NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, March 23
Denver at Phoenix (10 p.m. EDT). Trying to make a late run for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Suns bring a season-high four-game winning streak into their game against the Nuggets, who have won five in a row.
STARS
Sunday
— Dwyane Wade, Heat, scored 39 points and blocked two shots in the final 30 seconds, and Miami beat short-handed Detroit 101-96.
— Kevin Durant, Thunder, scored 30 points and Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 97-90.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Cleveland won its ninth straight game, beating New Jersey 96-88 to tie a franchise record with their 57th victory.
— Chris Paul and David West, Hornets. Paul scored 27 points and West added 23 to lead New Orleans to a 99-89 victory over Golden State.
— Andre Iguodala, 76ers, made his first 10 shots and scored 27 points, and Philadelphia never trailed in beating Sacramento 112-100 to end a two-game skid.
SCORING SPREE
Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant has scored more than 20 points in 16 of his last 17 games for the Thunder, who improved to 7-5 in their last 12. His lone exception during that span came Feb. 27 at Dallas, when he logged only eight minutes after spraining his right ankle. He scored 30 in the Thunder’s 97-90 victory over Minnesota on Sunday.
SITTING OUT
Raptors center Andrea Bargnani missed Toronto’s 100-76 victory over the Clippers with a sore left heel, ending a streak of 130 consecutive games. The only Raptors player to appear in the first 69 games this season, Bargnani had not missed a game since Dec. 9, 2007, when he sat out a home victory over Houston.
SWITCHING SPOTS
Houston beat San Antonio 87-85 to move ahead of the Spurs for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. San Antonio had been the second-best team in the West for more than two months—behind the Lakers—though their lead was hardly ever safe. The Spurs, Denver, New Orleans, Portland and Utah are all within three games of Houston.
SWAT LEADER
Zydrunas Ilgauskas became the career leader in blocked shots for the Cavaliers in their 96-88 win over the Nets. Ilgauskas had four blacks and passed John “Hot Rod” Williams (1,200) as the Cavs’ career leader with 1,202. He already became Cleveland’s top rebounder earlier this season.
SWING
The Warriors, who shot a season-best 56.5 percent against Philadelphia on Friday, connected on only 13 of 43 attempts in the first half of a 99-89 loss to Golden State on Sunday.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Vince Carter had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Nets in a 96-88 loss to Cleveland. … Francisco Garcia made six 3-pointers and scored 24 points for the Kings, who lost 112-100 to Philadelphia. … Tony Parker had 22 points and 12 assists for the Spurs in an 87-85 loss to the Rockets.
SPEAKING
“I think the franchise, the team, the coaches, everybody, everybody that’s associated with the Cavaliers—people that work the concession stands— everybody, we should all be proud about this. Because it’s not promised every year where you get a chance to set records, franchise records, or winning divisions, things like that. Great achievement by us.” Cleveland’s LeBron James on the Cavs tying a franchise record for wins (57) with a 96-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
The Bulls were defeated 117-109 by the Lakers last time out, as 4-point underdogs. That game's 226 points sailed OVER the posted total of 211.5.
John Salmons netted a game-high 30 points, and Derrick Rose had 25 in the loss.
The Wizards were crushed 128-96 by the Suns last time out, as 14.5-point underdogs. That game's 224 points went UNDER the posted total of 232.5.
Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 25 points and eight rebounds.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 32-38 SU, 36-33-1 ATS
Washington: 16-55 SU, 25-44-2 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Chicago
Washington is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Chicago
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Detroit, Tuesday, March 24
Washington home to Charlotte, Wednesday, March 25
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Timberwolves lost to Oklahoma City 97-90 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (199.5).
Craig Smith led the Timberwolves with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Love had 10 points in the loss.
Flip Murray came off the bench to lead Atlanta with 22 points in a 102-96 loss to Cleveland on Saturday afternoon.
The Hawks did cover the 8-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 185.5.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 20-50 SU, 31-38-1 ATS
Atlanta: 41-29 SU, 40-30 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing San Antonio are 1-9
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games
Minnesota is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 20 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota at Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 25
Atlanta home to San Antonio, Wednesday, March 25
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat
The Grizzlies were crushed 105-87 by the Celtics last time out, as 8-point underdogs. That game's 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Hakim Warrick collected 20 points and six rebounds in the loss.
The Heat defeated Detroit 101-96 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (183).
Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 39 points for Miami and Jamario Moon added 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 17-52 SU, 30-38-1 ATS
Miami: 37-32 SU, 33-35-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing Miami
Memphis is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Memphis
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at Sacramento, Friday, March 27
Miami at Indiana, Wednesday, March 25
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat
The Grizzlies were crushed 105-87 by the Celtics last time out, as 8-point underdogs. That game's 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Hakim Warrick collected 20 points and six rebounds in the loss.
The Heat defeated Detroit 101-96 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (183).
Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 39 points for Miami and Jamario Moon added 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 17-52 SU, 30-38-1 ATS
Miami: 37-32 SU, 33-35-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing Miami
Memphis is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Memphis
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at Sacramento, Friday, March 27
Miami at Indiana, Wednesday, March 25
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Boston Celtics
The Clippers lost to Toronto 100-76 as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210.5).
Zach Randolph led the Clippers with 20 points and Baron Davis netted 12 points in the loss.
The Celtics took charge in the second half and cruised past the Grizzlies 105-87 on Saturday. The Celtics covered the 8-point spread, and the 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Glen Davis shot 8-for-11 from the field with 24 points and five rebounds. Ray Allen added 20 points and dished out six assists in that win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 17-53 SU, 27-43 ATS
Boston: 53-18 SU, 36-35 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 1-9
After a loss are 3-7
Boston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Orlando are 8-2
After playing Memphis are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of the LA Clippers last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games at home
Boston is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next up:
LA Clippers at New York, Wednesday, March 25
Boston at Orlando, Wednesday, March 25
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks
The Magic managed to pull out a hard-fought 110-103 victory over the Knicks in the first game of the home-and-home set on Saturday. The Magic failed to cover the 12-point spread, and the 213 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 215.
Rashard Lewis tossed in 27 points, while Hedo Turkoglu had 20 and Rafer Alston chipped in with 17 points in the win.
Quentin Richardson poured in a game-high 33 points for the Knicks, and Nate Robinson had 27 in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
New York has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 51-18 SU, 44-24-1 ATS
New York: 28-41 SU, 39-29-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New York's last 13 games at home
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Orlando
Next up:
Orlando home to Boston, Wednesday, March 25
New York home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, March 25
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
J.R. Smith poured in 40 points to lead the Nuggets over the Wizards 116-105 on Friday night.
Denver couldn't cover as 14-point home favorites as the game played over the 209.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Jason Richardson netted a game-high 35 points on Saturday, and the Suns pounded the Wizards 128-96. The Suns covered the 14.5-point spread, but the 224 points went UNDER the posted total of 232.5.
Steve Nash collected 17 points for the Suns, and Shaquille O'Neal had 13 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Denver has won 5 straight games.
Phoenix has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 45-25 SU, 37-32-1 ATS
Phoenix: 38-31 SU, 29-39-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing Denver
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Denver at New Orleans, Wednesday, March 25
Phoenix home to Utah, Wednesday, March 25
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The 76ers defeated Sacramento 112-100 as a 5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208).
Andre Iguodala scored a game-high 27 points for Philadelphia and Thadeus Young added 22 points in the win.
Brandon Roy went for 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Trail Blazers in a 96-84 victory over the Bucks on Saturday. The Trail Blazers easily covered the 3-point spread, but the 180 points went UNDER the posted total of 193.5.
Steve Blake added 21 points, and Joel Przybilla hauled down 14 rebounds in that win.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 35-33 SU, 31-35-2 ATS
Portland: 44-26 SU, 37-33 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Portland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Portland is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Portland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Minnesota, Wednesday, March 25
Portland home to Phoenix, Thursday, March 26
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chicago's last 23 games
Washington is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
MINNESOTA vs. ATLANTA
Minnesota is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
LA CLIPPERS vs. BOSTON
LA Clippers are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games when playing LA Clippers
Boston is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
MEMPHIS vs. MIAMI
Memphis is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Memphis is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Memphis
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
ORLANDO vs. NEW YORK
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
New York is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
DENVER vs. PHOENIX
Denver is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Denver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
PHILADELPHIA vs. PORTLAND
Philadelphia is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Tips and Trends
Orlando Magic at New York Knicks
Magic (-5, O/U 214): Orlando has won nine of its last 11 games to give the team a legitimate shot at capturing the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Rashard Lewis has been playing with tendinitis in his right knee but still scored 27 points in a 110-103 win over the Knicks on Saturday. Lewis had averaged just 9.2 points in his previous five games. “A lot of people got a lot of bumps and bruises and are fatigued and legs are tired, but you’ve got to get through it to try to secure the division and hopefully move into second place in the conference,” Lewis said. “Right now, we’re still playing for a reason.”
Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings at New York.
The OVER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 112 (Side Play of the Day)
Knicks: New York lost Saturday at Orlando without David Lee, who is dealing with a knee injury. Lee is tied for the league lead in double-doubles (54) with Orlando's Dwight Howard, and he realizes how much he means to his teammates. “I only missed one game last year,” Lee said. “And I plan on making this the only one I miss this year.” The Knicks also now face a nearly impossible task in trying to reach their goal of making the playoffs after losing four straight. “We’ve got to go 13-0 if we want to win and make it to the playoffs,” New York guard Nate Robinson said. “But anything is possible.”
Knicks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 8-0 in New York's last 8 games as a home underdog.
Key Injuries - F David Lee (knee) is probable.
G Larry Hughes (toe) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 102
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns
Nuggets: Denver snapped a six-game road losing streak last Wednesday with a 111-109 victory at Memphis and will try to win a season-high six straight games overall. The Nuggets begin a key three-game road trip at Phoenix and realize they can finish as the #2 seed in the Western Conference playoff race with a winning road trip along with a strong finish down the stretch. “If we go out and win two out of three, which I think we’re capable of, it puts us in a position to have an incredible season,” said Denver head coach George Karl.
Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 119 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
Suns (-3.5, O/U 236.5): Phoenix still has hopes of making the playoffs but sits 3.5 games behind Dallas for the final spot in the West. However, the Suns have won a season-high four straight following a 128-96 rout of Washington on Saturday night. “It was a good win,” Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry said. “Obviously, we have to win all of our games to try and keep pace.” The Suns have won the last eight home meetings with Denver, and the home team is an impressive 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
Suns are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
The OVER is 7-3 in Phoenix's last 10 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - G Leandro Barbosa (knee) is OUT.
C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 122
Hot Teams
-- Hawks won seven of their last eight games.
-- Bulls won three of their last four games.
-- Orlando won nine of its last eleven games.
-- Celtics won last three games by 4-3-18 points.
-- Nuggets won last five games, with four wins by 11+ points. Suns won, covered their last four games.
-- 76ers won five of their last seven games. Portland won three of its last four games (4-0 vs spread).
Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost 15 of its last 17 games.
-- Wizards lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Grizzlies lost four in row, eight of last nine games. Heat lost three of their last four games.
-- Knicks lost last four games, by 5-26-25-7 points.
-- Clippers lost ten of their last twelve games.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Atlanta games went over the total; under is 10-3 in the last thirteen Minnesota games.
-- Six of last nine Washington games went over the total.
-- 11 of last 15 Miami games went over the total.
-- Last four New York games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Boston's last eleven games.
-- Five of last seven Denver games went over the total.
-- Last three Philadelphia games all went over the total.
Back-to Back
-- Minnesota is 8-4 vs spread on road if it played the day before.
-- Bulls are 1-7-1 vs spread on road if they play at home the next night.
-- Miami is 0-5 vs spread at home if it played on road night before.
-- Clippers are 3-5 vs spread on road if they played the day before.
-- 76ers are 1-3 vs spread if playing second straight night on road.
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns
By STEVE MERRIL
Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns (-3.5, 236.5)
Playoff positioning
The Nuggets are currently in first place in the Northwest division and one game ahead of Portland in the standings. As a division winner, the Nuggets would automatically earn a Top 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and would actually face Portland if the postseason began today. Overall, Denver has the fourth best record in the conference with a 45-25 (.643) SU mark.
Phoenix is currently 38-31 SU (.551) and ranked ninth in the Western Conference. The Suns are 3½ games behind Dallas for the final playoff spot with just 13 games remaining. If Phoenix was in the weaker Eastern Conference, they would currently be the fifth seed in the upcoming playoffs.
High-scoring shootout
The Suns have been playing at an extremely fast pace since Alvin Gentry took over the head coaching role after the All-Star break. Phoenix scored 140 and 142 points in the first two games versus the Clippers. Phoenix has averaged 121.1 points per game (18 games) since the All-Star break.
While the offense has been fantastic, the defense has been lacking. Phoenix has allowed 114.8 points per game. This works out to an average score of 235.9 points per game with a 12-6 over/under mark.
Denver also prefers to play at a fast pace as it averages 103.3 points per game, but gives up 100.3 points. The Nuggets scored at least 107 points in each of their past five games, going 4-1 over/under during that stretch with an average total score of 214.0 points per game. That's well above the league average of 200 points per game.
