Monday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
A new week is upon us yet again indicating that the NBA season continues to whizz by. After a solid televised tripleheader on Sunday, a Monday matchup between Cleveland and Miami should take center stage in terms of talent and financial opportunity. While not the most action packed of cards, it’s our duty to venture into stats and trends that might help us make the decision of choosing winners just a bit easier.
New Orleans at Philadelphia – 7:00 p.m. EST
The 76ers will look to keep its head above water when it defends a 17-13 SU record at home against the invading Hornets. Philadelphia seems to have resorted back to its old ways, dropping five of its last seven games and going 2-6 ATS in its last eight. The ‘under’ has been ripe for the picking, sitting at 12-6-1 in the last 19 despite a 3-1 occurrence on the ‘over’ in the last four. Flipping sides is a New Orleans squad who’s booked a 5-2 SU record in the last seven. Unfortunately the returns at the window haven’t been so sexy. An 0-4 ATS slide in the last four and a 2-7 ATS record in the last nine speak financial volumes. If you’re going to bank on trends then New Orleans' 3-0 ATS performance in the last three head-to-head meetings could be a place to start. And don’t forget about the total that’s witnessed the ‘under’ at 4-0 in the last four meetings between these two teams and a 6-1 ‘under’ record in the last seven.
Cleveland at Miami – 7:30 p.m. EST
In the third meeting this season, Cleveland will look to turn the table in its favor (series at 1-1) when it travels down to South Florida. It was on Dec. 30 (just two days after the first matchup; the Cavs walked away with the 93-86 win but failed to cover the hefty, 10 ½-point spread) that both teams last spared against each other. Shooting 61.7 percent from three-point territory, Miami went on to take the contest, 104-95 as 5 ½-point underdogs. Cleveland is in a back-to-back situation for which they are a sizzling 11-2 SU and 10-3 ATS (working for a point margin of 10.8 PPG). The Heat are coming off a hard fought win against the Knicks, 120-115. However, Saturday night’s victory was also Miami’s seventh ATS defeat in the last 10. A 3-5 ATS record in the last eight home games is more reason to remain defensive at the window. Then again, a 17-12 ATS report coming off one-day of rest could have Heat backers investing more time deciding on how much to lay down at the counter. Be highly aware that after a SU win, Miami is just 10-20 ATS, getting outscored by an average of 3.2 PPG.
Dallas at Oklahoma City – 8:00 p.m. EST
The Mavericks will also be heading into their contest against Oklahoma City after having played the night before. Dallas has been beating lower quality teams as a 7-0 SU performance in the last seven versus teams playing below .500 has been the name of the game. But taking a deeper look has the Mavs at 8-10 ATS on the road and 6-6 ATS at home versus teams with a losing record. In the position of back-to-back contests, Dallas hasn’t been that spectacular at 5-5 SU and ATS this season. And the poor figures don’t stop there as Dallas is 5-7 ATS versus the Northwest division and just 19-20 as the favorite. The young Thunder dropped seven games before finally breaking the slump against Memphis Saturday, winning 99-92 while covering the seven-point cushion given by most books. A 14-9 ATS record in the last 23 hasn’t been all that bad and a seasonal, 31-18-1 ATS performance as an underdog has been profitable to say the least. And since they won and covered on Saturday, gamblers should know that the Thunder are 19-13-1 ATS after coming off an ATS victory. Dallas is 2-0 SU but 0-2 ATS this year against Oklahoma. The last meeting on Feb. 27 had the Mavericks taking the contest in OT, 110-108 and marking its fourth straight ATS defeat in head-to-head pairings.
San Antonio at L.A. Clippers – 10:30 p.m. EST
The final tip-off of the evening will pit San Antonio and the Clippers together in a West Coast swing. It’s no secret that L.A. has been less then stellar this season, most recently dropping 12 of its last 17 home games. But more damaging to their placement in the standings is a 4-14 ATS meltdown in the last 18 games played. We’re talking about a team that has failed to cover spreads averaging eight PPG in the last 13 contests as an underdog (reaching as high as a 16-point underdog on Feb. 22 against Portland resulting in an ATS loss)! Other then a 3-1 record on the ‘under’ in the last four, recommendations to stay far away from the Clippers should be followed. The Spurs last three losses during a seven-game stretch has witnessed the club being outscored by an average of six PPG. The good news is that a 10-3-1 ATS stint in the last 14 followed by a 7-2-1 ATS record in the last 10 road games gives bettors a comfort zone when placing Monday’s wager in support of San Antonio. When installed as favorites ranging from seven to 13 ½-points, the Spurs have racked up a 10-6 ATS return.
