbooks listed the Jazz as 15-point favorites in that game, while the 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Deron Williams tossed in 29 points with 15 assists in a losing effort.
The Knicks were defeated 102-87 by the Bucks last time out as a 4-point underdog. That game's 189 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 195.
David Lee had 18 points with seven rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New York has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS
New York: 1-6 SU, 1-6 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 10 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 8 games at home
Next up:
Utah at Boston, Wednesday, November 11
New York home to Atlanta, Wednesday, November 11
Toronto Raptors vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at AT&T Center.
Chris Bosh had a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the Raptors' 129-101 loss to the Mavericks on Saturday, as 7.5-point underdogs. The game's 230 points sailed OVER the posted total of 202.5.
The Spurs were defeated 96-84 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 4-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER that game's posted total of 185.5.
Richard Jefferson had 19 points and five rebounds for the Spurs in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS
San Antonio: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Portland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Toronto is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games at home
San Antonio is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
Next up:
Toronto home to Chicago, Wednesday, November 11
San Antonio home to Dallas, Wednesday, November 11
New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The New Orleans Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Hornets lost to the Lakers 104-88 as a 6.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (197.5).
Chris Paul led the Hornets with 15 points and nine assists, while Emeka Okafor had 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Clippers outlasted the Grizzlies with a hard-fought 113-110 victory on Saturday. The Clippers failed to cover the 4-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.
Chris Kaman led the way with 26 points and nine rebounds.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS
Los Angeles: 3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
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
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 8 games at home
LA Clippers are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games at home
Next up:
New Orleans at Phoenix, Wednesday, November 11
LA Clippers home to Oklahoma City, Wednesday, November 11
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors
The fans at Oracle Arena will be treated to a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors when they take their seats on Monday.
The Timberwolves lost to Portland 116-93 as a 13-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (188.5).
Nathan Jawai led the Timberwolves with 15 points and Ryan Gomes poured in 15 points.
The Warriors lost to Sacramento 120-107 as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (215.5).
Stephen Jackson led Golden State with 21 points and Corey Maggette netted 20 points.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 6 straight games.
Golden State has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 1-6 SU, 3-3-1 ATS
Golden State: 1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Portland are 2-8
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 8-2
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Minnesota's last 13 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games at home
Golden State is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Portland, Wednesday, November 11
Golden State at Indiana, Wednesday, November 11
NBA Round-Up for Mon. 11/9
by Dan Bebe
Sports Wagering
Sixers/Suns - Phoenix is on the second night of a back-to-back, again, and we're seeing an early morning pick on this one with a total of 214. Once again, the line on Phoenix is either showing a lack of respect, or oddsmakers are trying to set another trap for the public. The Sixers can't guard anything right now, and are coming home after getting trounced in an afternoon game in Detroit yesterday. Phoenix actually had the easier travel schedule, though they have been on the road for a while, and you wonder if it might start to take its toll. Let's keep an eye on how this line moves, since you KNOW the public will hop right back on the Suns, and if this line stays anywhere between the current mark (a pick), and Phoenix by 1.5, I'd say it's safe to say it's a trap line. We cannot be deterred by yesterday's Phoenix triumph that killed the books. Oddsmakers always have a reason behind setting a line where they do, and they feel like they can take some money from Suns fans on the road right now. The total of 214 is pretty low for a battle of two teams that like to run. We have seen some lower-scoring Suns games this year, and maybe...just maybe...they might be pondering a little defense. Time will tell.
Knicks/Jazz - This is another game that has the public in an uproar -- the Knicks are getting 4 points at home to the Jazz with a total of 210. The first thing that jumps out at me is how both of these teams like to run a quick offense. The second thing, though, is that the Knicks haven't been able to shoot the ball all season, and have looked like the worst team in the NBA more often than not. The Jazz have problems of their own, this year, and the source isn't quite clear. They haven't really been playing defense, and as a result, got beat on their home court by the Sacramento Kings. I have a strong lean to the Over at 210, since we really only need both teams to shoot the ball "okay" to clear 100 points at the pace, which should be pretty quick. In terms of the side, I get the feeling that most people will look at this one and remember the Jazz teams of the recent past that defended and played gritty basketball, but they're not the same this year. I don't know if Carlos Boozer is neglecting defense so he can keep his trade value high, but Jerry Sloan cannot be happy with his team's effort so far. This side looks frightening, but the sharps are due, so I'd offer a slight lean to the Knicks.
