NBA News and Notes Monday 2/1

Monday's Best NBA Bets

Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz (-3.5, 200.5)

It’s been a rough year for Dallas backers. On the one hand your team sits third in the highly competitive Western Conference at 30-17. But at the same time the Mavs are just 20-27 against the spread and have dropped failed to cover in eight of their last 10 games.

Friday’s overtime to the Portland Trail Blazers was a reality check for Dallas supporters. The Mavs let Andre Miller – yes, the same Miller who couldn’t make a 12-foot jump shot to save his life – to score 52 points.

Yikes.

Meanwhile the Jazz are playing their best ball so far this season. They’ve won nine of their last 10 but will be tested to continue the streak with Carlos Boozer out for a few games.

Pick: Jazz

Charlotte Bobcats at Portland Trail Blazers (-3, 188.5)

All season long the Bobcats have struggled to win away from home. At least that was the case until Charlotte’s latest road trip. Larry Brown’s boys are 3-1 straight up and ATS on their western swing.

The Bobcats aren’t content to simply go back home with a split on the six-game road trip.

“The way we’re playing, we’re capable of winning all these games,” All-Star forward Gerald Wallace told the Charlotte Observer after scoring 38 points in a 103-96 win over the Kings.

“This is the time for us to make a statement, particularly going into the All-Star break.”

Winning in Portland is never an easy task for any team, but catching the Blazers without leading scorer Brandon Roy should propel the Bobcats towards the victory.

Pick: Charlotte

NBA RoundUp For 2/1
By Dan Bebe

Celtics @ Wizards - Washington collecting 5.5 at home with a total of 191. Oh me, oh my. This one looks awfully tempting; let's see if the angles back the infamous home 5.5-point dog. At first glance, I would say they do, though the angles aren't terribly numerous. I'll try to break the game down in order of importance. The biggest issue in this one is the back-to-back. Boston has not played well on back-to-back games, as their old, tired legs have led to a 2-7 ATS record in the second half of such situations. This wouldn't be interesting, except that we know how good Boston is as a team (29-15 SU), but they're just 4-5 SU on the second half of back-to-backs, as well. That combination of numbers would seem to indicate that the Celtics are, in fact, effected by the schedule, and what's more, this will actually be their 4th game in 5 nights - not at all a good spot for them. If Boston can hold it together for 2 quarters, it will be a triumph. The next most important angle is the letdown. Boston, as many of you saw on ABC, gave up a 4th quarter lead to the Lakers, and were buried by a Kobe Bryant contested fall-away jumper with 7 seconds left. That looked awfully similar to the way Boston lost in Orlando a few days back, and they proceeded to get spanked in Atlanta the next night. I'm not arguing Washington is going to be doing any spanking (unless Boston's into that sort of thing, hah), but I definitely feel the Celtics emanating pain and despair. The third point, amazingly, is revenge, though for the Wizards, it's tough to argue that they are somehow "mad" at the Celtics. I think Sac made a better point in the forum that it's more about "retooling" and having another crack at a team that beat you earlier. So, we have the Wizards, who have been gameplanning for this contest, and the Celtics, who spent their recent games dealing with the Magic, Hawks and Lakers, and I would imagine, have gameplanned for the Wizards about as long as their practice hours are this coming afternoon. The Wizards, by the way, have won 2 in a row, so they're playing decent basketball, at least as far as "decent" goes. I lean to Washington; no lean on the total.

