NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, March 16
Houston at New Orleans (8 p.m. EDT). The Rockets, losers of two of three, visit the Hornets, who return home after splitting a four-game road trip. Both teams are chasing San Antonio for the Southwest Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
STARS
Sunday
— Dwight Howard, Magic, had 28 points and 20 rebounds, leading Orlando to its third straight victory, 105-87 over Utah.
— Andrea Bargnani, Raptors, had 27 points and nine rebounds in Toronto’s 110-87 win over Indiana.
— Joe Johnson, Hawks, scored 35 points to go with seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, and Atlanta beat Portland 98-80 for its fifth consecutive victory.
— Mike Conley, Grizzlies, had 20 points for Memphis, which ended a seven-game losing streak to Detroit with an 89-84 road victory.
— Antawn Jamison, Wizards, had 30 points, nine rebounds and two steals in a 104-102 win over the Kings.
— Mo Williams, Cavaliers, scored 23 points, making all five of his 3-pointers, to help lead Cleveland past New York 98-93.
— Jason Richardson, Suns, scored 31 points against his former team and Phoenix rang up the highest point total in the NBA this season with a 154-130 victory over Golden State.
— Steve Novak, Clippers, made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, his seventh of the game, and finished with 21 points to help Los Angeles beat New Jersey 107-105 and snap a seven-game losing streak.
STATS
Phoenix and Golden State combined for an NBA best 284 points—the Suns had 154—and Phoenix scored 56 fast-break points, the most since 1997, when the league began to track the stat. … The Bucks shot just 32.6 percent, but scored 27 points off the Celtics’ season-high 25 turnovers and grabbed 14 of their 21 offensive rebounds in the second half of an 86-77 victory. … The 77 points allowed in an 85-77 win over Miami was a season low for Philadelphia. … Detroit, which trailed by as many as 21 points in the first half of an 89-84 loss home loss to Memphis, fell to 2-11 on Sundays.
SCORING
The Suns shot .621 from the field, had four scorers at 20 points or higher, and managed the most points in a game all season, romping at Golden State 154-130. … Pops Mensah-Bonsu scored a career-high 21 points for the Raptors in their 110-97 win over the Pacers. The unheralded Mensah-Bonsu had four dunks among his five baskets, went 11-for-13 from the free throw line and added eight rebounds. … Dwyane Wade, coming off a 50-point performance in the Heat’s triple-overtime victory over Utah on Saturday, was held to 18 in an 85-77 loss at Philadelphia. The NBA’s leading scorer looked tired after playing a career-high 52 1/2 minutes against the Jazz. He shot 8-for-21 in 34 1/2 minutes. … Mavericks guard Jason Terry matched his career high with seven 3-pointers and scored 29 points in a 107-100 loss to the Lakers. … Washington made 11 of its first 12 shots and set a season high for points in a quarter with 37 against Sacramento.
STREAKS
Sacramento dropped to 0-26 against the Eastern Conference with a 106-104 loss at Washington, staying on course to become the first NBA team to go winless against the opposite conference. … Toronto snapped a seven-game losing streak with its biggest margin of victory this season, beating Indiana 110-87. … The 76ers have won six straight over Miami at home. … Atlanta has won five in a row overall and Joe Johnson has four consecutive 30-points outings. … Memphis ended a seven-game losing streak to the Pistons. … The Suns ended a five-game losing streak on the road and a four-game skid at Golden State with a 154-130 romp.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Kendrick Perkins scored a career-high 26 points with 12 rebounds, including a career-best nine offensive, in Boston’s 86-77 loss to the Bucks. … Portland’s Brandon Roy had 25 points and five assists in a 98-80 loss at Atlanta. … Carlos Boozer had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz in a 105-87 loss to Orlando. … Kevin Martin scored 24 points in Sacramento’s 104-102 loss at Washington. … Al Harrington made five 3-pointers and scored 26 points for New York in a 98-93 loss to the Cavs. … Vince Carter had a season-high 41 points along with seven rebounds and six assists for the Nets, who lost 107-105 at the Clippers.
