NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, Dec. 22
Houston at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST). Houston’s Yao Ming faces fellow Chinese star Yi Jianlian for the first time this season.
STARS
Sunday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 31 points as Cleveland finished a four-game road trip with a 102-91 win over Oklahoma City.
— Rajon Rondo, Celtics, scored 18 of his 26 points in the third quarter to help the Celtics tie a franchise record with their 18th straight win, 124-105 over New York.
EIGHTEEN AND COUNTING
Boston tied a team record by winning its 18th straight game, 124-105 over New York on Sunday night. The Celtics (26-2) can break the record Tuesday night against Philadelphia. The defending NBA champions also tied a league record for best start by a team with two losses. Coincidentally, Boston tied the Knicks and 76ers at 26-2. New York did it in 1969-70 and Philadelphia in 1966-67—each going on to win NBA titles.
DISAPPEARING ACT
For the fourth game in a row, Washington was held under 20 points in the fourth quarter. This time, Jason Kidd took over with six of his 11 assists in the game’s final 6:05 to help Dallas send Washington to its sixth straight loss, 97-86 Sunday night.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Cleveland followed a loss at Atlanta by winning the final three games on a road trip that matched its longest of the season. Now, the Cavs (23-4) head home for a three-game homestand.
NO MORE
Mike Bibby put an end to Detroit’s domination of the Hawks, scoring a season-high 27 points to lead Atlanta to an 85-78 win over the Pistons on Sunday. The Pistons swept the four-game series with the Hawks last season, but each of the games came before Atlanta acquired Bibby from Sacramento on Feb. 16. Detroit had won 12 of the last 16 games in the series in Atlanta.
SPEAKING
“The greatest point guard in the world. The best who’s ever done it. He can always impact the game even if he doesn’t score any points. He had so many assists. In the last four minutes of the game, he totally controlled the game.” — Dallas’ Jason Terry on Jason Kidd, who had 11 assists in the Mavericks’ 97-86 win in Washington.
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic
Jamal Crawford went for a game-high 50 points to lead the Warriors to a 110-103 victory over the Bobcats on Saturday, as 6.5-point underdogs. The 213 points made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Kelenna Azubuike chipped in with 21 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
The Magic won their fourth straight on Saturday, as they defeated the Lakers 106-103. The Magic won the game as 2.5-point underdogs, while the 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.
Jameer Nelson went for 27 points, four rebounds and five assists for the Magic. Rashard Lewis chipped in with 22 points in the win.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 8-20 SU, 11-17 ATS
Orlando: 21-6 SU, 17-9-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 2-8
After playing Charlotte are 4-4
After a win are 2-8
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 19 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Golden State at Miami, Tuesday, December 23
Orlando home to New Orleans, Thursday, December 25
Houston Rockets vs. New Jersey Nets
The Rockets held off a late surge to defeat the Timberwolves 109-102 on Saturday. The Rockets managed to cover the 5.5-point spread, while the 211 points sailed OVER the posted total of 192.
Tracy McGrady had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead the way. Yao Ming and Aaron Brooks each had 18 in the win.
The Nets were upset 106-103 to the Heat last time out as 5-point favorites at home. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 195.
Brook Lopez had 22 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double for the Nets, while Vince Carter and Devin Harris had 21 points apiece in the loss.
Current streak:
Houston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 18-9 SU, 14-13 ATS
New Jersey: 13-13 SU, 14-12 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing Houston
New Jersey is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Houston at Cleveland, Tuesday, December 23
New Jersey at Indiana, Tuesday, December 23
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Lakers fell 106-103 to the Magic last time out, as 2.5-point favorites on the road. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.
Kobe Bryant netted a game-high 41 points in the loss for the Lakers, while hauling down eight rebounds.
The Grizzlies were upset 112-83 by the Bobcats last time out as a 3.5-point favorite at home. The 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 182.5.
Rudy Gay had 17 points from 7-for-10 shooting in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-5 SU, 11-15 ATS
Memphis: 9-17 SU, 11-14-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing New Orleans are 9-1
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 3-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 20-5 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of the LA Lakers last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Memphis is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Memphis's last 19 games
Memphis is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at New Orleans, Tuesday, December 23
Memphis at Dallas, Tuesday, December 23
Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Kings fell 99-90 to the Hornets last time out, as 15.5-point road underdogs. The 189 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.5.
John Salmons netted 26 points with four rebounds and seven assists in the loss.
The Spurs handed the Raptors a fifth straight loss with a 107-97 victory on Saturday. The Spurs could only PUSH against the 10-point spread, but the 204 points sailed OVER the posted total of 185.5.
