NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Dec. 16
New Orleans at Memphis (8 p.m. EST). New Orleans beat Toronto on the road Sunday for its eighth victory in 10 games. Memphis also won Sunday, beating Miami at home for its fourth straight victory.
STARS
Sunday
— David West and James Posey, Hornets. West scored 29 points, and Posey made six 3-pointers and had 20 points in New Orleans’ 99-91 victory over Toronto.
— O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies, scored 28 points in Memphis’ 102-86 win over Miami.
— Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, Lakers. Bryant had 26 points and five assists, and Gasol added 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help Los Angeles beat Minnesota 98-86.
— Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, Spurs. Parker scored 22 points, and Duncan had 20 points and 12 rebounds in San Antonio’s 109-104 victory over Oklahoma City.
STREAKS
San Antonio beat Oklahoma City 109-104 on Sunday for its sixth straight victory. … Memphis routed Miami 102-86 for its fourth straight victory, the Grizzlies’ longest winning streak since winning the final five games of the 2005-06 season. … Toronto’s Jose Calderon has made 59 straight free throws dating to last season. He made his only attempt in the Raptors’ 99-91 loss to New Orleans.
STATUS
Toronto signed Jake Voskuhl on Sunday. The 31-year-old center has averaged 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 412 regular-season NBA games with Chicago, Phoenix, Charlotte and Milwaukee. … New Orleans center Tyson Chandler missed the Hornets’ game Sunday in Toronto because of a stiff neck.
SPEAKING
“After we’ve gotten a couple of wins and seen that playing team basketball really gets you wins, guys are really working on it. Making sure that they’re making the extra pass and guys are getting open looks.”—Memphis guard Mike Conley after the Grizzlies beat Miami 102-86 on Sunday for their fourth straight victory.
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Bobcats fell 90-86 to the Pistons last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. That game's 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Gerald Wallace had 22 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort.
The Hawks rallied in the fourth quarter to come away with a 97-92 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday. The Hawks won the game as 4-point underdogs, while the 187 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 187.
Mike Bibby paced the Hawks with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. Marvin Williams added 19 points in the win.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 6 straight games.
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 7-17 SU, 13-11 ATS
Atlanta: 14-9 SU, 13-10 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-7
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Cleveland are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Charlotte's last 21 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte home to Chicago, Tuesday, December 16
Atlanta home to Boston, Wednesday, December 17
Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards
The Pacers lost 121-103 to the Bucks last time out, as 4.5-point road underdogs. The 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 206.
T.J. Ford went for a game-high 27 points, five rebounds and six assists in the loss.
The Wizards lost 104-89 as a 5.5-point underdog to the 76ers last time out. The game's combined 193 points fell UNDER the posted total of 195.5.
Antawn Jamison scored 17 points and hauled down nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 6 straight games.
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 7-16 SU, 11-11-1 ATS
Washington: 4-17 SU, 9-12 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Washington is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to Golden State, Wednesday, December 17
Washington at Detroit, Wednesday, December 17
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
The Nets were defeated 113-104 as 4.5-point underdogs by the Bulls last time out. That game's 217 points sailed OVER the posted total of 205.
Vince Carter netted a game-high 39 points with six rebounds in a losing effort.
The Raptors lost to New Orleans 99-91 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195).
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 25 points, while Jose Calderon netted 22 points in the loss.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 11-11 SU, 12-10 ATS
Toronto: 10-13 SU, 9-14 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Jersey's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Utah, Wednesday, December 17
Toronto home to Dallas, Wednesday, December 17
Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics
The Jazz were defeated 103-94 by the Magic last time out, as 5.5-point favorites at home. The 197 points fell UNDER the posted total of 200.
Deron Williams had 17 points, four rebounds and 11 assists in the loss.
The Celtics improved to 22-2 with a convincing 94-82 victory over the Hornets on Friday. The Celtics covered the 7-point spread, while the 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 190.
Paul Pierce netted a game-high 28 points with six rebounds and six assists to lead the way.