OUT OF NOWHERE
Donyell Marshall, who hadn’t scored a point since Feb. 17 and has played in only 14 games this season, had 10 in the final quarter of Philadelphia’s 85-77 win over Miami.
SIDELINED
Boston slipped to 6-5 in the last 11 games without Kevin Garnett (sprained right knee). … Guard Bobby Jackson broke his cheekbone last Friday night and did not travel with the Kings to Washington. He will be re-evaluated Monday. … Warriors C Andris Biedrins will miss at least a week with a sprained left ankle sustained in the first quarter of Friday night’s win over Dallas. … Nets point guard and leading scorer Devin Harris left with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter of a 107-105 loss to the Clippers because of a strained left shoulder.
SPEAKING
“Howard was a monster. He is one of those guys that people don’t appreciate like they should. He should be in the MVP talk, too. He cleans up everything and corrects any mistake they make.”—Utah forward Carlos Boozer after Dwight Howard had 28 points and 20 rebounds in Orlando’s 105-87 win over the Jazz.
Toronto Raptors vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Raptors defeated Indiana 110-87 as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (214.5).
Andrea Bargnani scored 27 points to go along with nine rebounds for Toronto, while Pops Mensah-Bonsu added 21 points and eight rebounds in the win.
The Bobcats fell short against the Timberwolves, losing 108-100 at the Target Center Saturday.
Minnesota covered as a 5-point home underdog while the final score played over the 190.5-point total.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 24-43 SU, 24-40-3 ATS
Charlotte: 28-38 SU, 39-27 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Charlotte are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 3-6
After playing Minnesota are 4-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
Charlotte is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Charlotte's last 12 games when playing Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to Charlotte, Friday, March 20
Charlotte home to Sacramento, Wednesday, March 18
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Trail Blazers lost to Atlanta 98-80 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (188.5).
Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 29 points and LaMarcus Aldridge had 19 points in the loss.
The Grizzlies upset Detroit 89-84 as an 8-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total( 183).
Mike Conley scored a game-high 20 points for Memphis and Rudy Gay added 15 points in the win.
Team records:
Portland: 41-25 SU, 33-33 ATS
Memphis: 17-48 SU, 29-35-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Indiana, Wednesday, March 18
Memphis home to Denver, Wednesday, March 18
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Rockets couldn't stop Tony Parker, losing 88-85 to the Spurs at the Toyota Center Saturday.
San Antonio covered as a 2.5-point road underdog while the final score played under the 182-point total.
The Hornets were swept away in the Windy City, losing 97-79 to the Bulls at the United Center Saturday night.
Chicago covered as a 2-point home underdog while the final score played under the 193.5-point total.
Team records:
Houston: 43-25 SU, 32-35-1 ATS
New Orleans: 41-24 SU, 28-35-2 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Houston
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Houston home to Detroit, Wednesday, March 18
New Orleans home to Minnesota, Wednesday, March 18
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Spurs held on for an 88-85 win over state rivals, the Rockets at the Toyota Center Saturday.
San Antonio covered as a 2.5-point road underdog while the final score played under the 182-point total.
The Thunder were bounced 106-95 by the Suns last time out, as 7.5-point road underdogs. The combined 201 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 233.5.
Russell Westbrook tossed in 20 points to go with six rebounds and seven assists.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 44-21 SU, 34-29-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 18-48 SU, 39-26-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Houston are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing Phoenix are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oklahoma City
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 15-4-1 ATS in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
San Antonio home to Minnesota, Tuesday, March 17
Oklahoma City home to Chicago, Wednesday, March 18
New Jersey Nets vs. Denver Nuggets
The Nets lost to the Clippers 107-105 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (201).
Vince Carter scored a game-high 41 points for the Nets and Brook Lopez chipped in with 14 points.
Renaldo Balkman dropped 22 points to go with 11 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, as the Nuggets cruised to a 107-94 victory over the Clippers. The Nuggets managed to cover the 12.5-point spread, while the 201 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 206.
