NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, Feb. 2
Los Angeles Lakers at New York (7:30 p.m. EST). Kobe Bryant and the Western Conference-leading Lakers face the Knicks in their annual visit to Madison Square Garden.
STARS
Sunday
— Kevin Martin, Kings, scored 37 points on his 26th birthday and Sacramento beat Oklahoma City 122-118 in overtime
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 33 points in Cleveland’s 90-80 win over Detroit.
— Paul Pierce, Celtics, had 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists to help Boston extend its winning streak to 11 games with a 109-101 victory over Minnesota.
DISAPPEARING ACT
Chris Bosh came in averaging close to 24 points and nine rebounds in 20 career games against the Magic, but he shot a disappointing 4-for-11 and was booed after missing five of his first six attempts in Toronto’s 113-90 loss to Orlando on Sunday.
MISFIRING
Detroit lost to Cleveland 90-80 on Sunday, giving the Pistons four straight home losses for the first time in eight years. They’re also coming off their first losing month since February 2004, the month in which they acquired Rasheed Wallace and went on to win the NBA title.
LISTEN UP
Sacramento held a players-only meeting on Saturday and then went out and beat Oklahoma City 122-118 in overtime on Sunday. “I think it helped,” Spencer Hawes said.
SPEAKING
“I just try to give the game what it needs. Today, I thought it needed my scoring. You go off and say ‘Hey, I’ve still got it.’ Even at 31.”—Paul Pierce after his 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists helped Boston extend its winning streak to 11 games with a 109-101 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Washington Wizards
The Grizzlies were left behind in the second half and fell 115-98 to the Lakers last time out, as 10.5-point underdogs at home. That game's 213 points made it OVER the night's posted total of 206.
Rudy Gay had 23 points, and O.J. Mayo netted 21 points with five boards.
Antawn Jamison went for a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, as the Wizards defeated the Clippers 106-94. The Wizards covered the 4.5-point spread, and the 200 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.
Nick Young came off the bench to score 22 points, and JaVale McGee added 18.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 12 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 11-35 SU, 15-30-1 ATS
Washington: 10-37 SU, 18-28-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 0-10
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Memphis's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 15 games
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Washington is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Memphis
Washington is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Houston, Wednesday, February 4
Washington home to New Jersey, Wednesday, February 4
Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic
Dirk Nowitzki dropped 30 points and hauled down seven rebounds to help the Mavericks defeat the Heat by a final score of 111-96 on Saturday. The Mavericks covered the 2-point spread, and the game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
Jason Terry had a solid game with 20 points and five rebounds, while Jason Kidd dished out 11 assists in that win.
The Magic defeated Toronto 113-90 as a 6-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (199.5).
Dwight Howard scored 29 points to go along with 14 rebounds for Orlando, while Mickael Pietrus added 22 points in the win.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 27-19 SU, 21-25 ATS
Orlando: 36-10 SU, 31-14-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Orlando is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
Orlando is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Orlando is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Next up:
Dallas home to Portland, Wednesday, February 4
Orlando home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, February 4
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks
The high-flying Lakers turned up the pressure in the second half and whizzed past the Grizzlies 115-98 last time out. The Lakers covered the 10.5-point spread, and the 213 points made it OVER the night's posted total of 206.
Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Kobe Bryant added a game-high 25 points in that win.
Al Harrington went for 31 points and eight rebounds to lead the Knicks in a 122-113 win over the Pacers last time out, as 4.5-point road underdogs. That game's 230 points made it OVER the posted total of 224.5.
David Lee netted 23 points with 17 boards for a double-double, and Wilson Chandler added 15 points with eight rebounds.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
New York has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 37-9 SU, 23-23 ATS
New York: 21-25 SU, 27-19 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 1-9
Before playing Cleveland are 1-9
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at Toronto, Wednesday, February 4
New York home to Cleveland, Wednesday, February 4
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat
The Clippers were defeated 106-94 by the Wizards last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 200 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.
Eric Gordon had 25 points, four rebounds and four assists in the loss.
The Heat lost 111-96 to the Mavericks last time out, as 2-point underdogs at home. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 197.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 30 points, while Michael Beasley added 18 in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 5 straight games.
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 10-37 SU, 19-28 ATS
Miami: 25-21 SU, 22-23-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Miami is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games at home
Next up:
LA Clippers at Orlando, Wednesday, February 4
Miami at Detroit, Wednesday, February 4
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Hornets
Brandon Roy went for 30 points, and five others reached double-figures on Saturday to give the Trail Blazers a 122-108 win over the Jazz. The Trail Blazers covered the 9-point spread, and the 230 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.
Nicolas Batum had 16 points, while Lyle Aldridge and Joel Przybilla added 14 apiece in the win.