Free Throw
-- Atlanta and Washington will kickoff a 7:00 p.m. EST game. The Hawks will be entering the second stage of a back-to-back scenario for which the team is a mortal 9-8 SU and ATS.
-- The Wizards are 3-5 SU and ATS in their last eight home stands. A good reason for Washington’s overall ineptness include a direct, 95.6 PPG scoring effort on offense compounded by giving up 99.8 PPG in the last five outings.
-- If you’re looking to the Hawks for a clear cut winner then think again. Atlanta is a poor 2-4 SU in the last six and 4-5 ATS in the last nine. But a 9-15 SU record as a road favorite has also translated into a decent 15-9 ATS 62.5%) stint this season.
-- Atlanta is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 head-to-head meetings with Washington. The road team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight clashes between both teams while the ‘under’ is 7-3-1 in the last 11 meetings.
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, March 2
Charlotte at Philadelphia (7 p.m. EST). The Bobcats try to improve their playoff prospects against the 76ers, who are also battling for a postseason spot.
STARS
Sunday
— Richard Hamilton, Pistons, had 25 points and nine assists to help Detroit to a 105-95 win at Boston.
— Shaquille O’Neal, Suns, scored 33 points to lead Phoenix past former teammate Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers 118-111.
— David West, Hornets, scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in New Orleans’ 99-96 win at New Jersey.
— Troy Murphy, Pacers, had 22 points and 18 rebounds for his seventh straight double-double to lead Indiana to a 100-94 win over Denver.
— Yao Ming, Rockets, towered over Minnesota with 17 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks in Houston’s 105-94 victory.
— Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers, each scored 26 points for Portland in a 102-84 romp past San Antonio.
— Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead Dallas past Toronto 109-98.
— Deron Williams, Jazz, had a season-high 20 assists and Utah beat Golden State 112-104.
STATS
Boston lost to an Eastern Conference opponent at home for the first time this season when Detroit won 105-95. Detroit made a season-high 34 free throws in 40 attempts. … Phoenix is 4-4 without guard Steve Nash this season. He sat out a 118-111 win over the Lakers with a sprained right ankle. … The Cavaliers (46-12) moved a half-game ahead of Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating Atlanta 88-87. … Portland’s 64 first-half points tied the mark for the most for a Spurs opponent. The Trail Blazers won 102-84.
STREAKS
Detroit had lost five straight regular season games to Boston before winning 105-95. … The Timberwolves lost their sixth game in a row, 105-94 to Houston, and fell to 1-8 since star center Al Jefferson went down for the season with a torn ACL. … The Blazers won their ninth straight at the Rose Garden and are 24-5 at home this season. … The Mavericks have won their last nine games at home against the Raptors. Toronto hasn’t won in Dallas since 1999. … Utah has won eight straight to move within two games of the Northwest Division lead.
MILESTONE
Dallas guard Jason Kidd handed out 15 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history with 10,000 for his career. He trails only John Stockton (15,806), Mark Jackson (10,334) and Magic Johnson (10,141) on the NBA career list.
HOME SWEET HOME
Indiana has defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston, Cleveland, Orlando and now Denver at Conseco Fieldhouse. That leaves San Antonio as the only current division leader the Pacers haven’t beaten at home.
SCORING
After his 45-point game against Toronto on Friday night, Suns center Shaquille O’Neal has consecutive 30-point games for the first time since March 5-7, 2004, when he played for the Lakers. O’Neal scored 33 in a 118-111 win over his former team. O’Neal, who turns 37 on Friday, is the fourth player over 35 in NBA history to score at least 33 points in consecutive games. The others are Michael Jordan, Karl Malone and Alex English.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Kobe Bryant scored 49 points against the Suns, but Los Angeles fell at Phoenix 118-111. … Devin Harris and Vince Carter each had 26 points to pace the Nets in a 99-96 loss to New Orleans. Harris also had 14 assists. … Former Dallas high school star Chris Bosh paced the Raptors with 28 points and 10 rebounds in a 109-98 loss to the Mavericks.
SIDELINED
Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair missed a 105-94 loss to Houston with a groin injury. Telfair told coach Kevin McHale at the morning shootaround that he wanted to play, but team trainers recommended he sit out to avoid turning the situation more serious. … The Nets did not dress Keyon Dooling (sore right hip), who averaged 13 points as a reserve in the previous four games. … Indiana guard Travis Diener sat out a win over Denver with the flu.