Carmelo Anthony added 18 points and Nene Hilario chipped in with 17 in that win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 28-38 SU, 34-31-1 ATS
Denver: 42-25 SU, 36-30-1 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New Jersey's last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games
Next up:
New Jersey at New York, Wednesday, March 18
Denver at Memphis, Wednesday, March 18
TORONTO vs. CHARLOTTE
Toronto is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Charlotte is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
HOUSTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Houston is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
Houston is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
PORTLAND vs. MEMPHIS
Portland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Memphis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
SAN ANTONIO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
Oklahoma City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
NEW JERSEY vs. DENVER
New Jersey is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Denver
New Jersey is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games
Hot Teams
-- Spurs won four of their last five games.
-- Portland won six of its last nine games.
-- Rockets are 5-1 vs spread in game after their last six losses. Hornets won seven of their last nine games.
-- Nuggets won five of their last six home games.
Cold Teams
-- Bobcats lost last three games, by 14-5-8 points. Raptors lost six of their last eight games.
-- Thunder lost 11 of their last 13 road games.
-- Memphis lost four of last five games, but covered 14 of last 20.
-- Nets lost five of their last six games.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Oklahoma City games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Denver games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Toronto is 4-3-2 vs spread if it played the day/night before.
-- Memphis is 1-3 at home if it played the night before.
-- Nets are 10-3 vs spread if they played the day/night before.
Tips and Trends
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Hornets
Rockets: Houston has dropped two of three with both losses coming at home against the top two teams in the Western Conference. The Rockets had won 11 of 13 and are still battling New Orleans and San Antonio for the Southwest Division title. “I would like to say that we have it all figured out in late-game situations, but we’re still learning our way,” Houston forward Shane Battier said. “We’ve won a lot of games on effort and that’s good, but we need to win games intellectually.” The Rockets have averaged just 74 points on 35.1 percent shooting in losing the last two road meetings with the Hornets.
Rockets are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Key Injuries - G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 87 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Hornets (-3.5, O/U 182): New Orleans hopes to have Peja Stojakovic back on Monday after he has missed the last six games due to a back injury. The Hornets have struggled with their 3-point shooting without Stojakovic, going 0-for-11 in a 97-79 loss at Chicago on Saturday, which marked the first time in more than three years they failed to make a shot from beyond the arc. Chris Paul has led New Orleans in Stojakovic's absence, averaging 26.8 points on 58.7 percent shooting. The Hornets are 4-2 in those games.
Hornets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The UNDER is 10-3 in New Orleans' last 13 games vs. Southwest Division.
Key Injuries - F Peja Stojakovic (back) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 91
New Jersey Nets at Denver Nuggets
Nets: New Jersey has been great this season when playing without rest, going 12-6 ATS in this situation. Vince Carter scored a season-high 41 points in a tough 107-105 road loss to the Clippers on Sunday night, but the team lost point guard Devin Harris to a shoulder injury early in the third quarter. Steve Novak hit the game-winning 3-pointer for LA in the final seconds to send the Nets to their third loss in as many games during a five-game road trip. New Jersey is 0-3-1 ATS in its last four games overall after covering six in a row.
Nets are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
The OVER is 12-2 in New Jersey's last 14 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Devin Harris (shoulder) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 98
Nuggets (-9.5, O/U 208): Denver has won two straight following a three-game losing streak and will be out for revenge after suffering one of its worst losses of the season at New Jersey back on February 7th. The Nuggets lost that game 114-70, as Carmelo Anthony was the only player to score in double figures for the team with 15 points. Devin Harris scored a game-high 28 points for the Nets, but he is expected to miss this game due to a shoulder injury suffered in a 107-105 loss to the Clippers on Sunday night.
Nuggets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. Atlantic Division.
The UNDER is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings.