Current streak:
Boston has won 14 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 15-10 SU, 13-12 ATS
Boston: 22-2 SU, 14-10 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 7-3
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Utah's last 17 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Utah at New Jersey, Wednesday, December 17
Boston at Atlanta, Wednesday, December 17
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat
Charlie Villanueva tossed in 26 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, as the Bucks defeated the Pacers 121-103. The 224 points sailed OVER the posted total of 206.
Michael Redd added a game-high 27 points, while Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson collected 20 points apiece in the win.
The Heat lost to Memphis 102-86 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (193.5).
Michael Beasley led the Heat with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Dwyane Wade netted 17 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 10-15 SU, 16-8-1 ATS
Miami: 12-11 SU, 9-13-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 12 games on the road
Milwaukee is 15-6-1 ATS in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 21 games
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at Philadelphia, Wednesday, December 17
Miami home to LA Lakers, Friday, December 19
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Carmelo Anthony dropped 27 points with nine rebounds on Saturday, as the Nuggets defeated the Warriors 123-105. The Nuggets covered the 15-point spread, while the 228 points fell UNDER the posted total of 230.
Chauncey Billups tossed in 16 points for the Nuggets, while Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith each had 15 apiece in the win.
Dirk Nowitzki drained a game-high 46 points as the Mavericks outlasted the Thunder 103-99 on Saturday. The 202 points fell UNDER the posted total of 205.
Jason Terry chipped in with 28 points, four rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks.
Current streak:
Denver has won 3 straight games.
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 16-7 SU, 14-8-1 ATS
Dallas: 13-9 SU, 9-13 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 10 games
Dallas is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Denver
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Dallas's last 20 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver at Houston, Tuesday, December 16
Dallas at Toronto, Wednesday, December 17
New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns
Al Harrington went for a game-high 33 points in leading the Knicks to a 114-90 victory over the Kings on Saturday, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 204 points fell UNDER the posted total of 218.5.
Nate Robinson dropped 19 points for the Knicks, and David Lee added 17 in that win.
The Suns were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but held on for a hard-fought 113-112 victory over the Magic on Friday. The Suns failed to cover the slight 2-point spread, while the combined 225 points sailed OVER the posted total of 210.
Steve Nash had 21 points, five rebounds and 10 assists for the Suns, while Amare Stoudemire and Jason Richardson also had 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 11-12 SU, 13-10 ATS
Phoenix: 14-10 SU, 10-14 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 9-1
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of New York's last 13 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Phoenix is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at LA Lakers, Tuesday, December 16
Phoenix at Portland, Thursday, December 18
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings
The Timberwolves lost to the Lakers 98-86 as a 15-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210).
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 20 points and 13 rebounds and Craig Smith dropped in 18 points in the loss.
The Kings fell 114-90 to the Knicks last time out, as 1.5-point favorites at home. The 204 points fell UNDER the posted total of 218.5.
Beno Udrih shot 6-for-12 from the field with 13 points, three rebounds and six assists for the Kings.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 9 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 4-19 SU, 9-14 ATS
Sacramento: 6-18 SU, 11-13 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 4-6
After playing New York are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing Sacramento
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 12 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Cleveland, Wednesday, December 17
Sacramento at Portland, Tuesday, December 16
Orlando Magic vs. Golden State Warriors
The Magic ended the Jazz two-game win streak with a 103-94 victory on Saturday, as 5.5-point underdogs. The 197 points fell UNDER the posted total of 200.
Rashard Lewis tossed in 27 points to go along with nine rebounds for the Magic, and Hedo Turkoglu added 23 in the win.
The Warriors were crushed 123-105 last time out by the Nuggets, as 15-point underdogs on the road. The 228 points fell UNDER the posted total of 230.