BACK ON THE COURT
All-Star forward Tim Duncan returned to San Antonio’s lineup Sunday in a 102-84 loss at Portland after missing the last three games with a right quad injury. San Antonio remained without Manu Ginobili, who is expected to miss at least another week with an ankle injury. … Mavericks sixth man Jason Terry, out since early last month with a broken bone in his left hand, was active for Sunday night’s win over the Toronto Raptors. Dallas was 5-3 in Terry’s absence.
SPEAKING
“It’s what I do. I’ve been doing it since 1992. If you don’t believe it, Google me.”—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal, who scored 33 points in a 118-111 win over the Lakers. Shaq scored 45 on Friday night and has consecutive 30-point games for the first time since March 2004.
“Don’t ask me nothing funny. I’m not smiling. You’re not seeing my tooth. It feels foul. It feels like I can’t chew anything, like Roger Rabbit or something.”—Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who had a tooth knocked out of place in a loss at Phoenix.
“I walked past him and I’m at his waist. He’s a huge human being. It’s tough to go in there and get shots over him.”—Randy Foye, Minnesota’s 6-foot-4 shooting guard, about Houston center Yao Ming.
New Orleans Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Hornets defeated New Jersey 99-96 as a 4.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (190).
David West scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for New Orleans, while Chris Paul had 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the win.
The 76ers couldn't find a way to score down the stretch, losing 106-100 to the Magic at the Wachovia Center Saturday.
Orlando covered as a 1.5-point road favorite while the final score played over the 196.5-point total.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 36-22 SU, 23-33-2 ATS
Philadelphia: 29-29 SU, 27-29-2 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Dallas, Thursday, March 5
Philadelphia at Memphis, Saturday, March 7
Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards
The Hawks lost to Cleveland 88-87 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (190).
Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 21 points and Marvin Williams had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Wizards couldn't stop Charlie Villanueva, who scored 25 points in their 109-93 loss to the Bucks at the Bradley Center Saturday.
Milwaukee covered as a 6.5-point home favorite while the final score played under the 208-point total.
Team records:
Atlanta: 33-26 SU, 31-28 ATS
Washington: 14-45 SU, 22-36-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Oklahoma City are 2-8
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington's last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta at New York, Wednesday, March 4
Washington at Oklahoma City, Wednesday, March 4
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
The Cavaliers edged Atlanta 88-87 as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (190).
LeBron James scored 26 points and handed out 11 assists for Cleveland, while Mo Williams added 20 points in the win.
Miami survived a shootout with the Knicks, scoring 37 points in the fourth quarter for a 120-115 win at AmericanAirlines Arena Saturday.
New York covered as a 6.5-point favorite while the final score played over the 212.5-point total.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 46-12 SU, 37-21 ATS
Miami: 31-27 SU, 27-30-1 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 9-1
Before playing Milwaukee are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 3-7
After playing New York are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Miami's last 13 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games at home
Miami is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Next up:
Cleveland home to Milwaukee, Wednesday, March 4
Miami home to Phoenix, Wednesday, March 4
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavericks defeated Toronto 109-98 as a 6-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (205.5).
Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points to go along with 10 rebounds for Dallas, while Josh Howard added 16 points in the win.
The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 99-92 at the FedExForum Saturday.
OKC pushed with the 7-point spread while the final score under the 198-point total.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 36-23 SU, 28-31 ATS
Oklahoma City: 14-45 SU, 35-24 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 7-3
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 0-10
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Oklahoma City is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Oklahoma City is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Next up:
Dallas home to San Antonio, Wednesday, March 4
Oklahoma City home to Washington, Wednesday, March 4
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Spurs lost to Portland 102-84 as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (182).
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 15 points and Tim Duncan had 14 points in the loss.
