NBA Today
STARS
Sunday
— Mike Miller, Timberwolves, had 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to help Minnesota snap a seven-game losing streak with a 108-99 victory over New Jersey.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 24 points and 12 assists and Cleveland extending its win streak to a franchise-record 12 straight with a 102-74 win over Dallas.
— Chris Bosh, Raptors, had 31 points and 15 rebounds and Toronto beat Chicago 134-129 in overtime.
— Paul Pierce, Celtics, had 27 points to lead Boston to a 103-84 victory over Oklahoma City.
— Danny Granger and Brandon Rush, Pacers. Granger scored 31 points and Rush continued his late-season tear with 29 points and 10 rebounds in Indiana’s 124-115 victory over Washington.
— David West, Hornets, had 23 points, going 11-of-11 on free throws, and grabbed 16 rebounds as New Orleans pulled out a 90-86 victory over San Antonio.
TWEET THIS
The NBA slapped Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with a $25,000 fine for publicly criticizing the officials after Denver’s 103-101 win over Dallas. Cuban used the Twitter online social network to complain after Friday night’s game that Denver’s J.R. Smith was not called for coming off the bench to taunt Antoine Wright after he missed a shot near the Nuggets bench.
SEEMS OK
Allen Iverson scored eight points in 22 minutes in his return from a back injury to help the Detroit Pistons beat the Philadelphia 76ers 101-97. Iverson missed 16 games.
SICK
Kobe Bryant, who missed a morning meal and film session because he wasn’t feeling well, had his second straight off game. Coming off a 14-point performance at New Jersey, he picked up two quick fouls and had to sit out most of the first quarter of the Lakers’ 86-76 loss to Atlanta. Bryant finished with just 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting.
STITCHED UP
Boston’s Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who has been starting since Kevin Garnett went out with a strained right knee, was elbowed in the forehead by Kevin Durant with 5:47 left in the third quarter of the Celtics’ 103-84 victory over Oklahoma City. He received 10 stitches then returned and scored 11 straight points during one stretch of the fourth quarter.
SENT DOWN
The Oklahoma City Thunder sent rookie forward D.J. White back for a second stint with their NBA Development League in Tulsa. White averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in three games with the 66ers before being recalled earlier this week. He remained inactive with the Thunder and then got sick before being sent back to Tulsa on Sunday.
SIT DOWN
New Orleans Hornets forward James Posey was suspended one game by the NBA for throwing a ball at a referee. Posey was ejected during the Hornets’ loss Friday night in New York after he threw the ball at the feet of referee Gary Zielinski. Posey was reacting to a loose ball foul called against him.
STRUGGLING
Steve Nash scored 31 points for Phoenix, which finished an 0-3 road trip with a 126-118 loss at Sacramento, dropping four games back of Dallas for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Suns have eight games remaining, including four of their final six on the road.
STAT
With a 102-74 win over Dallas, the Cavs improved to 20-2 since the All-Star break. …In losing 134-129 in overtime to Toronto, Chicago failed to record its first five-game winning streak since Dec. 11-19, 2006. … The Hornets were 32-of-33 from the foul line, making their last 31 in an 90-86 victory over San Antonio.
SPEAKING
“The one thing that everyone has always known about me is that I’m a warrior—the doctors would say I’d be out two, four weeks, and I’d come back in a week. So now I have an injury I’ve never had before—one that was bothering me—and people are suddenly questioning my courage. That was hard, but I know positive stories don’t sell.”—Allen Iverson acknowledging he was hurt by media reports that he might not play again this season. Iverson returned to the Pistons lineup Sunday and scored eight points in 21 minutes to help Detroit beat Philadelphia 101-97.
Monday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Magic at Heat**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Orlando as a 3 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over Miami, with the total set at 195. This Southeast Division matchup is scheduled to tipoff at 7:35 p.m. ET.
-Orlando (54-18 straight up, 45-26 against the spread) is riding a five-game SU winning streak after knocking off Milwaukee Friday as a 12-point home favorite, 110-94. The combined 204 points went ‘over’ the 198-point closing total, ending a string of six straight ‘under’ outings. The Magic had failed to cover three consecutive contests before taking care of the Bucks.
-Orlando outrebounded Milwaukee, 48-44, but won going away by shooting a robust 51 percent (41-of-80) from the field and 43 percent (9-of-21) from behind the arc. Six players reached double digits in scoring, led by Rashard Lewis’ 19 points and eight rebounds while Hedo Turkoglu added 18 and nine.
