Saturday's Best NBA Bets
Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers (-7.5, 189)
The Cavs were able to pull out a gritty win over the Lakers Thursday without starting point guard Mo Williams.
Delonte West took over at the point in the 93-87 victory but broke his left ring finger during the contest and will miss at least Saturday’s game versus Oklahoma City.
Cleveland’s backcourt injuries will allow Daniel Gibson to see minutes, but coach Mike Brown said that LeBron James and Anthony Parker will have to handle the ball as well.
"We may have to do it by committee," said Brown, who said there are other factors to consider. "One, is how long is [West] going to be out for? The second one is, knock on wood, what if Gib goes down? We have capable ballhandlers."
Expect the Thunder to provide steady pressure and put Gibson’s ball-handling skills to the test Saturday.
Oklahoma City has been tough on the road recently, winning at Atlanta and Minnesota this week while losing to Dallas by a point on Jan. 15. The Thunder have covered in three of their last four games away from home.
Pick: Thunder
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns (-10, 237)
One certainty in playing back-to-back games in the NBA is that a team will be less than rested in the second leg having played the night before.
A bettor can view a B2B situation as either: the players won’t be as sharp so the offensive production will decrease or the players will be worn out so they won’t play much defense.
In this game, we are going with the latter reasoning because both already don’t play much defense and like to get up and down the floor.
The Suns (109.9 ppg) and Warriors (107.7 ppg) rank 1st and 2nd in the league in scoring while conversely, the two rank 29th and 30th in points surrendered. Phoenix yields 107.3 ppg and Golden State gives up 111.9 points to the opposition per outing.
The over is 9-1 in the Suns last 10 games versus the Western Conference and 9-3 during the last 12 meetings of this series. The last 10 times these high-powered offenses have met, neither team has scored fewer than 100 points and the average total is 241.0 ppg.
Pick: Over
Oklahoma City (24-19, 26-17 ATS) at Cleveland (33-11, 21-22 ATS)
Kevin Durant leads the Thunder into Quicken Loans Arena for the only time this season as they wrap up a four-game road trip with a battle against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, who are back in action for the first time since knocking off the Lakers on Thursday.
Despite another tremendous performance by Durant (30 points, eight rebounds), Oklahoma City came up short at Memphis last night, falling 86-84 but covering as a 3½-point road underdog to snap a three-game winning streak. Durant has been the catalyst for the Thunder’s resurgence this year, as he’s averaging 29.2 points per game, tallying at least 25 points in 15 consecutive contests.
James scored a game-high 37 points and outplayed nemesis Kobe Bryant in Cleveland’s 93-87 home win Thursday, covering as a three-point favorite. The Cavaliers have won three in a row and 18 of their last 22, and they’re now right behind the Lakers in the race for the best record in the league. On the downside, Cleveland has gone 11 straight games without consecutive spread-covers and is still just 3-6 ATS in its last nine home games.
Cleveland swept the season series from the Thunder last year, winning by margins of 35 points (home) and 11 points (road) with the teams splitting the cash. Then the Cavs went to Oklahoma City on five weeks ago and cruised 102-89 as a 3½-point road favorite for their third straight win over the Thunder. Prior to the last two games, the home team had won seven in a row SU and ATS in this rivalry. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes, and the SU winner has covered in 15 of the last 16 meetings.
One of the best pointspread teams in the NBA this year, the Thunder come into this contest on ATS runs of 8-2 on the road, 6-1 as an underdog (all on the road), 6-0 as a ‘dog of five to 10½ points, 8-2 against Eastern Conference foes and 4-1 when playing on back-to-back nights. Cleveland is on pointspread surges of 12-5-1 against Northwest Division squads, 6-2 when playing on one day of rest and 14-6-1 against winning teams, but they’re 1-3-1 ATS in their last five overall, 3-7 ATS in their last 10 as a favorite, 1-5 ATS in their last six when laying five to 10½ points and 1-6 on Saturday.
The under is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings between these teams and 5-0 in the last five clashes in Cleveland. Conversely, the over is on streaks of 17-8 when the Thunder play on back-to-back nights, 4-1-1 for the Thunder against the NBA Central, 24-8 for the Thunder when catching five to 10½ points, 4-1 for the Cavs as a favorite and 4-1-1 for the Cavs against winning teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Bobcats will meet on the court at Time Warner Cable Arena on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Dwight Howard poured in 19 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Magic over the Kings 104-88 on Friday. The Magic covered the 9.5-point spread, while the 192 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.
Rashard Lewis and J.J. Redick had 15 points apiece in that win.
The Bobcats were defeated 103-89 by the Hawks last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs. The 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.5.