Injuries
Denver has battled numerous injuries this season with Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin both missing extended time. The team is finally healthy and all players will be in the lineup Monday.
Phoenix is without Amare Stoudemire for the rest of the season after he injured his eye on February 18. Stoudemire leads the team in scoring (21.4 ppg) and is second in rebounding (8.1 rpg) and blocks (1.1 bpg). The Suns are just 8-8 SU (9-7 ATS) in their past sixteen games without Stoudemire in the lineup and are particularly bad when facing quality teams with a 1-8 SU record versus the Celtics, Lakers, Magic, Heat, Rockets, Spurs, Mavericks and Cavaliers. The Suns are 7-0 SU when facing weaker teams with wins over the Thunder, Bobcats, Raptors, Warriors, Sixers and Wizards.
The Suns suffered another key injury last Wednesday when guard Leandro Barbosa suffered a knee injury. He will now be out for the next couple of weeks. Barbosa leads the team in steals (1.2 spg) and is fifth in scoring (14.3 ppg). Barbosa had been playing particularly well before his injury and had averaged 19.8 points in his previous six games.
Head-to-head
The home team is a perfect 8-0 straight up in the past eight head-to-head meetings, including both games this season. Phoenix won the first meeting at home on December 20, 108-101, as a 5.5-point favorite. The game stayed under the closing total of 222 points. Amare Stoudemire led all scorers with 27 points and also had 10 rebounds. J.R. Smith had a surprising strong game and led the Nuggets with 23 points.
Denver won the rematch in overtime on January 15, 119-113, as a 2.5-point home favorite. Both the side and total result changed because of overtime. The game was tied 103-103 at the end of regulation time before the Nuggets got the pointspread cover and the game went over the posted total of 217.5 points.
Both teams were short-handed as Phoenix played without Shaquille O’Neal and the Nuggets were without Carmelo Anthony. The Suns were led in scoring by Grant Hill with 25 points while Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets with 26 points
Inside the Paint - Monday
By Chris David
Just when you thought the Suns were going to play out the string, the club decided to make one final playoff push but it still might not be enough.
In early March, Alvin Gentry and his new troops suffered six straight losses, highlighted by a dreadful 0-4 road trip through Florida and Texas before two straight home losses to the Mavericks and Cavaliers.
Phoenix trailed Dallas by five games for the eighth and final playoff spot after the six-game slide. Since then, the Suns have ripped off four straight victories by double digits and have helped gamblers cash tickets in all four as well. Wins are wins in the NBA, but three of the four came against the Thunder, Warriors and Wizards.
A much tougher test presents itself on Monday, when Denver visits the desert. Fortunately for the Suns, this head-to-head series has been all about the home team. The host has won and covered nine of the last 10 meetings, including twice this year.
Phoenix dropped Denver 108-101 as a 5 ½-point home favorite on Dec. 20. The combined 209 points fell short of the closing total of 222 points and it wasn’t helped with a 42-point fourth quarter. Even though this game went ‘under’, the ‘over’ has cashed in seven of the last eight encounters.
The Nuggets enter this game with a five-game winning streak intact but are only 2-3 versus the number over this span. George Karl’s team has been consistent on the road this year, going 18-17 SU and 17-18 ATS.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com opened the Suns as 3 ½-point favorites, while the total is an eye opening 237 points.
As mentioned above, the ‘over’ has been the play when these two square off. The highest total posted in the last 10 games was 236 and the two clubs busted that with room to spare. The Nuggets have busted the century mark in five straight, helping the ‘over’ go 4-1. On another note, since Gentry took over for Terry Porter, the Suns have watched the 'over' go 12-5 (71%).
After this battle, the Suns welcome the Jazz on Wednesday before embarking on another three-game road trip against Portland, Utah and Sacramento.
Backup point guard Leandro Barbosa will be ‘out’ again for the Suns.
Tip off for this battle is set for 10:05 p.m. EDT.
Extra Notes:
It’s that time of the year where contenders and pretenders square off nightly and the oddsmakers put out double-digit spreads routinely. Three games have heavy numbers on Monday and deservingly so:
Atlanta welcomes Minnesota and it has won five in a row in this series, covering four of those games. Three of the last five have gone ‘under’ during this stretch.
Memphis heads to Miami as an underdog (+9.5) and surprisingly the Grizzlies have won three straight in this series. It’s hard to back the current Memphis squad that is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games. Still, Miami might be due for a letdown with a big win over the Pistons (101-96) on Sunday and it’s known to fade teams in their first home game after a road trip too.