Bucks @ Heat - This line is OFF. This game is the second half of a Heat/Bucks home-and-home, with Milwaukee taking the game in Wisconsin 2 days ago, 95-84, easily covering the spread of 4 in a game that really wasn't that close from the midpoint of the 2nd quarter. It looked like Miami hadn't come to play, and by the time they decided to compete, Milwaukee was out ahead by 15 and had it on cruise control. Now, Miami gets a chance to avenge that rather lackluster performance by trying to drop the surging Bucks at home. I'm curious to see where this line opens up. The Heat were 4-point dogs on the second night of a back-to-back in the last one, so you'd figure if we drop 2 points out and rotate home court, Miami should be favored by 4. I would imagine the line will open up close to 4 or 4.5, and potentially move up a tick. Besides the revenge, though, this doesn't actually look like that great of a Heat wager. Still, these home-and-home situations are like their own special island in the middle of the NBA season. The Bucks have covered 7 games in a row, but that almost doesn't matter here, beyond the fact that they're making shots. The Heat have been a poor ATS team at home, but that, too, seems less important than usual because they are going to show they deserve to at least split 2 games with the Bucks. I think it's also important to note that because Miami was on that back-to-back in Milwaukee, they were inclined to play lackadaisical ball. Here, they're rested, and I expect a strong game from Miami; I lean Heat. The last game involved a total of 179, well beneath the 190 that was set. Let's react to this total when it comes out, because I think we might get some information just by looking at the line.

Lakers @ Grizzlies - Lakers by 2 with a total of 206.5. One more time, I'd like a ticket to Letdown City, please? I think there may be the misconception that the Lakers are just going to roll into town feeling damn good about themselves after that win in Boston and topple the Grizzlies, but I'm of the exact opposite school of thought. The Lakers have now won 4 in a row, and they, I'm sure, are looking pretty snazzy to the average bettor after the nationally televised win on Sunday afternoon. The Grizzlies probably don't look that snazzy, and really, it's amazing how quickly the public can forget. The Grizzlies covered 6 of 7 games before losing in San Antonio, and then at home to the Hornets, so suddenly the Grizzlies have gone from hero to zero. The Lakers have been just fine on back-to-back games, so that's not an issue here - LA is 9-3 SU (6-6 ATS), so we can throw that angle out the window. The more important one here is revenge. I think it's interesting how this revenge angle compares to the one we mentioned above in the Wizards game. In that one, we talked about how the Wizards don't expect to win, so it's really more of a "modified attack" game; this one, though, is more traditional revenge. The Grizzlies are an up-and-coming team, really enjoying the season and at 25-21 are in the thick of the Western Conference hunt. They came to LA, though, and got trounced by 16, and I believe this is a team that wants to show the "big dog" that they're good enough to compete. I also like that the Lakers are on the last game of a road trip, so at least, let's say, 15% of the team is probably going to be looking ahead to getting home and seeing children, their flat screen TVs, etc. I lean Memphis. I also think we might see some points scored in this one if the Grizzlies dictate the tempo - that being said, Memphis has seemed content lately to play a more defensive game. I actually lean to the Under, since the obvious choice here is to expect fireworks.

Suns @ Hornets - This line is OFF. Stupid Chris Paul is costing us a shot at a middle right now. The Suns playing an overtime game with the Rockets will likely move this line another point in favor of the Hornets, but without a line to begin with, this one is going to look awfully juicy for Suns-backers. And it may very well be just that succulent. If Chris Paul is forced to miss another game, I'm just not sure that we'll see another career night from Darren Collison, and we all know how poor the Hornets are at covering home favorite spreads. Since we really are going to be basing our views of this game largely on the presence (or lack thereof) of Chris Paul, it's tough to fully handicap it, but a few notes are worth mentioning. The Suns appear to be building momentum. The big question off the TNT Thursday win over Dallas was whether Phoenix would regress or come out strong in the next game, and we saw clearly that they're playing with a ton of heart with this overtime win in Houston. Obviously, there are going to be some tired legs with multiple Suns logging over 40 minutes, but I just don't trust the Hornets at home to cover what's sure to be a spread of ample size (if CP3 plays). The Hornets are a robust 16-5 SU at home, but 10-11 ATS; they are 15-6 SU as a favorite (7-14 ATS), and 11-4 SU as a home favorite (5-10 ATS). This team is a disaster as a home fave; they play close games almost every night, making them a wonderful dog (16-10 ATS), but a team that just cannot be trusted to put anyone away, at least no one with the firepower of the Suns. Plus, Amare Stoudemire fouled out of the game with Houston, so he won't be quite as fatigued as the others. These teams have split two previous meetings, with each club winning the home affair, and covering, but despite that, I lean to Phoenix on the side. The totals in the two prior meetings were 128 and 113. Let's see where this one opens up, and we'll take it from there.