The Hornets were dismal late in the game and lost 106-93 to the Spurs last time out, as 7-point road underdogs. The 199 points sailed OVER the posted total of 184.
Chris Paul tossed in a game-high 38 points with six rebounds.
Current streak:
Portland has won 4 straight games.
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 29-17 SU, 24-22 ATS
New Orleans: 28-16 SU, 19-23-2 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Portland
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Portland at Dallas, Wednesday, February 4
New Orleans home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 4
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
Kevin Martin led the way with 37 points on Sunday afternoon as the Kings got past the Thunder by a final score of 122-118.
The Kings managed to cover the 1.5-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (217).
The Suns were upset 122-111 to the Bulls last time out, as 9.5-point favorites at home. The game's 233 points sailed OVER the posted total of 213.
Leandro Barbosa scored a game-high 32 points with five rebounds in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 11-38 SU, 22-27 ATS
Phoenix: 25-20 SU, 15-29-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Sacramento is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to Utah, Friday, February 6
Phoenix at Golden State, Wednesday, February 4
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Utah Jazz
The Bobcats fell 110-99 by the Nuggets last time out, as 10-point road underdogs. That game's 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Raja Bell tossed in a game-high 27 points with five rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.
The Jazz were bounced 122-108 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 9-point road underdogs. That game's 230 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.
Deron Willams led the Jazz with a game-high 35 points, and Mehmet Okur added 18 in the loss.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 19-28 SU, 28-19 ATS
Utah: 26-22 SU, 23-25 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-8
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Denver are 5-4
After a loss are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Portland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Utah
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah
Utah is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Utah's last 17 games
Next up:
Charlotte home to Atlanta, Friday, February 6
Utah home to Dallas, Thursday, February 5
San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
Tony Parker went for 25 points and dished out seven assists in leading the Spurs in a 106-93 victory over the Hornets on Saturday. The Spurs covered the 7-point spread at home, and the 199 points sailed OVER the posted total of 184.
Manu Ginobili had 22 points with five assists for the Spurs, and Michael Finley added 20 in that win.
The Warriors fell 110-93 to the Rockets as 8-point underdogs last time out. That game's 203 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 213.
Corey Maggette tossed in 17 points, and Stephen Jackson added 16 in a losing effort.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 32-14 SU, 22-23-1 ATS
Golden State: 15-33 SU, 22-26 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 8-2
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Antonio's last 12 games when playing on the road against Golden State
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Denver, Tuesday, February 3
Golden State home to Phoenix, Wednesday, February 4
DALLAS vs. ORLANDO
Dallas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Orlando is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Dallas
MEMPHIS vs. WASHINGTON
Memphis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Washington is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Memphis
LA CLIPPERS vs. MIAMI
LA Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Miami is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Miami is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
LA LAKERS vs. NEW YORK
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
New York is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 12 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
PORTLAND vs. NEW ORLEANS
Portland is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games at home
CHARLOTTE vs. UTAH
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Utah is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
SACRAMENTO vs. PHOENIX
Sacramento is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
SAN ANTONIO vs. GOLDEN STATE
San Antonio is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Golden State's last 23 games at home
Hot Teams
-- Mavericks won three of their last four games. Orlando won last three games, by 24-11-23 points.
-- Lakers, Knicks both won six of their last seven games; New York has covered its last seven games.
-- Warriors covered four of their last five home games.
Cold Teams
-- Grizzlies lost their last 12 games (0-12 vs spread). Wizards lost five of their last six games.
-- Miami lost last two games, allowing 114-111 pts. Clippers lost seven of last eight games (0-5 vs spread in last five).
-- Suns lost five of their last seven games. Kings lost eight of last nine, are 3-6 vs spread in those games.
-- Hornets lost last two games, scoring 87-90 points. Portland won and covered their last four games.
-- Bobcats lost three of their last four games. Jazz lost five of last six.
-- Spurs won seven of their last eight games.
Totals
-- Four of last five Dallas games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Memphis road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Clipper games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Laker games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3 in last nine New Orleans games.
-- Three of Kings' last four games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Charlotte games stayed under the total; six of the last seven Utah games went over.
-- Last five Golden State games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Orlando is 5-2 vs spread if they played day/night before.
-- Kings are 6-2 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Spurs are 0-3 vs spread if playing first of two consecutive night on the road.
Tips and Trends
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Hornets
Blazers:
Blazers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games.
The UNDER is 9-0 in Portland's last 9 games as an underdog.
Key Injuries - G Steve Blake (shoulder) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 89 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Hornets (-4, O/U 187):
Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 10-2 in New Orleans' last 12 home games.
Key Injuries - G Morris Peterson (foot) is OUT.