-The Magic are 25-11 SU and 24-11 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 19-16. Orlando has been winning those matchups by an average score of 103-98.
-Miami (39-34 SU, 34-38 ATS) snapped a two-game SU and ATS losing skid by beating Milwaukee Saturday as an 8 ½-point closing total, 102-85. The combined 187 points never seriously threatened the 197 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fourth consecutive contest.
-The Heat outrebounded the Bucks, 49-44, while shooting 48 percent (38-of-79) from the field and 47 percent (9-of-19) from 3-point land. Shooting guard Dwyane Wade paced the offense with 27 points and seven assists, while Udonis Haslem added 16 and 12 rebounds.
-Miami maintains a 26-11 SU and 18-19 ATS record on its home court, with the ‘over’ going 21-15. The Heat have been winning those affairs by an average score of 101-96.
-Orlando is 10-1 SU and 8-2-1 ATS the previous 11 meetings with Miami after winning February 22 as a nine-point home favorite, 122-99. The combined 221 points soared past the 191 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 5-2 the last seven games in this series.
**Bucks at Nets**
-LVSC opened New Jersey as a 6 ½-point home favorite over Milwaukee, with the total listed at 200 ½. This contest is scheduled to start at 7:35 p.m. ET.
-Milwaukee (31-43 SU, 37-36 ATS) has dropped five games in a row SU and ATS after Saturday’s setback to Miami. The ‘over’ had cashed in back-to-back outings before going ‘under’ in that matchup with the Heat.
-The Bucks were limited to 37 percent (31-of-84) from the field, and a dismal 14 percent (2-of-14) from behind the arc. Small forward Richard Jefferson led all scorers with 32 points, while center Dan Gadzuric added 18 and 12 rebounds.
-Milwaukee is 11-27 SU and 19-18 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 20-18. The Bucks have been dropping their road endeavors by an average score of 101-95. Milwaukee concludes a four-game road trip with this contest.
-New Jersey (30-43 SU, 37-35 ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid after Sunday’s setback to Minnesota as a 4 ½-point road favorite, 108-99. The combined 207 points went ‘over’ the 199 ½-point closing total, ending a string of five consecutive ‘under’ outings.
-The Nets won the rebounding battle, 39-36, but lost the game by allowing the Timberwolves to shoot 51 percent (37-of-72) from the field. New Jersey’s Vince Carter led all scorers with 36 points and eight rebounds, while Devin Harris added 19 and five assists.
-The Nets have struggled to a 15-21 SU and 16-19 ATS home ledger, with the ‘under’ going 20-16. New Jersey has been dropping those games by an average score of 100-98.
-The Nets are 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS the previous 10 matchups with Milwaukee after winning the last meeting March 3 as a 3 1/2-point home ‘chalk,’ 99-95. The combined 194 points failed to topple the 205-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the second consecutive contest in this series.
-New Jersey forward Jarvis Hayes (personal) and forward Bobby Simmons (back) are ‘questionable’ versus the Bucks.
**Knicks at Jazz**
-LVSC lists Utah as a decided 11-point home ‘chalk’ over New York, with the total set at 214. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET.
-New York (29-44 SU, 41-32 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU and 3-2 ATS its last five games after falling to Charlotte Saturday as a 6 ½-point road underdog, 96-85. The combined 181 points never seriously threatened the 206-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games.
-The Knicks were dominated on the boards, 46-34, while shooting just 38 percent (32-of-85) from the field and 40 percent (10-of-25) from 3-point land. Wilson Chandler and Al Harrington each netted 18 points in the loss, while David Lee added 14 and 10 rebounds.
-New York is 10-25 SU on the road, but 21-14 ATS. The Knicks have been dropping those games by an average score of 108-103, helping the ‘under’ go 21-14.
-Utah (45-27 SU, 37-35 ATS) got back on the winning track by outlasting Phoenix in overtime Saturday night as a nine-point home ‘chalk,’ 104-99. The combined 203 points failed to eclipse the 230 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five games. The Jazz have failed to cover their last two outings.
-Utah outrebounded the Suns, 56-51, while shooting 43 percent (36-of-83) from the field and 42 percent (5-of-12) from behind the arc. Center Mehmet Okur led the charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while guard Deron Williams added 21 and 13 assists.
-The Jazz own an impressive 31-6 SU and 21-16 ATS home ledger, with the ‘under’ going 21-16. Utah has been winning those affairs by an average score of 105-95.