Tony Parker had 24 points with eight rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Spurs, while Tim Duncan added 19 in the win.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 7-21 SU, 14-14 ATS
San Antonio: 16-10 SU, 12-13-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
Sacramento is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
San Antonio is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
San Antonio is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
Sacramento home to Toronto, Friday, December 26
San Antonio home to Minnesota, Tuesday, December 23
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets
Brandon Roy tossed in 52 points in leading the Trail Blazers to a 124-119 victory over the Suns on Thursday. The Trail Blazers managed to cover the 4.5-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 204.
Roy shot 14-for-27 with five rebounds and six assists, while Steve Blake added 22 points in the win.
The Nuggets were defeated 108-101 by the Suns last time out, as 6-point road underdogs. The 209 points fell UNDER the posted total of 222.
Nene Hilario netted 20 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Portland has won 2 straight games.
Denver has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 17-10 SU, 13-14 ATS
Denver: 17-10 SU, 15-11-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 11 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Portland's last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games when playing Denver
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 11 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Next up:
Portland home to Denver, Tuesday, December 23
Denver at Portland, Tuesday, December 23
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Raptors lost their fourth straight in a 107-97 setback to the Spurs on Saturday. The Raptors were 10-point underdogs in that loss, while the 204 points sailed OVER the posted total of 185.5.
Jermaine O'Neal scored 24 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Clippers were defeated 119-85 by the Bucks last time out, as 6-point underdogs. The 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 192.
Al Thornton tossed in 20 points, while Steve Novak added 14 off the bench in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 10-17 SU, 9-17-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 8-19 SU, 11-16 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games
Next up:
Toronto at Sacramento, Friday, December 26
LA Clippers home to Dallas, Sunday, December 28
Hot Teams
-- Orlando won eight of last nine games, covered last seven.
-- Rockets won three in row, five of last six games.
-- Kings covered five of their last six games. Spurs won six of their last eight games, are 0-3-1 vs spread in last four.
-- Portland won last two games, scoring 109-124 points, but is 1-7-1 vs spread in its last nine games.
-- Clippers won four of last six games, but lost last game by 34.
Cold Teams
-- Warriors lost five of their last six games.
-- Nets lost five of their last seven games.
-- Memphis lost last two games, scoring 84-83 points. Lakers lost last two games, are 0-9-1 vs spread in last ten contests.
-- Nuggets lost last three games, by 12-17-7 points.
-- Raptors lost their last five games (0-4-1 vs spread).
Totals
-- Six of last nine Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-3 in last fourteen Houston games.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in Lakers' last fourteen games.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Kings' last ten road games.
-- Four of last five Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Clipper games went over the total; five of last six Toronto games stayed under.
Houston (18-9, 14-13 ATS) at New Jersey (13-13, 14-12 ATS)
The Rockets will try to extend their winning streak to four when they travel to East Rutherford, N.J., to take on the Nets inside the IZOD Center.
Houston, which is on the second leg of a four-game road trip, is coming off Saturdya’s 109-102 win over the Timberwolves, cashing as a 5½-point favorite. The Rockets have won five of their last six overall (4-2 ATS), they’ve scored at least 107 points in each of their last four wins and they’ve hit the century mark in points in 11 of their last 12 victories.
New Jersey has dropped five of its last seven SU and ATS, including Saturday’s 106-103 loss to the Heat as a 4½-point home favorite. With that defeat, the Nets are now just 5-9 SU and ATS at the IZOD Center, including 1-4 SU and ATS in the last five. The SU winner has cashed in all 14 of New Jersey’s home games and the winner is also 19-0 ATS in the team’s last 19 overall.
The Rockets have dominated this series over the last four years, winning seven of the last eight (6-1-1 ATS), including the last four in a row (4-0 ATS). In last year’s trip to New Jersey, Houston scored a 96-89 win, cashing as a 4½-point favorite, then followed it up with a 91-73 win in Texas as an 11-point chalk. The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last five trips to New Jersey, and the road team is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 clashes between these two.
Houston is on positive pointspread streaks of 49-18-1 against teams from the Eastern Conference, 13-5 as a road favorite and 8-3 on the road against teams with a losing home record. Meanwhile the Nets are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven against Southwest Division squads, but they are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 after a non-cover and 6-2 ATS in their last eight as a ‘dog.