Key Injuries - F Kenyon Martin (back) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 110 (Side Play of the Day)
Monday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Spurs at Thunder**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed San Antonio as a five-point road ‘chalk’ over Oklahoma City, with the total set at 191 ½. This contest is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-San Antonio (44-21 straight up, 31-30 against the spread) improved to 4-1 SU its last five games after slipping past Houston Saturday as a 2 ½-point road underdog, 88-85. The combined 173 points went ‘under' the 182 ½-point closing total, ending back-to-back ‘over’ outings.
-The Spurs were outrebounded by the Rockets, 45-41, while shooting 42 percent (34-of-81) from the field and a stellar 67 percent (6-of-9) from behind the arc. Point guard Tony Parker paced the offense with 28 points and eight assists, while Tim Duncan added 15 and 12 rebounds.
-San Antonio sports a hearty 21-12 SU and 18-14 ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 19-14. The Spurs have been winning their road endeavors by an average score of 96-94.
-Oklahoma City (18-48 SU, 39-25 ATS) is currently mired in a two-game SU losing skid after Saturday’s setback to Phoenix as an eight-point road underdog, 106-95. The combined 201 points never seriously threatened the 234-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 the past four outings. The Thunder had covered three games in a row before facing the Suns.
-Oklahoma City was on the short end of the rebounding battle, 41-38, while the team connected at a 46-percent clip (37-of-80) from the field. All five starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Kevin Durant’s 22 points and Jeff Green’s 17 and 10 rebounds.
-The Thunder are 13-20 SU and 19-12 ATS at home, with the ‘under’ going 20-13. Oklahoma City has been dropping its home games by an average score of 99-97.
-San Antonio is 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS the previous eight encounters with Oklahoma City after prevailing December 14 as a 16-point home ‘chalk,’ 109-104. The combined 213 points soared ‘over’ the 196 ½-point closing total, ending a string of back-to-back ‘under’ outings in this series.
-San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili (shin) and center Drew Gooden (groin) are ‘out.’
**Blazers at Grizzlies**
-LVSC opened Portland as a six-point road favorite over Memphis, with the total listed at 189. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Portland (41-25 SU, 33-33 ATS) is playing for the second time in as many days after Sunday’s setback to Atlanta as a four-point road underdog, 98-80. The combined 178 points went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point closing total.
-The Blazers outrebounded the Hawks, 41-35, but lost after allowing Atlanta to shoot 51 percent (42-of-82) from the field. Portland’s Brandon Roy stepped up with 29 points in the loss, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 and six rebounds.
-The Blazers are now a disappointing 13-19 SU and 12-20 ATS when playing away from home, losing those games by an average score of 97-95.
-Memphis (17-48 SU, 29-35 ATS) upset Detroit Sunday as an 8 ½-point road underdog, 89-84, while the combined 173 points went ‘under’ the 183-point closing total. The ‘under’ is 3-1 the past four outings for the Grizzlies.
-Memphis shot 47 percent (33-of-70) from the field, but really won the game by scoring 11 more points at the free-throw line. Point guard Mike Conley led the charge with 20 points, while forward Rudy Gay contributed 15 and five rebounds.
-The Grizzlies are a subpar 12-21 SU and 14-19 ATS on their home court, with the ‘under’ going 19-14. Memphis has been losing its home games by an average score of 98-94.
-Portland is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the past four meetings with Memphis after prevailing February 18 as an 11 ½-point home favorite, 94-90. The combined 184 points failed to topple the 195-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1-1 the past six matchups in this series.
-Portland center Greg Oden (knee) is ‘out.’ Memphis guard/forward Greg Buckner (knee) is ‘questionable’ versus the Blazers.
**Rockets at Hornets**
-LVSC lists New Orleans as a five-point home ‘chalk’ over Houston, with the total set at 184 ½. This Southwest Division matchup is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Houston (43-25 SU, 32-35 ATS) has alternated SU wins and losses its last four games after Saturday’s setback to San Antonio as a 2 ½-point home favorite, 88-85. The combined 173 points failed to eclipse the 182 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fifth consecutive contest.