-The home team has won the last five meetings in the New York-Utah series SU, while the Knicks have covered each time. New York won the last meeting November 9 as a four-point home underdog, 107-99, while the combined 206 points went ‘under’ the 207-point closing total.
-New York guard Quentin Richardson (ankle) is ‘questionable’ versus the Jazz.
**Grizzlies at Warriors**
-There is no overnight line or total on this contest due to a couple of key injuries. This contest is scheduled to start at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Memphis (18-54 SU, 31-40 ATS) plummeted to 1-4 SU and ATS its last five games after getting routed by Portland Saturday as a 12 ½-point road underdog, 86-66. The combined 152 points never seriously threatened the 190 ½-point closing total.
-The Grizzlies were outclassed on the boards, 50-28, while shooting 41 percent (28-of-68) from the field and going 0-for-8 from behind the arc. Rookie guard O.J. Mayo led the anemic offensive effort with 12 points, while Rudy Gay added 10.
-Memphis is just 6-30 SU and 16-19 ATS away from home, losing those affairs by an average score of 100-92.
-Golden State (25-48 SU, 35-36ATS) is currently mired in a four-game SU losing skid after Saturday’s setback to Denver as a 12 ½-point road underdog, 129-116. All four of those setbacks were on the road, while going 1-3 ATS. The combined 245 points toppled the 228-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the third consecutive contest.
-The Warriors won the rebounding battle, 50-44, while shooting 42 percent (42-of-100) from the field and 44 percent (14-of-32) from 3-point land. Jamal Crawford had 30 points and five rebounds in the setback, while Kelenna Azubuike added 21 and nine.
-Golden State is 19-16 SU and 22-12 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going an incredible 25-9. The Warriors have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 115-112.
-Memphis has won the last two games against Golden State SU and ATS after prevailing November 7 as a seven-point road underdog, 109-104. The combined 213 points went ‘over’ the 193-point closing total, ending a string of four straight ‘under’ outings in this series.
-Golden State forward Stephen Jackson (toe) is ‘out’ for the season, while forward Corey Maggette (head) and guard Marco Belinelli (ankle) are ‘questionable’ against the Grizzlies. Forward Brandan Wright (shoulder) is ‘doubtful’ for this contest.
vegasinsider.com
Game of the day: Magic at Heat
By Steve Merril
Orlando Magic (-3, 194) at Miami Heat – 7:35 pm ET
Playoff Positioning
The Magic have clinched the Southeast division title and a top three seed in the upcoming playoffs. But Orlando is still battling with the Boston Celtics for the overall No. 2 seed and home court advantage in a probable second round matchup. Orlando is currently a half-game behind the Celtics, but Orlando does have three more games remaining than Boston as the Magic have 10 regular season games still on the schedule, while Boston has just seven games left.
Miami is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and 1½ games ahead of Philadelphia. The Heat still have a chance at home court in the first round, but must catch Atlanta as the Hawks currently stand 3½ games ahead with eight games remaining, while Miami has nine regular season games left on the schedule.
Home Court Advantage
The Heat have exhibited an extreme home-road dichotomy as they currently stand 26-11 SU (straight up) at home, compared to just 13-23 SU on the road. The strong home record has not translated into pointspread success as the Heat are only 18-19 ATS (against the spread) in those 37 home games.
Miami’s average margin of victory at home this season is just +4.3 points per game, but the Heat might receive an extra boost of energy tonight with a pregame ceremony to retire Alonzo Mourning’s No. 33 jersey.
Pointspread Machine
Orlando has been a pointspread mint the past two seasons under head coach Stan Van Gundy. The Magic stand 102-60 (63 percent) ATS in all games for a net profit of +36 units. The Magic are 71-46 ATS as a favorite and 31-14 ATS as an underdog and have been most profitable on the road with a fantastic 54-28 ATS record away from home.
Recent Meetings
Orlando is currently dominating this in-state rivalry with a 6-1 SU record during the past two seasons. The home team is a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS in all three meetings this season. Orlando won the first matchup 86-76 on Jan. 2 as an 8½-point home favorite, but then lost the rematch at Miami 103-97 on Jan. 24 as a 7½-point road favorite. Orlando got its revenge on Feb. 22 with an easy 122-99 home win as a 9-point favorite.
Dwyane Wade
The one constant in all three meetings this year has been the greatness of Miami’s Wade, who has averaged nearly 37 points per game including a 50-point performance in the most recent meeting. In fact, it was the first time in the past 14 years that a player scored 50+ points while his team lost by 20+ points.