The Rockets have gone over the total in 11 of their last 15 overall, eight of their last nine on the road and 11 of their last 16 against Atlantic Division teams. Also, New Jersey has topped the total in seven of its last 10 after a non-cover, but otherwise the Nets are on under streaks of 7-1 on Mondays and 4-1 when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: HOUSTON
Portland (17-10, 13-14 ATS) at Denver (17-10, 15-11-1 ATS)
The Blazers are looking for their third straight win when they head to Denver to take on the suddenly slumping Nuggets inside the Pepsi Center in the first game of a two-night, home-and-home series.
Portland got a career-night from third-year guard Brandon Roy on Thursday as he poured in 52 points to lead the Blazers to a 124-119 come-from-behind victory over the Suns, cashing as a four-point home favorite. Roy has averaged 36.4 points per game in his last five, and he’s just one of three players – along with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade – to average at least 23 points, five assists and four rebounds per game this season.
Denver has followed up a four-game winning streak (3-1 ATS) with a three-game SU and ATS losing skid. After getting blown out 105-88 by the Cavs as a two-point home chalk on Friday, the Nuggets went to Phoenix on Saturday and fell 108-101 as a 5½-point underdog. Carmelo Anthony was averaging nearly 30 points a game during the Nuggets’ four-game winning streak, but he’s putting up just 15 points a game during the three-game slide.
George Karl’s Nuggets have won seven of the last 10 meetings with Portland (6-4 ATS), including four of the last six (SU and ATS). The last time these two met in the Mile High City was a year ago, when the Blazers got a 116-105 win as a nine-point pup. Despite that result, Denver is 22-8-1 ATS in the last 31 series clashes, including 11-5 ATS in the last 16 at the Pepsi Center.
Portland is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after getting three or more days off, but otherwise the Blazers are on ATS slides of 2-7 overall, 0-5 on the road, 1-4 against the Northwest Division and 6-20 on Mondays. Denver is on positive ATS streaks of 5-2 after a straight-up loss and 5-1 after a day off.
For the Blazers, the under is on streaks of 10-4 overall, 19-7 as a road ‘dog, 6-1 on the highway and 22-9-1 when getting at least three days off. The under is also 4-1 in Denver’s last five overall, but otherwise the Nuggets are on “over” streaks of 38-17 against the Northwest Division, 7-2 at home and 8-3 as a favorite. Also, the over is 7-3 in the last 10 overall meetings between these rivals and 9-2 in the last 11 clashes in Denver.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
Gametimepicks.com
Monday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Monday’s pro basketball card features six games on tap, including three non-conference showdowns. Let’s get right to the action and break down the matchups!
**Golden State at Orlando**
The Warriors snapped a five-game losing skid on Saturday by defeating Charlotte 110-103. Jamal Crawford posted 50 points in the win and the defense finally made some key stops. Golden State has given up 113 points per game on the road this year, which has translated into a 4-13 straight up and 6-11 against the spread record. The ‘under’ has gone 9-8. This will be the third game in four nights for Don Nelson’s team. Orlando extended its covering streak to seven games on Saturday after defeating the Lakers, 106-103. The Magic are 8-1 both SU and ATS in their last nine games. Orlando has gone 11-3 SU and 8-6 ATS at home this year. Last Monday, Orlando defeated Golden State 109-98 as a four-point road favorite. The Magic won despite not having Dwight Howard in the lineup. The Warriors have won their last two games against the Magic in Orlando. The ‘under’ is 3-1 in the last four meetings. Orlando is 11-4 versus the Western Conference this year, while Golden State is 3-12 against the East.
**Houston at New Jersey**
Houston won its third straight (2-1 ATS) game on Saturday by defeating Minnesota 109-102 as a 5 ½-point road favorite. The Rockets will be playing their third game in four nights. Houston has gone 9-6 both SU and ATS on the road this year. New Jersey has struggled at home this year, going 5-9 both SU and ATS, while giving up 103 PPG. The Rockets have won and covered four straight meetings against the Nets, including a season sweep last year. The total has gone 2-2 during this stretch. New Jersey has gone 6-4 against the West this year.
**L.A. Lakers at Memphis**
The Lakers have been in a serious funk against the spread, failing to cover the number in nine straight games. Los Angeles also enters Monday with two straight losses, something that hasn’t happened all year. Phil Jackson’s team could be fatigued tonight, considering this will be the third game in four nights. After winning and covering four in a row, Memphis has come back to life with back-to-back losses. Last year the Lakers won and covered two of the three battles against Memphis, including a 117-101 victory on the road. The ‘over’ went 2-1. The Grizzlies have played better at home, going 7-7 both SU and ATS. Los Angeles sits at 7-4 SU and 5-6 ATS outside of Staples Center.