-The Rockets shot 42 percent from the field (33-of-79) and 41 percent (7-of-17) from 3-point land, but they were just 67 percent (12-of-18) from the free-throw line. Ron Artest accounted for 21 points and nine rebounds in the loss, while Yao Ming added 18 and 11 rebounds.
-Houston sports a 16-17 SU and 17-16 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 19-13. The Rockets have been dropping their road endeavors by an average score of 98-97.
-New Orleans (41-24 SU, 29-35 ATS) had a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak before falling to Chicago Saturday as a two-point road ‘chalk,’ 97-79. The combined 176 points never seriously threatened the 194-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 the past four games.
-The Hornets outrebounded the Bulls, 43-39, while shooting 43 percent (35-of-81) from the field. New Orleans was 0-for-11 at 3-point attempts. Point guard Chris Paul led all scorers with 29 points and six assists.
-The Hornets are 23-9 SU at home, but just 15-16 ATS. New Orleans has been winning its home contests by an average score of 97-91, helping the ‘under’ go 18-13.
-The home team has won the last four meetings in this series SU and ATS, while the ‘under’ is 5-1 the previous six encounters. Houston prevailed November 15 as a two-point home favorite, 91-82, while New Orleans won December 26 as a 2 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 88-79.
-New Orleans center Sean Marks (flu) is ‘probable’ against the Rockets, while forward Peja Stojakovic (back) is ‘doubtful.’
**Nets at Nuggets**
-LVSC opened Denver as a 9 ½-point home favorite over New Jersey, with the total listed at 210. This contest is slated to start at 9:05 p.m. ET.
-New Jersey is 28-37 SU and 34-30 ATS heading into the Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets continue their five-game road trip with Wednesday’s trip to New York.
-New Jersey maintains a 14-18 SU and 19-13 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 19-13. The Nets have been losing those matchups by an average score of 102-99.
-Denver (42-25 SU, 36-30 ATS) has won back-to-back outings SU after cruising past the Clippers Saturday as a 12 ½-point home favorite, 107-94. The Nuggets had failed to cover three games in a row before upending Los Angeles. The combined 201 points failed to topple the 205 ½-point closing total.
-Denver dominated the Clippers on the boards, 56-30, while shooting 46 percent (36-of-78) from the field. Renaldo Balkman stepped up with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Nene added 17 and 10.
-The Nuggets are 25-8 SU and 19-13 ATS on their home court, winning those affairs by an average score of 105-100.
-New Jersey had dropped three games in a row to Denver SU and ATS before prevailing Feb. 7 as a 2 ½-point home underdog, 114-70. The combined 184 points failed to eclipse the 207-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 3-1 the past four meetings.
-Denver forward Kenyon Martin (back) is ‘questionable’ versus the Nets.
vegasinsider.com
Houston (43-25, 32-35-1 ATS) at New Orleans (41-24, 28-35-2 ATS)
Two teams coming off ugly offensive performances hook up at New Orleans Arena in a key Southwest Division clash with the Hornets hosting the Rockets.
Houston held an opponent under 96 points for the fourth time in five games on Saturday, but came up short 88-85 to the Spurs as a 2½-point home chalk. The Rockets have shot 46.6 percent over their last five games – which is higher than their season shooting percentage (45.1) – but have averaged just 92.4 points per game during this stretch, failing to reach 100 points in any contest after hitting triple digits in four of its previous five.
The Hornets were held to 79 points for the second time in four games on Saturday, falling at Chicago 97-79 to end a four-game road trip at 2-2 SU and ATS. New Orleans has held 10 consecutive teams to 98 points or less, yielding just 91.6 ppg during this stretch. However, the Hornets have scored only 90.5 ppg in their last four and have scored in triple figures just three time in their last 10 outings.
Houston has followed up an 11-2 SU run by dropping two of its last three, both at home, and the Rockets are 2-4 ATS in their last six after going 7-2 ATS in the previous nine. Meanwhile, despite Saturday’s blowout loss to the Bulls, New Orleans is 9-2 SU in its last 11, and it has bounced back from a 2-8 ATS slump by cashing in five of its last seven outings.