Kings @ Nuggets - This line is OFF. The Nuggets return home off a fine road performance in San Antonio in the Sunday morning ABC game. I guess we know which team wakes up faster between those two. Now, we get to see if the Kings can ever get things straightened out. The Kings are tanking at an alarming rate; I mean, we're talking very, very ugly. The Kings went 2-13 in the month of January SU, and 3-11-1 ATS, so it has been an epic tailspin, and I just can't tell if we've hit rock bottom. It almost doesn't matter, and this may come as something of a surprise, but this is a double-revenge spot for the Nugs, who have lost twice to the Kings in Sacramento, with both games going Under. Now, Denver gets their chance to push the tempo and blow Sacramento out of the building. The real question in this game is whether Carmelo Anthony will play, because if so, this line might be pretty huge. I almost hope he doesn't play so we can deal with a line closer, to, say 10, instead of 12-14. Bottom line here is that I don't trust the Kings. They have lost every single road game thus far in 2010, and even if they manage to keep it close with Denver for a few minutes in this one, there's such a slim hope that they can compete for all 48 minutes. Denver is going to be on a back-to-back, which actually should work to our advantage, since we'll get a nice little 2-point line drop. I'm very interested in where this line opens up, as I lean just a bit to Denver, and I think there may be some value, once again, in the Under, since the Kings can't seem to score. They've played to 4 unders and push in their last 5, and I think Denver's involvement in this game should inflate the total just a hair.

Mavericks @ Jazz - This line is OFF. Will Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer play? Deron Williams is a "maybe", and Boozer is likely out. I certainly think Paul Millsap is about as capable a replacement as you can find, but another game with Ronnie Price running the point might start to take a little toll on Utah. The Jazz have been playing dominant basketball, winning 9 of 10 games, straight up, and going 9-1-2 ATS in their last 12, so this is not a team to be taken lightly. I do think, though, that they may be hitting that point where the team is starting to become overvalued against the line, and we can anticipate a few failed covers of large home spreads in the not-so-distant future. Hell, we might have seen the start of it with their home win over Sacramento, but failed cover. Now, they welcome one of the better road teams in the NBA, but a slumping version of the Mavs. Dallas's defense has been horrible lately, allowing over 100 points in 3 straight games, while playing to 4 straight Overs, and going 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games. I believe the most important angle in this game is revenge. Dallas beat Utah in the first meeting this year, but Utah came back to Dallas 3 weeks ago and creamed the Mavs by 18 as a 5.5-point dog. Dallas is going to want to go into Utah and get a win, or at the very least, we can expect a solid full-game effort. Despite the recent cold stretch, the Mavs are still 15-10 ATS on the road, so they can certainly compete, and if they're getting a few points in this one, I'm inclined to lean Mavericks. If the Jazz are healthy with Deron, I like the Over thanks to Dallas's awful defense this month, but if there are players missing, I might just dodge this total (and maybe the side, too) altogether.

Bobcats @ Blazers - This line is OFF. I guess Brandon Roy has been upgraded from "out" to "questionable", though he wasn't supposed to return until the middle of the week. I guess time will tell. Assuming Roy is still out, this is a nice spot for the surging Bobcats. Charlotte lost the opener of their current 6-game road trip in Denver, but have since responded with 3 straight wins in Phoenix, Golden State and Sacramento. Now, they continue on their sweeping trip across the Pacific with this contest at the Rose Garden. This, guys, is one of those games where I think it's important to just try to simplify things. Sure, the Blazers actually beat the Bobcats in Charlotte earlier this year, so there is some revenge mixed into this little ATS cocktail, but for the most part, I think we're looking at a team where you just want to stay out of their way until they lose. So, either we like Charlotte or nothing. The Bobcats do play the Lakers on Wednesday, but I'm not sure this is a traditional look-ahead spot, since Charlotte is in a zone right now, focused on each and every game and working toward moving up in the Eastern playoff standings. I just love their recent ability to lock down on high-scoring, zero-defense teams, and I'd be willing to wager they have a decent gameplan for this one, as they certainly have game tape from the November meeting to work off. I lean Bobcats. On the total, well, this could be interesting. The last game featured 154 points, 17 under the posted mark of 171, but I actually think we'll see this one open up a bit higher than 171. The Bobcats have played to 5 overs and a push in their last 6, and the Blazers are on a streak of 6 consecutive overs. Another situation, I think, where we should just ride the wave and look at the Over, unless the line is so absurd or the movement so severe that we need to turn our heads.

Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards

The Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Verizon Center.

The Celtics lost to the Lakers 90-89 as a 1-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195).

Rajon Rondo led Boston with 21 points and 12 assists, while Paul Pierce had 15 points in the loss.

Mike Miller poured in 25 points to go with nine rebounds and eight assists on Saturday, as the Wizards defeated the Knicks 106-96. The Wizards won that game as 2-point underdogs, while the 202 points went UNDER the posted total of 204.5.

Antawn Jamison had 21 points with 23 rebounds for a double-double in leading the way.

Current streak:
Boston has lost 3 straight games.
Washington has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Boston: 29-16 SU, 18-26-1 ATS
Washington: 16-30 SU, 18-28 ATS

Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 4-6

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

Next up:
Boston home to Miami, Wednesday, February 3
Washington at New York, Wednesday, February 3

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Andrew Bogut tossed in 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, leading the Bucks over the Heat 95-84. The Bucks covered the 4-point spread, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 190.

Hakim Warrick poured in a game-high 22 points for the Bucks, and Brandon Jennnings had 17 points in the win.

Dwyane Wade drained 21 points and dished out seven assists in a losing effort for the Heat.

Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 20-25 SU, 27-18 ATS
Miami: 24-23 SU, 23-23-1 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee at Orlando, Tuesday, February 2
Miami at Boston, Wednesday, February 3

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The fans at FedExForum will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies when they take their seats on Monday.

The Lakers edged Boston 90-89 as a 1-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195).

Andre Bynum scored 19 points to go with 11 rebounds for the Lakers, while Kobe Bryant also netted 19 points in the win.

The Grizzlies were defeated 109-102 by the Hornets last time out, as 7.5-point favorites. That game's 211 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.5.

Marc Gasol collected a double-double in the loss, tossing in 25 points and hauling down 16 rebounds.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 4 straight games.
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 37-11 SU, 22-25-1 ATS
Memphis: 25-21 SU, 26-20 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

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

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Memphis
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Memphis is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games
Memphis is 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games when playing LA Lakers

Next up:
LA Lakers home to Charlotte, Wednesday, February 3
Memphis at Cleveland, Tuesday, February 2

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Hornets

The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.

The Suns defeated Houston 115-111 in overtime as a 3.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (218.5).

Amar'e Stoudemire scored 36 points to go with 11 rebounds for Phoenix, while Steve Nash had 11 points and 16 assists.

The Hornets rallied to send the game into overtime and came away with a 109-102 victory over the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Hornets won that game as 7.5-point underdogs, while the 211 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.5.

Darren Collison had 17 points with six rebounds and 18 assists in leading the Hornets. David West netted 22 points, while Emeka Okafor had 21 points and 10 boards for a double-double in the win.

Current streak:
Phoenix has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Phoenix: 28-21 SU, 25-23-1 ATS
New Orleans: 26-21 SU, 23-24 ATS

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
New Orleans is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
New Orleans is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Phoenix

Next up:
Phoenix at Denver, Wednesday, February 3
New Orleans home to Oklahoma City, Wednesday, February 3

Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets

The Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Pepsi Center.

The Kings were upended 103-96 by the Bobcats last time out, as slight 1-point underdogs. That game's 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.5.

Kevin Martin shot 11-for-25 from the field with a team-high 31 points for the Kings.

The Nuggets upset San Antonio 103-89 as a 5.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (197.5).

Kenyon Martin netted 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver, while Chauncey Billups added 25 points and 11 assists in the win.

Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Sacramento: 16-30 SU, 21-23-2 ATS
Denver: 32-15 SU, 22-23-2 ATS

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Sacramento home to San Antonio, Wednesday, February 3
Denver home to Phoenix, Wednesday, February 3

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz

The Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at EnergySolutions Arena.