The Clippers were defeated 100-95 by the Bobcats last time out, as 1-point underdogs. The 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Zach Randolph went for 33 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 39-19 SU, 29-27-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 15-45 SU, 23-37 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Dallas are 8-2
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 1-9
After playing Charlotte are 5-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 9 games at home
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Dallas, Wednesday, March 4
LA Clippers home to Memphis, Wednesday, March 4
NEW ORLEANS (36 - 22) at PHILADELPHIA (29 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 24-33 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 53-26 ATS (+24.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA (33 - 26) at WASHINGTON (14 - 45)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 118-155 ATS (-52.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-27 ATS (-11.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 227-276 ATS (-76.6 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-26 ATS (-12.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (46 - 12) at MIAMI (31 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
MIAMI is 59-79 ATS (-27.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-44 ATS (-22.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS (36 - 23) at OKLAHOMA CITY (14 - 45)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-24 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 205-146 ATS (+44.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (39 - 19) at LA CLIPPERS (15 - 45)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 9-0 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
NEW ORLEANS vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
CLEVELAND vs. MIAMI
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
DALLAS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA CLIPPERS
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games
LA Clippers are 5-13 SU in their last 18 games
Tips and Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Cavs (-4, O/U 186.5): Cleveland's LeBron James turned in another MVP-caliber performance at Atlanta on Sunday, totaling 26 points and 11 assists in a 88-87 victory. James hit the game-winning free throw to cap off a late rally that saw the Cavs blow a double-digit lead and then battle back from a five-point deficit in the last 102 seconds to get the victory. “It’s one of the better wins we’ve had,” James said. “On the road, it means a lot more against a playoff team." Cleveland has won seven of its last eight games and four of the last five meetings with Miami even though the Heat have covered the last three.
Cavs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-2 in Cleveland's last 10 games vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (leg) is OUT.
F Sasha Pavlovic (ankle) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92
Heat: Miami's Dwyane Wade has built a legitimate case for MVP honors as well, carrying the team by averaging an NBA-best 28 points per game. Wade scored 24 of his game-high 46 points in the fourth quarter of a 120-115 win over New York on Saturday while also dishing 10 assists and grabbing eight rebounds. Now he is looking forward to another meeting with James and the Cavs. “We’ve got to continue to move forward,” Wade said. “We’ve got one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference coming in Cleveland. It’s at home and we’ve got to fight again. It’s playoff time.”
Heat are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Central Division.
The UNDER is 10-3 the last 13 meetings at Miami.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 94 (Side Play of the Day)
Hot Teams
-- Hornets won last four games, but didn't cover any of them.
-- Cavaliers won seven of last eight games (1-3 vs spread in last four).
-- Mavericks won four of their five games.
Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Hawks lost four of last five games, but covered last three. Wizards are 1-3 in their last four games.
-- Miami is 1-5 vs spread in game following its last six wins.
-- Thunder lost seven of their last eight games. Spurs lost last two games by 11-18 points.
-- Clippers lost five of their last seven games.
Totals
-- Four of last five New Orleans road games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 9-6 in Thunder's last fifteen home games.
-- Four of last five Clipper games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Hornets are 2-6 vs spread on road if they played the day/night before.
-- Hawks are 7-3-1 vs spread on road if they played day/night before.
-- Cavaliers are 8-3 vs spread if they played the day/night before.
-- Mavericks are 1-3 vs spread if they played the day/night before.
-- Spurs are 2-5-1 vs spread if they played the day/night before.
Monday Research
By Indiancowboy
New Orleans vs. Philadelphia
The public is split dead even on this game. NO beat this team by 15 earlier this season on 1/26 and although the Hornets have won their last 4 straight SU, they have lost their last 5 covers. Philly comes off a tough loss to Orlando at home and although they won at New York and Wash, they are the same team that collapsed against the Nuggets at home. Nevertheless, a small lean on Philly but no play.
Atlanta vs. Washington
Atlanta is actually a top 4 team in the East believe it or not only 2nd to the Celtics, Magic and Cavs. Yup, chalk up the Hawks name just underneath the Cavs, Magic and Celtics as the Heat are the closest behind about 1.5 games back of the Hawks. Atlanta beat this team by 11 points last time out at home by a score of 111-90. The Hawks barely covered the 9 point spread. It seems from the way the spread is placed that Washington will be a game for this game as the spread stands at 4 and more than 70% of the public is on them. Atlanta has covered 3 straight contests as Bibby and Josh Smith are back. No real lean on the side, but a lean on the Over here as Wash is likely to be game and push this total over.
Cleveland vs. Miami
It's not all that impossible for Miami to win this game SU. After all, they did defeat the Cavs at home by 9 Outright last time they played them in Miami on 12/30. Miami was a 5.5 dog in that game and now are a 3.5 dog in this game. Miami comes off a big win against NY where Wade went for 46 points, 10 boards and 8 assists. Miami did beat Detroit and Philly at home and covered those spreads as well. I would lean on Miami, but Cleveland has revenge, and after the Houston debacle won both in Atl and San Antonio - although the Spurs were banged up in that game. Nevertheless, a small lean on the over as Miami likely gets down early and then comes back.