Gerald Wallace added 25 points with six rebounds for the Bobcats, and Stephen Jackson finished with 24 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 28-15 SU, 21-20-2 ATS
Charlotte: 21-20 SU, 25-16 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 1-9
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Orlando at Memphis, Monday, January 25
Charlotte at Denver, Monday, January 25
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The 76ers jumped out in front in the third quarter as they toppled the Mavericks 92-81 on Friday. The 76ers won the game as 3-point underdogs, and the teams played UNDER the posted total of 196.
Thaddeus Young shot 9-for-12 from the field with 22 points, while Marreese Speights added 14 in the win.
The Pacers jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 105-93 win over the Pistons on Friday. The Pacers covered the 3.5-point spread, while the 198 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Danny Granger lit it up with 25 points, while Brandon Rush added 19 points in the win.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 14-28 SU, 18-24 ATS
Indiana: 15-28 SU, 19-24 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia 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 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Philadelphia is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Indiana, Monday, January 25
Indiana at Philadelphia, Monday, January 25
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Saturday.
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 30 points with eight rebounds in the Thunder' 86-84 loss to the Grizzlies last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 205.
LeBron James poured in a game-high 37 points to lead the Cavaliers over the Lakers 93-87 on Thursday. The Cavaliers covered the 2.5-point spread, while the 180 points went UNDER the posted total of 192.5.
Shaquille O'Neal had 13 points with six rebounds in that win.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 24-19 SU, 26-17 ATS
Cleveland: 33-11 SU, 21-22-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 1-9
After a loss are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Oklahoma City is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Oklahoma City is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Cleveland is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Chicago, Wednesday, January 27
Cleveland at Miami, Monday, January 25
Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat
- The Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The Kings were defeated 104-88 by the Magic on Friday, as 9.5-point underdogs. The 192 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.
Tyreke Evans collected 19 points and four rebounds in the loss.
The Heat rushed out to an early lead and never looked back on Friday, as they cruised past the Wizards 112-88. The Heat easily covered the 3-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 192.5.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 32 points and dished out 10 assists. Jermaine O'Neal chipped in with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 15-27 SU, 20-20-2 ATS
Miami: 22-20 SU, 21-21 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Washington are 1-9
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Miami
Sacramento is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Miami
Sacramento is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Miami
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Miami is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Sacramento
Miami is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to Golden State, Tuesday, January 26
Miami home to Cleveland, Monday, January 25
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons
The fans at The Palace of Auburn Hills will be treated to a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons when they take their seats on Saturday.
The Trail Blazers were defeated 98-95 in overtime on Friday, as 10.5-point underdogs. The 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 186.
Andre Miller led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Pistons were defeated 105-93 by the Pacers last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 198 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Richard Hamilton netted 27 points with five rebounds in the loss for the Pistons.
Team records:
Portland: 26-18 SU, 24-19-1 ATS
Detroit: 15-27 SU, 19-22-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 8-2
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Portland
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Portland
Next up:
Portland home to New Orleans, Monday, January 25
Detroit home to Memphis, Wednesday, January 27
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bradley Center.
The Timberwolves were defeated 96-94 by the Hornets last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The combined score went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Al Jefferson went for 25 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Bucks were defeated 101-96 by the Raptors last time out, as 6-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 206.
Luke Ridnour had 27 points in a losing cause for the Bucks.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 9-35 SU, 22-21-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 17-24 SU, 23-18 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Minnesota is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Minnesota is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Milwaukee is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota at New York, Tuesday, January 26
Milwaukee at Dallas, Tuesday, January 26
Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets
The Chicago Bulls and the Houston Rockets will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Toyota Center.
The Bulls stormed out to an early lead and went on to upend the Suns 115-104 on Friday. The Bulls won that game as a 7-point underdog, while the 219 points fell UNDER the posted total of 219.5.
Derrick Rose led the way with a game-high 32 points, while Luol Deng chipped in with 23 in the win.
The Rockets had six players reach double-figures on Friday, as they defeated the Spurs 116-109. The Rockets won the game as a 6-point underdog, and the 225 points sailed OVER the posted total of 192.
Kyle Lowry led the Rockets with 23 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Aaron Brooks also had 23 points in the win.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 19-22 SU, 18-21-2 ATS
Houston: 24-18 SU, 22-20 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing Houston
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 10 games when playing Chicago
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at San Antonio, Monday, January 25
Houston home to Atlanta, Monday, January 25
New Jersey Nets vs. Utah Jazz
The fans at EnergySolutions Arena will be treated to a game between the New Jersey Nets and the Utah Jazz when they take their seats on Saturday.
The Nets were tore apart 111-79 by the Warriors last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 216.5.
Brook Lopez tossed in 21 points and hauled down six rebounds in the loss.
Carlos Boozer poured in a game-high 31 points to lead the Jazz over the Spurs 105-98 on Wednesday. The Jazz won that game as 5.5-point underdogs, while the teams played OVER the posted total of 195.5.