**Sacramento at San Antonio**
The Kings have dropped three in a row, but they did cover two of the setbacks. On the road, Sacramento has been outscored by 13 PPG (108-95) en route to a 2-12 SU and 8-6 ATS record. The ‘over’ has gone 7-5. This will be the third game in four nights for the Kings. San Antonio snapped a two-game skid on Saturday with a 107-97 win against Toronto as a 10-point favorite. The Spurs are 0-3-1 in their last four games and 0-2-1 in the last three at home. San Antonio is 9-5 SU at home, but only 5-7 ATS. A shorthanded San Antonio squad defeated Sacramento 90-88 on Nov. 16, which was the third straight head-to-head victory over the Kings. The Spurs are 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS in their last four home meetings against the Kings. San Antonio has been geared towards low-scoring affairs this year, watching the ‘under’ go 16-10 on the season and 9-5 at home.
**Portland at Denver**
The Trail Blazers come into this game off a 124-119 victory against Phoenix last Thursday. Nate McMillian’s team has won and covered two in a row and should be ready to play tonight with three days off. The Blazers have gone 8-8 SU and 6-10 ATS on the road this year. Denver has hit a skid, losing three straight games including a 108-101 setback to the Suns on Saturday. George Karl’s team has given up 107 PPG during this stretch while the offense has been stifled to 95 PPG. The Nuggets own a respectable 9-4 SU and 7-5 ATS record at home. The ‘over’ has gone 8-5 at Pepsi Center this year. Denver will be playing its third game in four nights. Last year, Portland and Denver split the season series at 2-2. The Nuggets were 3-1 ATS, while the total went 2-2.
**Toronto at L.A. Clippers**
It’s safe to say the Raptors are on everybody’s fade list these days. The team is 0-5 SU and 0-4-1 ATS in the last five games, plus the team has only managed 88.8 PPG during this skid. Playing their third game in four nights smells like more trouble for the Raptors. Things don’t get easier for Toronto with three more road games scheduled on the West Coast after tonight’s battle. The Clippers return home after wrapping up a four-game road trip, which saw the team go 2-2 both SU and ATS. The ‘over’ went 3-1. Surprisingly, the Clips have fared better on the road (5-9 SU, 8-6 ATS) than at home (3-10 SU, 4-9 ATS) this year. Toronto has gone 5-9 SU and 6-7 ATS on the road. The Raptors are 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS in their last four against the Clippers, which includes two wins at the Staples Center. Los Angeles could be tired for tonight’s tip too, as it will be playing its third game in four nights too. The Raptors are 1-8 versus the West this season.
vegasinsider.com
Tips and Trends
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets
Blazers: Portland's Brandon Roy continues to work his way into becoming one of the NBA's top players after scoring a career-high 52 points in a 124-119 win over Phoenix on Friday. “He was just knocking down shots,” Blazers head coach Nate McMillan said. “You almost expect him to do this night after night.” Roy has scored at least 29 points in each of his last five games, averaging 36.4 during that stretch.“My No. 1 goal is to win," Roy said. "Not to be the MVP. Not to be the All-Star.”
Blazers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 10-3 in Portland's last 13 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Martell Webster (foot) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 96
Nuggets (-3.5, O/U 202): Denver is looking to avoid losing four in a row for the first time since February of 2007. The Nuggets have dropped their previous three games against teams that are all at least five games over the .500 mark, and that will be the case against here against Portland (17-10). “One thing I emphasized to the team is we’re beating ourselves a little bit,” Denver head coach George Karl said. “There’s a positive energy to how we’re playing but losing is tough to overcome. We’re still in a good place.”
Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Denver's last 5 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 106 (Side Play of the Day)
GOLDEN STATE (8 - 20) at ORLANDO (21 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 45-65 ATS (-26.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-50 ATS (-22.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 152-192 ATS (-59.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 31-13 ATS (+16.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 3-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (18 - 9) at NEW JERSEY (13 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 63-49 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 273-220 ATS (+31.0 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-0 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (21 - 5) at MEMPHIS (9 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in December games this season.