Dallas vs. OKC
Durant is still Out for the Thunder and Terry is out for the Mavs. Dallas beat this team in OT lats time out by a final score of 108-110. OKC has covered the last 4 times these two teams have met. Dallas managed to win 3 straight after their loss to the Spurs on the road beating OKC, Toronto and Milwaukee all at home. Despite no Durant, OKC got it done with the likes of Westbrook going for 25, Green going for 27 and Thabo going for 15. I actually think OKC will be pretty game for this contest.
San Antonio vs. L.A. Clippers
Duncan is Probable. Gordon and Kaman are OUT and Randolph is Listed as Doubtful. Duncan comes back and struggles a bit going 6-15 from the field as the Spurs get it handed to them by the Blazers who had revenge. But, the Spurs do have Duncan with his feet a bit more wet and despite no Manu, Parker and Duncan might be enough as the Spurs are a good FT shooting team to get the cover here coming off a loss. If Randolph is indeed doubtful and still no Gordon, the Clips will have to rely on Davis and Thornton to pick up the scoring slack. Remember what the Spurs did to the Wiz on the road a while back winning by 20+ on the highway, they could do that here to coming off a near 20 point loss on the road to Portland.
NBA Report 03-02-2009
by Andre Gomes
Hornets @ Sixers
I must confess that I love the Hornets for tonight's game in terms of matchup. There are some teams in this league that really don't matchup well against certain teams. The best example is the Knicks against the Sixers, as the Sixers swept the series in this season. I can say the same thing about the Hornets against the Sixers, as the Hornets are a terrible matchup for the Sixers. The Sixers are a fast break minded team who likes to attack the post, they are on the top 3 of those categories. The problem for them is that the Hornets are also in the top 4 of allowing fast break points and points in the paint, so this team has the tools to stop defensively the Sixers. For some reason they are 3-0 against the Sixers since last season winning by 15, 19 and 21 points! However, the Hornets have been a terrible team in back to back games when the second game is a tough game for them, they are 1-7 ATS as away dogs in b2b games and facing a fired up team like the Sixers, after a dismal loss at home against the Magic, this game will be a tough one.
Atlanta @ Washington
The Hawks suffered a tough loss last night at home in front of a national audience. They made a nice comeback, but they failed to close the game and Lebron James took over the game. Now they have the opportunity to make a bounce back game, as they travel to Washington to face the Wizards. Note that Atlanta hasn't been a great team when favored on the road as they are 1-5 ATS as away favorites. The Wizards meanwhile after a nice win at home against Chicago suffered a meltdown in Milwaukee in the following day. Butler and Jamison are playing well, but it seems that isn't enough for them. The Hawks lead the series 3-0 and they will look for a sweep tonight, but usually lowly teams play better when they are trying to avoid sweeps
Cleveland @ Miami
Typically this is a great spot to fade the Cavs in here. They are coming from a phony win in Atlanta last night and this is their fourth game in 5 days - back to back games on the road. However, they are still a great team and it seems that playing in such adversity conditions isn't a bad deal for them, as they are 10-3 ATS in back to back games and 6-3 ATS (7-2 SU) on the road. I don't want to go against the Cavs tonight because I don't trust in Miami right now. They beat the Knicks in their last game in huge late comeback, but they aren't playing well lately. In fact, they didn't win consecutive games in the month of February! The Cavs lost their last game against Miami and they have revenge, so I'm staying away in here.
Dallas @ Oklahoma City
This is a big revenge game for the Thunder, as they lost last week after overtime in Dallas. But is a revenge game a big deal when we are talking about of the Thunder? Portland had revenge last night against San Antonio but hey, we talking about a top team. Oklahoma City is playing well for months, but they are now without Kevin Durant. Rookie Westbrook had two good games in Durant's absence and the Thunder didn't have any problems to beat the Grizzlies on the road, despite being a back to back game. The Mavs meanwhile handled the Raptors at home and they play tonight a back to back game and lately they had some tough losses playing on the road. Note that the Thunder are 12-2 ATS L14 home games as underdogs.
San Antonio @ LA Clippers
This game won't be easy for the Spurs. Do you notice that this is their 5th game in 7 days for the Spurs? Tim Duncan returned last night, but it didn't matter as the Blazers got their revenge done. The Spurs will look now for a bounce back and I can't remember the last time they lost 3 games in a row. The Clippers are playing better lately highlighted with a huge win at home against Boston last week. They are coming from a tough loss at home against Charlotte in a game where the Clippers led as many as 15 points. Zack Randolph is questionable for this game and he is the key tonight. If he plays, then the Clippers will possibly be competitive, if not then the Clippers won't have any reliable scorer down the paint.