The Mavericks were upset 114-112 in overtime by the Trail Blazers on Saturday, as 8.5-point favorites. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 193.

Dirk Nowitzki collected 28 points and nine rebounds.

The Jazz were outscored in the fourth quarter but held on for a 101-94 victory over the Kings on Friday. The Jazz failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, while the 195 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.

Paul Millsap had 32 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Jazz. Andrei Kirilenko chipped in with 18 points in the win.

Current streak:
Dallas has lost 2 straight games.
Utah has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
Dallas: 30-17 SU, 20-27 ATS
Utah: 28-18 SU, 27-17-2 ATS

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 10 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

Next up:
Dallas home to Golden State, Wednesday, February 3
Utah home to Portland, Wednesday, February 3

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Charlotte Bobcats and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Rose Garden.

The Bobcats were badly outscored in the fourth quarter, but managed to hang on and defeat the Kings 103-96 on Saturday. The Bobcats covered the slight 1-point spread, and the 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.5.

Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with a game-high 38 points while adding 11 rebounds in a double-double performance.

Andre Miller drained a game-high 52 points to help the Trail Blazers pull out a thrilling 114-112 victory over the Mavericks in OT on Saturday. The Trail Blazers won this game as 8.5-point underdogs, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 193.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points for the Trail Blazers, and Jerryd Bayless chipped in with 17.

Current streak:
Charlotte has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Charlotte: 24-22 SU, 28-18 ATS
Portland: 28-21 SU, 27-21-1 ATS

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a win are 8-2

Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Charlotte is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games at home
Portland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Portland is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

Next up:
Charlotte at LA Lakers, Wednesday, February 3
Portland at Utah, Wednesday, February 3

Trend Report - Monday
By Ed Meyer

Lakers at Grizzlies – The Grizzlies are 7-0 ATS (12.7 ppg) since January 10, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a home loss in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Grizzlies are 7-0-1 ATS (7.9 ppg) since November 03, 2006 with at most one day of rest off a home loss in which they led by 10+ points. The League is 7-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since January 11, 2009 with at most one day of rest off an overtime home loss in which they held a double digit lead.

Bucks at Heat – The Bucks are 6-0 ATS (8.1 ppg) since December 16, 2005 after playing at home against the Heat. The Heat are 0-5-1 ATS (-3.9 ppg) since December 05, 2005 on Monday after playing on the road on Friday and Saturday.

Suns at Hornets – The Suns are 10-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since March 22, 1997 on the road when seeking revenge for a road loss in which they were out-rebounded by double-digits. The Suns are 7-0 ATS (10.7 ppg) since March 28, 2003 after a road win when their opponent is off an overtime game. The Hornets are 0-7 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since May 02, 2003 as a favorite with at least one day of rest off a win as a dog in which they trailed by 10+ points. The Hornets are 7-0 ATS (13.3 ppg) since November 21, 2006 at home when their opponent is off an overtime game.

Mavericks at Jazz – The Mavericks are 0-8 ATS (-8.8 ppg) since March 11, 2006 on the road after playing the Trailblazers. The Mavericks are 0-6 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since April 13, 2006 when seeking revenge for a loss as a home favorite in which they allowed at least 50% shooting from the field. The Jazz are 6-0 ATS (10.7 ppg) since January 31, 2007 at home with at least one day of rest after playing at home when their opponent is off an overtime game.

Kings at Nuggets – The Nuggets are 0-7 ATS (-7.1 ppg) since March 02, 2008 before playing the Suns. The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (5.6 ppg) since December 22, 2008 as a favorite with at most one day of rest after a game in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four.

Bobcats at Trailblazers – The Trailblazers are 7-0 ATS (8.6 ppg) since January 24, 2000 at home with at least one day of rest after a road win in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight.

Celtics at Wizards – The Wizards are 0-7 ATS (-8.6 ppg) since April 20, 2005 as a dog when their opponent is playing their fourth game in five days.The Wizards are 6-0 ATS (15.8 ppg) since January 12, 1996 at home with at least one day of rest after a win in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line.