C Tyson Chandler (ankle) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 93
Monday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Eight games headline Monday’s pro basketball slate, including five non-conference tilts and three intriguing West Coast clashes. Tonight’s matchups feature a ton of streaks and skids on the hardwood. Let’s take a closer look and analyze the current and historical trends for the battles below.
Dallas at Orlando: Dallas has won three of its last four games both straight up and against the spread, plus the offense is starting to come around. The Mavs are averaging 110 points per game in their last four. Orlando has ripped off three wins and covers in a row, including a 113-90 win against Toronto on Sunday. The Magic own an impressive 6-1 record both SU and ATS on zero days rest this season. Shootouts have been a plenty when these two teams suit up. The ‘over’ has cashed in eight straight meetings. The road team has won the past two battles.
Memphis at Washington: Not sure if we should even touch on this matchup, considering Memphis (11-35) and Washington (10-37) have combined for 21 wins and 72 losses. The Grizzlies are a complete mess, going 0-12 both SU and ATS in their last 12 games. Washington just snapped a five-game losing streak, with the win coming against the Clippers. The home team has won and covered five consecutive in this series.
L.A. Clippers at Miami: The Clippers are banged up and the talent is lacking, which is a large reason why they’ve lost and failed to cover five straight games. Los Angeles might have a little confidence on Monday, since it has won two straight and four of the last five against Miami. The Heat have gone 15-8 SU and 10-13 ATS at home this year.
L.A. Lakers at New York: Break up the Knicks! New York has covered seven straight (6-1 SU) and it has busted 100-plus points in each of those outings too. The Lakers are very hot too, going 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games. Los Angeles has won three of five against New York, but is just 1-4 ATS during this stretch. The Lakers won’t have Andrew Bynum (knee) in the lineup tonight.
Portland at New Orleans: The Trail Blazers have won and covered four straight games and their defense has held opponents to 89.3 PPG during this run. Portland has struggled against New Orleans recently, losing three of the last four meetings including two in the Big East. Portland has struggled with a 9-14 ATS ledger on the road this year.
Charlotte at Utah: The Bobcats have dropped two in a row, both SU and ATS after ripping off a 6-0-1 ATS run. The Jazz have been dreadful for gamblers lately, going 2-6 SU and 1-7 ATS in their last eight games. The defense has given up 100 PPG or more in seven of the eight games, which has helped the ‘over’ go 6-1-1. Three of the last four meetings between the Bobcats and Jazz have gone ‘over’ the number.
Sacramento at Phoenix: The Kings have dropped eight straight games (2-6 ATS) and their defensive effort has been embarrassing lately. Sacramento has dropped five in a row (2-3 ATS) against Phoenix and four straight in the desert. The Suns are very beatable at home this year (12-10 SU, 6-16 ATS), especially against the number. After returning from its long road trip, Phoenix is 0-2 both SU and ATS in its last two at home.
San Antonio at Golden State: The Spurs have won and covered three consecutive tilts, including two on the road. Greg Popovich and company have averaged 108.7 PPG during this streak, which has helped the ‘over’ go 3-0. The ‘under’ has gone 5-0 in the last five games for the Warriors but that could change tonight. Golden State has outscored opponents 112-110 at home and the ‘over’ has produced a 14-6 (70%) record. Before you run to the counter quickly, make a note that the Spurs has watched the ‘under’ go 13-8 on the road.
vegasinsider.com
NBA Monday Report
by Andre Gomes
Dallas @ Orlando
The Magic beat yesterday the Raptors in a revenge game for them. This team is playing so well right now that I can't even imagine myself to bet against them in this game. They beat the Cavs in a great second half and then the Raptors on the road, the fact this is a back to back game for them isn't a problem as not only their game yesterday was an early game, but also this team is 5-0 ATS L5 back to back games. The Mavs meanwhile had their best game of the season in Miami where they shot a sizzling 60.3 % from the field and Dirk Nowitzki and company once again revenged the upset suffered in the finals a couple of years ago. They are 7-3 ATS as away dogs in this season, however the last time they had in this situation they were spanked in Boston by 100-124 and Orlando is playing so well?
Memphis @ Washington
This is a game between two lowly teams and coincidently this is the consecutive game where the Wizards face a team with a similar level to theirs. In the last game the Wizards beat the Clippers by 106-94 and they showed that they don't want to lose these kind of games. Jamison had a big night, but it was some young guys like McGee or Nick Young who stepped up and helped the veterans. The Grizzles meanwhile are 0-3 with the new head coach Lionel Hollins. In their last game they were competitive against the Lakers in the first half and in the previous foe they almost won at Oklahoma City. Memphis is 4-15 ATS as a road underdog this season, but they are improving fast lately. I think that a nice streak of ATS winners is coming from the Grizzlies, all they need is to win a ballgame. For this game the Wizards are favored by 6 points and honestly I can see both teams winning in here.