Boston was mired in a 1-10 ATS skid but that was before Kevin Garnett returned to the lineup. With KG coming back last Friday, the team is 2-0 both SU and ATS and now hosts the Clippers on Monday. Little bit of a revenge game possibly the Celtics who were burned by the Clips 93-91 on Feb. 25.
vegasinsider.com
Knicks try not to be Swept Back to Back
By Doug Upstone
The New York Knicks don’t appear to be going anywhere again this season, however they could some damage to the hopes of Orlando when they host the Magic Monday night. New York kept in the game Saturday in Central Florida, losing 110-103 as 13-point road underdogs and will attempt to derail the Orlando express in Madison Square Garden.
The Magic have won nine of 11 (8-3 ATS) and have benefited from Kevin Garnett and other Boston players being out of the lineup, to tie the Celtics with 18 losses on the season, fighting for second seed in the Eastern Conference. This will be Orlando’s second back to back series this season, having won and covered previously against Atlanta in early January.
With just 13 games left in the regular season, Orlando (51-18, 45-24 ATS) can’t get ahead of themselves, even against a team like New York. Dwight Howard and the Magic play host to Boston Wednesday and have to stay the same course that enabled them to have a 24-11 and 25-10 ATS record on the road this season.
New York (28-41, 39-29-1 ATS) had brought themselves to the edge of playoff discussion, however four losses in a row, means another trip back to the lottery. Coach Mike D’Antoni, after years of success in Phoenix, knew this was rebuilding job, but has to be contumely with his players after latest swoon.
The Knicks have been the recipient of a number of points all season and have been a solid wager; including being 21-10 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season. "We can by no means start packing it in," Knicks guard Larry Hughes said. "We still have games to play. If we don't make the playoffs, we still want to finish on a strong note."
About the only way New York gets back into playoff conversation is if they finish 13-0, and not sure if Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Bill Bradley could come back in their prime, if that would even be a possibility. At the very least, possibly the Knicks could extract quick turnaround revenge and improve to 29-18 ATS this season when faced with that prospect.
Bodoglife.com has New York as five-point home underdogs and they are 8-9 and 10-7 ATS when oddsmakers place them in that roll. The total has landed on 213.5. The Knicks are superb 14-3 against the number when playing third game in four days and 12-3 OVER at MSG after a combined score of 205 points or more for two straight games. Orlando is most rested and is playing only second game in five days and is 13-4 ATS when this happens. The Magic are 13-4 OVER in road games after covering two of last three against the spread.
This confrontation will start at 7:35 Eastern, with the Knicks a fetid 5-15 ATS in March home games the last three years.
MINNESOTA (20 - 50) at ATLANTA (41 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 101-128 ATS (-39.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 54-68 ATS (-20.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-60 ATS (-31.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-47 ATS (-18.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-29 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in March games this season.
MINNESOTA is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (32 - 38) at WASHINGTON (16 - 55)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (17 - 52) at MIAMI (37 - 32)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 66-84 ATS (-26.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 51-66 ATS (-21.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-45 ATS (-20.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 65-84 ATS (-27.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
MIAMI is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (51 - 18) at NEW YORK (28 - 41)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 39-29 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 28-18 ATS (+8.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW YORK is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 45-24 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-22 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW YORK is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (17 - 53) at BOSTON (53 - 18)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (45 - 25) at PHOENIX (38 - 31)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 77-53 ATS (+18.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA (35 - 33) at PORTLAND (44 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PORTLAND is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA at ATLANTA
MINNESOTA: 17-6 ATS AWAY after 4+ consecutive losses
ATLANTA: 50-69 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
CHICAGO at WASHINGTON
CHICAGO: 10-2 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games
WASHINGTON: 6-16 ATS when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
MEMPHIS at MIAMI
MEMPHIS: 4-11 ATS after playing 5 consecutive games as an underdog
MIAMI: 5-1 ATS at home when the total is between 190 and 194.5
ORLANDO at NEW YORK
ORLANDO: 11-2 ATS AWAY when the total is greater than or equal to 200
NEW YORK: 5-14 ATS at home the total is greater than or equal to 210
LA CLIPPERS at BOSTON
LA CLIPPERS: 1-12 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games
BOSTON: 13-6 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days
DENVER at PHOENIX
DENVER: 18-7 ATS after 3+ consecutive overs
PHOENIX: 0-10 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
PHILADELPHIA at PORTLAND
PHILADELPHIA: 9-23 ATS after a combined score of 205+ in 3 straight
PORTLAND: 15-7 ATS after a DD win