The home team has held serve in this divisional rivalry in the last four meetings both SU and ATS. In two clashes this season, the Rockets rolled 91-82 as a two-point home chalk on Nov. 15, then New Orleans scored its own nine-point win six weeks later, prevailing 88-79 as a 2½-point home chalk. The Hornets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 series clashes, including 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes in the Big Easy.
Also in this rivalry, the favorite has covered in the last four after the underdog had gotten the money in each of the previous five meetings (including four outright upsets).
The Rockets are on positive ATS streaks of 4-0 on the highway, 13-3 after a non-cover, 5-2 as a road underdog and 13-5 as an underdog of less than five points, but they also carry negative pointspread trends of 1-5 within the Southwest Division, 1-4 versus the Western Conference, 6-14 when playing on one day of rest and 1-4 on Monday. The Hornets are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight divisional contests and 16-5 ATS in their last 21 when laying less than five points, but otherwise they’re in pointspread slumps of 1-4 on Monday, 1-4 after a SU defeat and 4-9 after an ATS loss.
The under is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head battles in this series and 4-1 in the last five clashes at New Orleans Arena. Also, the Rockets are on “under” streaks of 5-0 overall, 4-0 on the road, 4-1 in divisional play, 4-1 as an underdog, 6-1 after a SU defeat and 16-5 after a non-cover. Finally, the under is 10-3 in the Hornets’ last 13 divisional contests and 7-2-1 in its last 10 on Monday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Gametimepicks.com
Game of the day: Houston at New Orleans
By Steve Merril
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Hornets (-3½, 182)
Playoff battle
The Western Conference is once again the dominant conference in the NBA, with seven of the current eight playoff teams with boasting winning percentages of 61 percent or better. Compare that to the weaker Eastern Conference which has just three teams with a win percentage above 58 percent.
Houston enters tonight’s game with the third-best record in the West. It stands 43-25 SU which is a half a game ahead of the Hornets who stand fifth in the conference with a 41-24 SU mark with three extra games in hand.
The Hornets can vault all the way to the third spot with a win this evening. However, both Houston and New Orleans must pass the San Antonio Spurs within the Southwest division to ensure a top-three seed in next month’s playoffs.
Previous meetings
This has been an evenly matched series with each squad going 3-3 SU/ATS in the six head-to-head meetings in the past two seasons. That includes a 1-1 SU/ATS record so far this season with the home team winning both games. Overall, the home team is on a current 4-0 SU/ATS run and defense has dominated as the under is now 5-1 the past two seasons.
Houston won the first meeting this season, 91-82 on November 15 as a 2-point home favorite while the final score stayed under the total of 181. The big men played well for both teams. Houston’s Yao Ming led all scorers with 21 points while David West and Tyson Chandler led the Hornets’ scorers with 18 and 16 points each.
New Orleans got its revenge in the rematch on December 26 when they won 88-79 as a 2.5-point home favorite. The game once again easily stayed under the posted total of 184.5. Yao Ming led the Rockets with 19 points, while David West scored 23 points for the Hornets. The star of the game was New Orleans’ point guard Chris Paul who had a game-high 26 points and 10 assists.
Injuries
The Rockets are without Tracy McGrady for the rest of the season, but they have continue to play well without their aging star in the lineup. They’ve gone 12-4 SU in their past sixteen games since McGrady was put on the injured list. McGrady was third on the team in scoring (15.6 ppg) and first in assists per game (5.0 apg). He did play in both head-to-head meetings versus the Hornets earlier this season and he scored 18 points in the win and only 11 points in the loss.
The Hornets have been without Peja Stojakovic for the past six games. He is doubtful again tonight due to a back injury. Stojakovic is third on the team in scoring (13.8 ppg) and is one of their best shooters, averaging 38.2 percent from 3-point range and a fantastic 91.0 percent from the free throw line.