LA Lakers @ NY Knicks
The Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season: they are healthy, they're sharing the ball and their bench is in a high note especially with Nate Robinson. 6-1 L7games or 8-3 L11 games is a great record for them, but this week will be to good to know if they can compete at the high level because they will play against the Lakers, Cavs and the Celtics. Meanwhile, the Lakers are coming from two good wins on the road, but unfortunately center Andrew Bynum got injured last game and this can be serious. He was playing stellar basketball lately with 5 consecutive double doubles for 25.0 ppg and 13.8 rpg! Of course the Lakers aren't so strong without him, but we cannot underrate this team just because of this. Remember what the run they had in the last season when Pau Gasol went to LA! This will be an excitant game with a lot of points. Note that LA is 9-2 Over versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game.
LA Clippers @Miami
The Heat after winning 3 consecutive games lost their last 2 games by playing poorly on the defensive end. They allowed the Mavericks to shot above the 60% from the field and already against the Pacers they allowed 114 points (66 points in the first half). They need to play better and it all starts with their defense. Meanwhile, the Clippers showed an impressive lack of effort in Washington by losing a winnable game against the Wizards. They were outrebounded, outmuscled and committed a season high of 25 turnovers! The tricky question in here is to find out if the Clippers are willing to play hard tonight, if not we already know that the Wizards lost by 18 in Miami in the last week and the same thing may happen today.
Portland @ New Orleans
The Hornets lost back to back games against the Warriors and the Spurs and it is the fourth time that this has happened to the Hornets this season. In the 3 previous situations the Hornets won always the following game by going 2-0-1 ATS and 3-0 Under in those contests. Tyson Chandler is still out for this game and although David West returned in those two last games, he didn't look sharp. They will face the red hot Blazers who are in a 4 game winning streak and 7-3 L10 games. They looked impressive against the divisional rivals Jazz, but Utah aren't competitive against top teams lately, so we must have careful to not overlook the Blazers in here. The series is 2-1 for the Hornets right now, but if Greg Oden can stay out of the foul trouble, the Blazers will have some edge on the frontcourt because of the absence of Tyson Chandler.
Sacramento @ Phoenix
The Suns are struggling lately and they are 3-7 L10. They ended the month with a negative record and it was the first losing month in a long time for the franchise. They lost back to back games at home and naturally we can expect a big effort tonight. Note that the team staff and the players had a meeting yesterday to discuss some things. Today the good news is that they will face the Kings, who are a terrible road team, but they finally snapped their losing streak yesterday by beating the Thunder. I made a best bet on them based in the fact that two starters were out (Beno Udrih and Brad Miller) and this wasn't bad news as both players were playing poorly and the Kings had a team meeting in the previous night just like the Suns had yesterday. 13.5 points is a big spread for the Suns, taking in account that they are 6-15 ATS as home favorites and 1-8 ATS while being favored by 8 points or more.
Charlotte @ Utah
The Jazz are in a bad mood right now, as they are 3-7 L10 games and 1-5 L6 games! The absence of Andrei Kirilenko is more important that anyone could realize. I mean they were relatively competitive without Boozer, but now without Kirilenko as well, this team can't buy a buck in the defensive end! In the last 10 games for just twice, they didn't allow their opponents to reach the century mark points. The really bad news is that those opponents were the Grizzlies and the Thunder! Today they will face the Bobcats who end tonight their West Coast road trip. After a big win in LA, the Bobcats lost consecutive contests in Portland and Denver by double digits points and the absence of Gerald Wallace can't be ignored in here! Larry Brown started Adam Morrison in the Gerald's place, but the team performed so bad defensively that for tonight there is the possibility that veteran Juan Howard will start tonight instead, sending Boris Diaw for the SF position. I have a lean on Utah in this game, but the way they are playing lately it seems to be too risky.
San Antonio @ Golden State
The Spurs start today their annual rodeo road trip in a high note, as they won three consecutive games against teams with winning records: Utah, Phoenix and New Orleans. They are also 8-2 L10 games. Their offense is playing great as in all of those contests they reached the 100 points mark and this is a good sign because today they will face the Warriors. Golden State had a huge letdown in Houston a day after upsetting the Hornets on the road. Now they return at home and we can expect a great effort from this team who always look fired up for these big games. Did you notice that they are 21-8 ATS as home underdogs in the past 3 seasons and already 9-3 this season? The amazing fact is that they are 6-0 L6 games in this spot and surely you remember some games like against Celtics and the Cavs. However with the return of Monta Ellis, there is a big problem on the PG position with Ellis and Crawford and no one really knows who is the PG of the team. Both players ended the team's last game with just one assist! The Warriors look like an appellative underdog, but the Spurs can take some advantage from the PG problems of the Warriors in today's game.