Spurs/Raptors - Spurs by 6.5 at home with a total of 202. The Raptors got spanked by the Mavericks in their last game, but it's tough to put all of that on Toronto -- Dallas shot a remarkable 63% for the GAME, and when your opponent pulls off that kind of stunt, it's just not your day. Expect Toronto to play a better game tonight, and not lose by almost 30 points. The Spurs, like the Jazz, have some issues, but they do generally start a little slowly, with some old legs needing a month to get into the swing of things. Duncan is Duncan, but Tony Parker has been hurt this year, and Manu is still trying to get his legs back. New additions are learning the defensive schemes, and in the meantime, the Spurs are playing some of their worst defense this decade. They've shot the ball much, much better at home, however, which makes me think the Over 202 is the best bet available in this game. The Raptors won't be terrible two nights in a row with all of their talent, so I think the 6.5 points is a pretty fair spread, but with Toronto's fast pace, and the Spurs defensive issues, this total will be 207.
Warriors/Wolves - Warriors are getting 7 points at home to the Timberwolves with a total of 211. This line looks way, way too high for a Warriors team that has been blown out in two consecutive games. They are a common disaster, and it's extremely difficult to see them opening up a huge lead on anyone right now. Of course, this line is going to lend itself to some money on the Wolves, and it affords us a nice opportunity to see how this line moves about. It feels exceptionally high, and we need to be careful not to get sucked into the "other" kind of trap line. These teams are both pretty bad, so it's not as though Minnesota is a lock to keep any game close. The total of 211 would befit the Warriors running style, and I have to believe we'll see a mark pretty close to this one. Minnesota's defense isn't anything to write home about, though they will try to slow things down just to disrupt the offense. The Warriors are discouraged, and Stephen Jackson is still in a Golden State uniform, so Minnesota might have some success in that regard. Slight early leans to Minny with the points and the Under, but these will likely change over the course of the day.
Clippers/Hornets - The Clippers have won THREE STRAIGHT! If the presses have been adequately stopped, we can take a look at this line. Clippers are laying a point at home to the, achem, sucktacular Hornets. New Orleans has done zip to impress me, and after blowing a chance to show some moxie last night and getting blown out by the Lakers, they have to come right back to the scene of the crime tonight for another game at Staples with a different logo at center-court. Early indications are that the Hornets are going to garner a good portion of the money, as early-season struggles don't seem to outweigh decades of Clippers futility in the bettors' minds. My first thought when I saw this was that we're getting a DEAL with the Clippers. The other LA team is playing with confidence right now, and while they've been beating up on the dregs of the Western Conference, the Hornets are a sad, depressed bunch, not making shots, not rebounding well, and not helping their floor leader at all. If they can't get up to play the Lakers, what makes anyone think they can get up to play the Clippers? The total of 197 is too high. The Hornets are shooting the ball terribly, and the Clippers play a slower game, relying on Marcus Camby at the high post and Baron Davis to create shots for their teammates. I cap this total at 190. Leans on this one to Clippers and the Under.
Fantasy Advice
Ben Wallace - Big Ben had 16 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks in a dominant performance, and being a Piston has definitely jostled Wallace awake. He has, though, been good ONLY AT HOME. Look at the games, and if you want to play him on your fantasy team, play him in games at the Palace at Auburn Hills.
Tips and Trends
Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs
Raptors: Toronto is really struggling to play defense right now. They are giving up 108 PPG for the season, including 129 to the Mavericks. Playing on the road, this offense is going to have to shoulder the load. F Chris Bosh is averaging 28.5 PPG, which is top 5 in the NBA for scoring AVG. C Andrea Bargnani is averaging 20.7 PPG, while shooting 51% from the field and 3 point line. The Raptors are ending their first road trip of the season.
Raptors are 2-8 ATS last 10 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 8-2 in last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - F Reggie Evans (foot) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 103
Spurs (-6.5, O/U 202): Spurs look to avoid losing 3 straight games, and they will be without PG Tony Parker. Parker is expected to miss the next week. Spurs have won both their home games, including ATS so far this season. Spurs haven't played well on defense, as they've given up at least 92 points in every game this season. They also are struggling to rebound. F Tim Duncan has been averaging almost 13 RPG, while the other 4 starters are averaging 8.4 RPG. This roster is still getting used to each other, and they will look to improve with 7 of their next 8 games at home.
Spurs are 6-0 ATS last 6 games when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 10-1 last 11 games as a home favorite.
Key Injuries - PG Tony Parker (ankle) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 106 (OVER - Total of the Day)
Inside the Steam
by Stan Sharp
Toronto @ San Antonio
Total Opened 201 now 204
Stan notes this total opened at 201 at both Cris and the Greek and was immediately bet up. At this time of the season and early in the day a move coming in this big isn't public money it's sharp money. The public isn't betting NBA totals on Monday morning. Stan says you have to respect this move and suggest you follow the money here. Note both of San Antonio's Home games have gone over and Toronto has scored over 100 points in every ball game. Stan's take the Wise Guys have spoken so you listen or pass.