Jamal Crawford had 25 points for the Warriors, and Rob Kurz added 20 in the loss.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 18-6 SU, 14-9-1 ATS
Golden State: 7-17 SU, 10-14 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Orlando is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Golden State's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Golden State's last 15 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 18 games when playing Orlando
Next up:
Orlando home to San Antonio, Thursday, December 18
Golden State at Indiana, Wednesday, December 17
Trend Sheet
NEW JERSEY (11 - 11) at TORONTO (10 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 150-115 ATS (+23.5 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-7 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-8 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA (7 - 16) at WASHINGTON (4 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (7 - 17) at ATLANTA (14 - 9)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (10 - 15) at MIAMI (12 - 11)
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 MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
UTAH (15 - 10) at BOSTON (22 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 81-50 ATS (+26.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 62-42 ATS (+15.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-13 ATS (+15.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (16 - 7) at DALLAS (13 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (11 - 12) at PHOENIX (14 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 180-226 ATS (-68.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 2-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE vs. ATLANTA
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Charlotte is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
INDIANA vs. WASHINGTON
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 6-11-2 ATS in its last 19 games when playing at home against Indiana
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
NEW JERSEY vs. TORONTO
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Miami is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
UTAH vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Utah is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
DENVER vs. DALLAS
Denver is 2-19 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Denver's last 20 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
NEW YORK vs. PHOENIX
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
MINNESOTA vs. SACRAMENTO
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Sacramento is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
ORLANDO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Orlando's last 15 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Golden State's last 12 games at home
CHICAGO vs. CHARLOTTE
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Tips and Trends
New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns
Knicks: New York head coach Mike D'Antoni returns to Phoenix, where he led the Suns to an average of 58 wins over the last four years. D'Antoni couldn't get them an NBA title though, which seems to be the main reason he left the Valley of the Sun for the Big Apple. His new players are certainly enjoying his fast-paced offensive style, as the Knicks have won two of their last three games on their current five-game road trip, scoring at least 100 points each time. “Our team is on a mission, we’re trying to win as many games as possible,” New York guard Nate Robinson said. “This system is the best, we’re having a lot of fun right now.”
Knicks are 5-24 ATS in their last 29 Monday games.
The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Key Injuries - C Eddy Curry (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 110 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
Suns (-9, O/U 223): Phoenix is off to its worst start since 2003 under new head coach Terry Porter, which is ironic considering the team's 6-2 start was the best ever for a coach in franchise history. The Suns have dropped five of eight though, going 2-6 ATS during that stretch. They shook up the roster a bit last week with the acquisition of shooting guard Jason Richardson from Charlotte, sending Boris Diaw and Raja Bell to the Bobcats. “I’m just proud to be a part of this (team),” Richardson said. “When it all comes down to it, you just play basketball.”
Suns are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The OVER is 9-0 in Phoenix's last 9 games overall.
Key Injuries - C Shaquille O'Neal (personal) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 119
Hot Teams
-- Hawks won last six home games, including win over Cleveland in last game that snapped Cavs' 11-game win streak.
-- Celtics won last 14 games, covered four of last five.
-- Mavericks won 11 of last 13 games (0-4 vs spread in last four).
-- Knicks won three of last four games, covered last five. Suns won last four games, scoring average of 111 ppg.
-- Orlando won, covered five of last six games.
Cold Teams
-- Nets lost their last three games by 12-22-9 points. Raptors lost six of their last eight games.
-- Pacers lost their last six games (2-4 vs spread). Wizards lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Heat lost last two games, scoring 79.5 ppg, losing to Hawks/Memphis by 14-16 points. Bucks lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Jazz lost five of their last seven road games.
-- Minnesota lost last nine games, but is 3-1 vs spread under McHale. Kings lost 13 of their last 14 games (2-7 vs spread in last nine).
-- Warriors lost 11 of last 13 games (4-9 vs spread).
Totals
-- Over is 7-2 in last nine New Jersey road games.
-- Nine of last 12 Indiana games went over the total.
-- Under is 16-7-1 in Charlotte games.
-- Over is 8-4 in Miami's last dozen games.
-- Seven of last eight Utah games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games stayed under the total; eight of last ten Denver games went over.
-- Six of Knicks' last seven games stayed under; last nine Phoenix games went over-- this is D'Antoni going back to Phoenix, so it is a big deal, as weeknight NBA games go.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Three of Warriors' last four games stayed under the total.
Monday Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Money makers to begin the new week: Cleveland, Orlando and at times, Denver. Money pits: Minnesota, Dallas and Toronto.
It gets a little more complex than looking straight at against-the-spread records. But the main point is that there are teams to avoid like the black plague and then there are clubs which look like they’ll be worth big bucks as the season continues to mature.