Over/Under
The under is 5-1 in the six head-to-head meetings the past two seasons and both teams enter off low-scoring games Saturday. The Rockets defeated the Spurs 88-85, while the Hornets lost at Chicago 97-79. New Orleans is 3-6-1 over/under in its past ten games while the Rockets enter tonight on a 5-0 under run and overall the Rockets are 4-10-0 over/under in their past 14 games.
NBA Notes Monday
by GoodFella
Toronto @ Charlotte
-Toronto has won both meetings vs Charlotte this season, 87-79 at Toronto on Nov. 9th & a win at Charlotte 93-86 on Nov. 26th, so Charlotte has in-season double revenge going tonight-
-Charlotte has dropped 3 straight games & they are now in a 3 way tie with 38 losses with Milwaukee, New Jersey, & New York, & they sit 1.5 games behind the Bulls (37 losses) for the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, so this game is obviously much more important to Charlotte tonight-
-Toronto snapped a 7 game losing streak yesterday, as they blewout the Pacers 110-87, but Toronto is 1-7 SU & ATS their L/8 road games-
-Charlotte is 11-3 ATS L/14 home games & they are 6-0 ATS L/6 home games vs a team with a road win% of .400 or less & Charlotte is 4-1 ATS L/5 games as a favorite of 5 to 10.5-
San Antonio @ Oklahoma City
-San Antonio beat Ok City at San Antonio 109-104 as 15.5 pt favs back on Dec. 14th & the Spurs are 6-1-1 ATS their L/8 games vs a team with a win% of .400 or below-
-San Antonio is coming off a huge road win over division rival Houston on Saturday night & this may be a bit of a letdown spot for the Spurs tonight, as they are pretty much locked into that #2 seed in the Western Conference playoff race-
-Oklahoma City is coming off a 1-2 west coast roadie, winning at Sacramento by one point, & then suffering back to back double digits losses at Denver & Phoenix to conclude the trip on Saturday night-
-Oklahoma City is 5-2-1 ATS L/8 home games vs a team with a road win% of .600 or higher & Oklahoma City is 8-1 ATS L/9 games as a home underdog of 5 to 10.5-
** I don't have any interest in the Nets/Nuggets game tonight, as the line shot to Denver -13 when it was clear that Devin Harris will be out with a injury**
Monday Research
By Indiancowboy
New Jersey vs. Denver
NJ beat this team by 44 back on February 7th so this is a huge revenge game for Denver - yet, they are laying 10 points. The Clippers lost to GS, Portland and the Clippers on this road trip thus far - lost all 3 covers as well. Balkman and Nene are stepping up more for the Nuggets of late. I don't like laying the number, but I lean on Denver as they have been playing better of late and have a 44 point loss as a revenge angle.
Houston vs. New Orleans
NO is favored by 66% of the public here. Each team has defeated the other by 9 at home this year with NO winning the last contest. Both games have gone under 184.5 and 181 which were the two previous posted totals. New Orleans comes off a tough loss to the Bulls as they return home and the Rockets come off a tough loss to the Spurs. Plus, I just hate going against the Hornets as it is as they were public favs throughout last week and covered 6 of their last 8 games.
Portland vs. Memphis
Portland beat this team by 4 points earlier this year at home as 11 point favorites as they failed to cover. Portland also comes off an ugly loss to Atlanta on the road so they will be looking to play better. Portland is laying 6.5 here on the highway against Memphis with 73% of the public backing. Don't forget that Memphis beat Detroit on the road and was competitive against Boston on the road for most of the game as well. But, tough to go against Portland off a loss.
Toronto vs. Charlotte
The Bobcats are usually a solid dog, but they always frighten me as a favorite, esp. a 6.5 favorite at home. The ol' saying goes it is always tough to beat a team 3 times and the Raps will look to do that today as the beat the Bobcats by 10 on the road and 7 at home. Charlotte comes off a tough loss to the Kings on the road who are playing a bit better, and have lost 3 in a row - but did beat the Hawks and Bulls at home and had covered 6 in a row during that stretch before now losing their last 3 covers. I hate laying the points with Charlotte, but they have covered at home of late while the Raps have missed their last 4 road covers.