Wade has scored at least 32 points or more in seven of his last nine games versus the Magic.
“My concern is when Dwyane goes into the Hall of Fame and they start putting off his top career games, it’s going to be like 50 versus Orlando… we’re going to fill up the entire screen”, said Van Gundy. “So, I don’t know what to tell you. When I coached Dwyane I really liked him, but I'm not so sure anymore. Our relationship is strained.”
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
Orlando extended their winning streak to five games by cruising past the Bucks 110-94 on Friday. Orlando covered the 12-point spread, and the game's 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.
Rashard Lewis had 19 points and eight rebounds, while Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu each tossed in 18 points in that win.
Dwyane Wade went for 27 points and dished out seven assists as the Heat scorched the Bucks 102-85 on Saturday. The Heat covered the 9-point spread, but the 187 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 197.5.
Udonis Haslem had 16 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 54-18 SU, 45-26-1 ATS
Miami: 39-34 SU, 35-37-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 9-1
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
Miami most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Orlando is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games at home
Next up:
Orlando home to Toronto, Wednesday, April 1
Miami at Dallas, Wednesday, April 1
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Jersey Nets
The Bucks were dropped 102-85 by the Heat last time out, as 9-point road underdogs. That game's 187 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 197.5.
Richard Jefferson poured in a game-high 32 points in the loss.
The Nets lost to Minnesota 108-99 as a 4.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (199.5).
Vince Carter scored a game-high 36 points for the Nets and Devin Harris netted 19 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 5 straight games.
New Jersey has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 31-43 SU, 36-36-2 ATS
New Jersey: 30-43 SU, 37-35-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 9-1
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to LA Lakers, Wednesday, April 1
New Jersey home to Detroit, Wednesday, April 1
New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz
The Knicks were ousted 96-85 by the Bobcats last time out, as 6.5-point road underdogs. The team's played UNDER the game's posted total of 206.
Wilson Chandler led the Knicks with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Jazz came out in front with a 104-99 OT victory over the Suns to earn a split of the home-and-home set on Saturday. The Jazz failed to cover the 9-point spread, and the 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 230.
Mehmet Okur had a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way.
Team records:
New York: 29-44 SU, 41-31-1 ATS
Utah: 45-27 SU, 37-35 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 1-9
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Utah most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 9-1
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 9 games
New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
New York at Denver, Tuesday, March 31
Utah at Portland, Tuesday, March 31
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
The Grizzlies were trounced 86-66 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 12.5-point underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 191.
O.J. Mayo had 12 points and dished out five assists in the loss.
The Warriors were defeated 129-116 by the Nuggets last time out, as 12-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 228.
Jamal Crawford had 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 18-54 SU, 31-40-1 ATS
Golden State: 25-48 SU, 35-37-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 2-8
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Golden State
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 11 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Memphis home to Washington, Wednesday, April 1
Golden State home to Sacramento, Wednesday, April 1
MILWAUKEE vs. NEW JERSEY
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
ORLANDO vs. MIAMI
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
NEW YORK vs. UTAH
New York is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 9 games
Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York
Utah is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against New York
MEMPHIS vs. GOLDEN STATE
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tips and Trends
Orlando Magic at Miami Heat
Magic (-3, O/U 194): Orlando is battling Boston for the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race thanks to five straight wins and 12 in 14 games. The Magic are coming off a 110-94 rout of Milwaukee on Friday that allowed star big man Dwight Howard to get some rest. Howard totaled 18 points and eight rebounds in less than 25 minutes of action following a monster performance of 24 points and 21 boards in an 84-82 win over Boston on Thursday. “We’re just trying to find that rhythm that you can stay in,” Orlando point guard Rafer Alston said. “It’s all about finding that groove going into the playoffs.”
Magic are 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Orlando's last 7 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 100 (Side Play of the Day)
Heat: Miami has dropped 11 of the last 12 meetings with Orlando despite some terrific performances from star Dwyane Wade, who has averaged 37.2 points in his last six games against the Magic. “My concern is when Dwyane goes into the Hall of Fame and they start putting off his top career games, it’s going to be like 50 versus Orlando,” Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said. “We’re going to fill up the entire screen. So, I don’t know what to tell you.” The Heat are hoping to lock themselves into the fifth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, which would keep them from playing Cleveland, Boston and Orlando in the first round of the playoffs. “These last 10 games are very, very important,” said Miami forward Udonis Haslem.
Heat are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Monday games.
The OVER is 8-2-1 in Miami's last 11 home games.