Cutting right to the chase, Monday’s card should give gamblers a clean slate to work with. Is Atlanta the golden play at home versus a woeful Charlotte organization and does Utah have any shot on God’s Green Earth to give Boston a run for the money?
Charlotte at Atlanta – 7:00 p.m. EST
-- While Charlotte (7-17 SU, 13-11 ATS) has been stinking up the joint with its dull offense, backers have enjoyed a sweet 6-2 ATS run in the team’s last eight games played on the road. The Bobcats last road game was a 95-90 loss in Dallas on Thursday. But Charlotte was able to cover the large 13-point spread, while the ‘under’ cashed below the 192.5 set total.
-- Remember that the Bobcats acquired Boris Diaw (8.3 PPG, 4 RPG) and Raja Bell (9.4 PPG, 1.3 APG) from the Suns in exchange for Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley and a second round, 2010 draft pick. Charlotte continued to remain busy on the wire transfer when it acquired veteran Juwan Howard from the free agency list. Looks like coach Larry Brown’s plan to stock up on veteran leadership has been executed.
-- The ‘Cats have seen the most success with a 4-1 ATS record when installed as eight or 8½-point underdogs this season. But stay away if books install Charlotte from one to 5½-point ‘dogs as the team is a combined 3-6 ATS.
-- The Bobcats are also a hot 3-1 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record (above .500).
-- On the flip-side, Atlanta (14-9 SU, 13-10 ATS) is a slumping 1-5 ATS at home versus teams with a losing record (below .500). The Hawks are 4-5 ATS at home overall this season and are just 3-7 ATS when favored.
-- Atlanta has been money on the ‘under’ with a 5-1 record in the last six. Scoring 91 PPG and allowing just 90.4 PPG in the last five can help explain the latest opportunity to make bucks on this total wager.
-- The Hawks are coming off a 97-92 win against Cleveland on Saturday. This marked the third straight game that Atlanta covered as an underdog (from 6½-to-two point ‘dogs over the course of the three games).
-- The Hawks took an 88-83 win over the Bobcats back on Nov. 21. With Atlanta draining just 29 total buckets, Charlotte was able to cover the eight-point cushion, while the ‘under’ dipped well below the 189.5 mark.
Utah at Boston – 7:30 p.m. EST
-- They only meet twice a year so expect Utah (15-10 SU, 13-12 ATS) to play its heart out against the No. 1 team in the East (and maybe the NBA). Boston (22-2 SU, 13-10 ATS) not only can find the bottom of the net with 100.8 PPG scored on offense but its defense has been impeccable, allowing a second best, 90.5 PPG.
-- The Celtics have turned up the juice for backers by finally covering five of their last six games. Boston is just 7-6 ATS at home this season and 3-4 ATS as double-digit favorites.
-- At home and against teams playing over .500, the Celtics are 6-3 ATS. Boston has been rocking the rim by hitting 47.3 percent of its shot from the field at home and 50 percent from the floor in the last five overall. The ‘over’ has gone 4-2 in the last six.
-- The Jazz have been an ‘under’ play with a 7-1 record in their last eight. When the total has been set between 185 to 194.5 points, Utah has amassed a 7-3 record on the ‘over’. But from 195 to 200-plus points, the Jazz are 10-2 on the ‘under’.
-- The Jazz are coming off a 103-94 loss against Orlando on Saturday, failing to cover the 7½-point spread and once again rocking the ‘under’ which was set at 201.5 points. Utah will be coming off one-day of rest for which the club is 9-6 ATS this season.
-- Boston is 2-1 ATS off two days of rest and is looking to extend its winning streak to 15 games on Monday. Point guard, Rajon Rondo continues to up his game, posting 12 PPG with 7.8 APG in the last five (10.3 PPG, 7.3 APG this season).
Denver at Dallas – 8:30 p.m. EST
-- The Nuggets (16-7 SU, 14-8-1 ATS) began the season by covering six of their first seven games but are just a tad slower at the window these days. Denver is now 6-4 ATS in its last 10, still a success story for backers out there.
-- On the other hand is a Dallas (13-9 SU, 9-13 ATS) team tearing tickets apart at the counter on a four-game ATS slide. The Mavericks are 6-1 SU in their last seven but backers have been hesitant to pull the trigger with good reason.