LA LAKERS are 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 34-47 ATS (-17.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 4-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (7 - 21) at SAN ANTONIO (16 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 461-396 ATS (+25.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 299-246 ATS (+28.4 Units) in home games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (17 - 10) at DENVER (17 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 5-3 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO (10 - 17) at LA CLIPPERS (8 - 19)
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TORONTO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 46-27 ATS (+16.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 45-63 ATS (-24.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 25-40 ATS (-19.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 129-170 ATS (-58.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 2-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Golden State at Orlando
Golden State: 4-12 ATS after scoring 105+ points
Orlando: 8-0 ATS vs. teams scoring 99+ points/game
Houston at New Jersey
Houston: 4-0 ATS vs. New Jersey
New Jersey: 26-46 ATS as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points
LA Lakers at Memphis
LA Lakers: 1-10 ATS in December
Memphis: 13-7 ATS at home vs. Lakers
Sacramento at San Antonio
Sacramento: 9-25 ATS Away off ATS win/SU loss
San Antonio: 33-18 ATS at home off home game
Portland at Denver
Portland: 26-9 Under when total is 200 or higher
Denver: 11-27 ATS off BB Unders
Toronto at LA Clippers
Toronto: 38-23 ATS off road loss
LA Clippers: 4-14 ATS at home off road loss
GOLDEN STATE vs. ORLANDO
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State
Orlando is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Golden State
HOUSTON vs. NEW JERSEY
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA LAKERS vs. MEMPHIS
LA Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 20-5 SU in their last 25 games
Memphis is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Memphis is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
PORTLAND vs. DENVER
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Portland is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing Denver
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
TORONTO vs. LA CLIPPERS
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
NBA Research Report
By Indiancowboy
Golden State vs. Orlando
Orlando just comes off a huge win over the Lakers and not to be out done the Warriors come off a big win of their own on the road outright over the Bobcats who came into that game playing fairly well. Note, that Jackson and Maggattee or out but that didn't stop this team from being competitive or winning outright at Charlotte. The young guns for GS including CJ Miles, Big A and Bierdrins are getting it done. Regardless, Charlotte even with Okafor does not have an impressive inside presence as the Magic do with Howard. A lean on the young Warriors to keep themselves in with their shooting, but no play.
Sacramento vs. San Antonio
Vegas seems content with placing the line around +12 and +13 for Sacramento as they have figured this is about right for this team against the better teams in the league on the road. After all, this team had a 12 point spread against Houston and got embrrassed on the road after Portland had a team meeting, this team faced a 13 point spread at Houston and barely covered that spread and da 15.5 spread against the Hornets on the road and were able to cover that spread as well. As per this game, the Spurs beat this team by just 2 points on the road back in November but this time they have Manu and Tony Parker back. Since the return of these two fellas, the Spurs have won 7 of their last 9 contests. The Spurs did manage to bounce-back after a tough road trip and cover against Toronto or push at the price of -10. I actually wouldn't be a bit surprised if the Spurs blew this team out today but it is tough to lay the wood down on such a spread like this as the backdoor is possible and it is tough to lay this many points to any nba team.
Portland vs. Denver
It's tough to go against either team here considering Portland is playing some of its best basketball of the year. They face a Denver team who beat them i overtime last year on the road and who also comes off a tough loss to Phoenix on the road. In fact, Denver has missed their last three covers losing to the Rockets on the road, the Cavs at home and now, the Suns on the road who desperately needed to win that game for morale. Tough to go against either team here imo but Denver does need a big win and morale boost at home and the Blazers come off a big win over the Suns at home but it seems that Denver has that one horrible quarter that just absolutely kills this team.
Toronto vs. Clippers
The public is basically split on this game. Note that the Raptors come into this game on a terrible streak. They are just 10-17, have had their coach axed during this process and are 0-4-1 ATS to boot in their last 5 games. It is obvious getting rid of TJ Ford has hurt this team as compared to picking up Jermaine O'Neal. Heck, this team is 10-17, the Clippers themselves have 8 wins this season as they have gotten healthier and consequently playing better basketball. The Clippers come off an ugly 34 point loss to Milwaukee on the road as they return home so I'm certain they will be "up" for this game as that was the last road game before returning home so it was a bit obvious that this team just wanted to go home and was laying down in some respects. I expect a big game here from Davis, Thornton and Randolph as more than likely the Clips cover here but the Raptors will have a bounce-back game at some point but I just don't see it here and possibly they will have it when they return home.
Lakers vs. Memphis
It's always nice to take the Lakers on the bounce-back except for the fact that if you took them on a bounce-back after their loss to Miami you would have lost again. This team has reported to recommitt itself on the defensive front, but I can't imagine that Memphis shoots as bad as they did against Charlotte as this team has to shw some heart at home against the Lakers. A lean on Memphis here a bit as both teams come off tough losses but Memphis in particular comes off an embarrassing loss. A small lean on the over here.