Key Injuries -
PROJECTED SCORE: 94
New York Knicks at Utah Jazz
Knicks: New York has dropped seven of eight to fall out of playoff contention, but the team managed to get center Eddy Curry back into action in a 96-85 setback at Charlotte on Saturday. Curry picked up three fouls in less than three minutes of action while grabbing one rebound against the Bobcats. “I’m going (to Utah) to win the game,” Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I’ll try to get (Curry) out there as much as I can and hopefully he can improve as we go along. I want to win so I’ll make some decisions good or bad trying to win.”
Knicks are 8-0 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-1 in New York's last 9 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Quentin Richardson (ankle) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 98 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Jazz (-11, O/U 213): Utah will put its 15-game home winning streak on the line against an opponent that has gone 7-2 in the last nine meetings. The Jazz blew a 21-point lead on Saturday in a 104-99 overtime win against Phoenix, and head coach Jerry Sloan knows his team needs to do a better job of putting the opposition away. “That was one that just about got away from us,” Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. “We had a nice lead and then we just quit competing. You can’t afford to do that.”
Jazz are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-0 in Utah's last 9 home games.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 109
Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its last five games (2-3 vs spread).
-- Utah won four of its last five games.
Cold Teams
-- Miami lost five of its last seven games.
-- Milwaukee lost its last five games (0-5 vs spread). Nets lost their last four games (1-3 vs spread).
-- Knicks lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Warriors lost their last four games (1-3 vs spread). Grizzlies lost six of their last seven games.
Totals
-- Four of last five Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine New York games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Golden State games went over total; four of last five Memphis games stayed under.
Back-to Back
-- Nets covered one of last four if they played the day/night before.
-- Knicks are 3-6 vs spread if they play again the next night.
ORLANDO (54 - 18) at MIAMI (39 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 34-24 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ORLANDO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 67-86 ATS (-27.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 31-46 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
MIAMI is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 8-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 10-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (31 - 43) at NEW JERSEY (30 - 43)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in March games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-69 ATS (-30.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 8-27 ATS (-21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 9-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 8-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (29 - 44) at UTAH (45 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 51-31 ATS (+16.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
NEW YORK is 41-31 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW YORK is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW YORK is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-0 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (18 - 54) at GOLDEN STATE (25 - 48)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Monday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Orlando vs. Miami
These two teams have a rivalry that continues to grow. Orlando beat this team 122-99 the last time out on 2/22 and Miami won the game prior to that 103-97 on 1/24 and Orlando won the game prior to that 86-76. Hence, Orlando leads the series 2-1. Miami looks to even the series today. Miami comes off a crushing win over the hapless Bucks and have played in 4 straight unders. Miami has also won their last 4 games at home as well. The Magic have won 4 in a row and 8 of their last 10. They lost to Detroit and Cleveland on the road but beat the Bucks and the Knicks. I don't bet against the Magic as a standard rule, but I lean slightly on the Heat and the over here (the last 2 between these 2 went over 194, but the magic/cavs game went to 190 which is what makes me hesitate for this game).
Milwaukee vs. New Jersey
I don't see a line on this game yet, but these two teams have met three times:
3-3-09: Milwaukee 95 - NJ - 99 (NJ wins on the road by 4).
2-3-09: NJ - 99 - Milwaukee 85 (NJ wins at home by 10)
1-9-09: Milwaukee 104 - NJ 102 (Milwaukee wins at home by 2)
The Bucks have lost their last 5 straight and 9 of 10 covers. The Bucks have also gone under 5 of their last 7 as well. They do expect Ridnour to come back to give them some much needed added depth today. NJ is struggling losing 8 of their last 10 and their last 5 of 6 have gone under. I've seen a line suggesting 200.5 offshore and -6.5 for the Nets. I just don't trust either team.
Memphis vs. Golden State
I haven't seen a line on this game, but Memphis beat this team by 5 on the road and 11 at home earlier this year. It is very tough to beat a team trice in a year, having said that the Warriors will be without the services of Jackson and probably without Maggette today. Memphis comes off getting embarrassed at Portland scoring just 66 points losing 66-86 and GS is back to playing overs as they have played in 8 of 10 overs. I lean slightly on GS here bouncing-back at home with revenge as well, but with Memphis coming off a 66 point performance, they are likely to look to step up here and bounce-back as well. Just staying away.
Injury Notes:
Milwaukee: Ridnour is Probable for this game.
Knicks: Richardson is Questionable for this game.
Golden State: Jackson is OUT & Maggette is questionable for this game.