-- Dallas has transformed backers into faders after compiling a 2-10 ATS freefall this season. Currently in a long six-game home stand, books have installed the Mavs as double-digit favorites three times. Dallas has failed to cover all three of those double-digit home contests.
-- Why is Dallas so bad against the spread? One answer is that the offense is scoring 101.5 PPG at home and the defense is responsible for allowing 101.4 PPG. The Mavericks are outscoring their opponents by 5.6 PPG in the last five home wins.
-- The Nuggets have been on a run of their own. Denver is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in its last 10, are 8-4-1 ATS coming off just one-day worth of rest and are 7-4 ATS on the road this season.
-- Led by Carmelo Anthony (21.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG) with 27 points, the Nuggets offensively dismantled the hapless Warriors, 123-105 on Saturday. Six Denver players finished up in the double-digit scoring category while the team as a whole worked to shoot for a 53.2 percent success rate from the hardwood.
-- Books new of something behind the scenes as the total went ‘under’ in that Saturday shootout. With the total closing at 229.5, both teams combined to produce 228 points. Maybe the fact behind such a high total was due to the Nuggets averaging 103.9 PPG. And let’s not forget that Golden State is the worst defensive team in the league, giving up 111.6 PPG this season.
-- The Nuggets have been in a groove for backers in head-to-head play. The last five times these two teams have met, Denver has gone onto cover all five (installed as the favorite just once) while taking four straight up.
vegasinsider.com.
NBA Research Report
By Indiancowboy
Indiana vs. Washington
Indiana has hit back to back overs and they are one of the most dynamic teams at home beating the likes of the Celtics and Hawks but on the road, this team is struggling coming off losses to the Bucks, Pistons and Raptors. I understand Washington is coming off a tough loss to Philly but I frankly don't think Mike James adds much to this team and although I lean on the Pacers, I'll just stay away. I leaned on the over as well but a line above 210 is a bit too rich for my blood.
Milwaukee vs. Miami
As I write this, there is no line for this game, but do keep in mind that Milwaukee is one of the better teams in the league and they are the second best ATS cover in the league behind the Cavs. Funny, how both of the best ATS covers in the league come from the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. As per this game, Beasley and Haslem are still listed as doubtful and I actually lean on the Bucks for an outright win on the road but the Heat come off tough back to back losses so I'm just going to stay away. For what it's worth, Milwaukee does have revenge against Miami from a game pending from March 24th of last year.
Denver vs. Dallas
I tell you what, you never know with the Dallas Mavs and you never know with the Denver Nuggets. These are the two most unpredictable teams in the league and you never know what you will get from them. Obviously, the addition of Chauncey has made this team more dynamic and consistent and the Mavs I feel are still miserably overrated but managed to take the Spurs to double OT. Denver beat this team by 3 earlier this year at home 108-105 so this is a revene game for the Mavs so a lean on the Mavs here at home but I think Denver is actually the better team overall with better point guard play. Josh Howard is out for this gamewhich makes me like Denver even more.
New York vs. Phoenix
Get ready for some fireworks in this game. NY actually has covered their last five games and have just 3 wins less than Phoenix in fact. Heck, it is not to wild to say the Suns are going to have to scratch to even make it to the playoffs. After all, the Suns are 14-10 and Portland and other teams in the league have better records currently. I lean on New York and the over here as Phoenix has gone over the last 8 games and I think NY will be likely an active dog.
Minny vs. Sacramento
Sac beat this team by 12 earlier this year at home. Minny comes off a tough loss to the Lakers on the road but Sacramento comes off a 24 point loss at home to New York so no thanks.
Orlando vs. Golden State
Maggettee is out for this game and the Magic are in a nice ATS run covering their last 4 straight and now 14-9 ATS as they are now the third best ATS team in the league. There is currently no line released as I write this game so it is tough to make a wager either way. However, once again, the Magic have had no trouble winning with or without Howard who is questionable for this game as they went on the road to defeat a Boozerless Utah Jazz as well as both big men were out. As per this game, I'll take the veteran team as compared to the young guns but GS comes off an ugly, ugly loss at Denver which was a revenge game for Denver so likely just staying away for this game.