Andrei Kirilenko shot 11-for-15 from the field with 26 points for the Jazz, and Deron Williams had 18 points in the win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 10 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 3-39 SU, 13-28-1 ATS
Utah: 24-18 SU, 24-16-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New Jersey's last 14 games when playing Utah
New Jersey is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Utah
New Jersey is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Jersey home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, January 27
Utah home to Phoenix, Monday, January 25
New Orleans Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets
The fans at Pepsi Center will be treated to a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Denver Nuggets when they take their seats on Saturday.
Chris Paul went for 23 points and dished out nine assists Friday, leading the Hornets to a 96-94 win over the Timberwolves. The Hornets failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, and the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 201.
David West had 14 points for the Hornets, and Darius Songaila added 13 in the win.
The Nuggets dominated the second half and ran away with a 105-85 victory over the Clippers on Thursday. The Nuggets covered the 10-point spread, while the 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 212.
Carmelo Anthony led the way with 28 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Chauncey Billups added 20 in that win.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Denver has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 23-19 SU, 19-23 ATS
Denver: 28-14 SU, 19-21-2 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
New Orleans is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans at Portland, Monday, January 25
Denver home to Charlotte, Monday, January 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns meet at US Airways Center.
Stephen Curry dropped 32 points to lead the Warriors in a 111-79 victory over the Bulls on Friday. The Warriors covered the 7-point spread, while the 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 216.5.
Corey Maggette had 29 points for the Warriors, and Cartier Martin added 16 points with eight rebounds.
The Suns were upset 115-104 last time out, as 7-point favorites. That game's 219 points fell UNDER the posted total of 219.5.
Amare Stoudemire led the Suns with 23 points and five rebounds.
Team records:
Golden State: 13-28 SU, 23-17-1 ATS
Phoenix: 25-19 SU, 23-20-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Golden State's last 10 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Golden State is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
Phoenix is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State at Sacramento, Tuesday, January 26
Phoenix at Utah, Monday, January 25
Trend Report - Saturday
By Ed Meyer
Magic at Bobcats – The Magic are 11-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since January 07, 2005 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they allowed a shooting percentage at least 10 percentage points lower than their season-to-date average. The Magic are 8-0 ATS (8.9 ppg) since November 28, 2005 on the road after a game at home in which they allowed less than 35% from the field. The Bobcats are 5-0 ATS (9.0 ppg) since January 10, 2009 with at most one day of rest after a game in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted.
Timberwolves at Bucks – The Timberwolves are 0-8 ATS (-13.0 ppg) since November 10, 2007 on the road with no rest after a loss in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Timberwolves are 0-7 ATS (-6.5 ppg) since April 12, 1999 after a game at home in which their opponent shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than 25% of them. The Bucks are 10-0-1 ATS (8.0 ppg) since February 23, 2008 at home after a game on the road in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points lower than their season-to-date average. The Bucks are 7-0 ATS (7.6 ppg) since January 20, 2006 as a favorite with at most one day of rest after a loss in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted.
Thunder at Cavaliers – The Thunder are 0-8-1 ATS (-9.8 ppg) since January 07, 2009 on the road after losing the previous matchup at home in which Russell Westbrook was not the Thunder's high scorer.
Kings at Heat – The Kings are 6-0 ATS (15.7 ppg) since March 20, 1996 as a road dog after a double digit loss in which they had at least 15 more shot attempts than their opponent. The Heat are 0-7 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since March 24, 2007 at home when both they and their opponent have no rest.
Nets at Jazz – The Nets are 7-0 ATS (7.5 ppg) since November 25, 2000 on the road with no rest after a double digit road loss in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line. The Jazz are 7-0 ATS (11.4 ppg) since March 17, 2008 as a favorite when facing a non-conference team they beat in their first match-up of the season.
Hornets at Nuggets – The Hornets are 0-6-1 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since December 16, 2003 with no rest after a game in which they shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than a 25% of them. The Nuggets are 7-0 ATS (9.3 ppg) since January 10, 2006 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line.
76ers at Pacers – The 76ers are 0-5 ATS (-15.0 ppg) since February 17, 2004 as a road dog after a double digit home win in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Pacers are 0-6 ATS (-2.5 ppg) since April 12, 2006 at home after a win in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average.
Trailblazers at Pistons – The Trailblazers are 10-0 ATS (10.3 ppg) since January 27, 2007 before playing the Hornets. The Trailblazers are 8-0 ATS (8.1 ppg) since January 27, 2007 with no rest after a game on the road in which they shot less than 40% from the field. The Pistons are 0-7 ATS (-9.6 ppg) since January 15, 1998 at home with no rest after a loss in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line.
Bulls at Rockets – The Bulls are 10-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since December 31, 2007 after a game on the road in which they allowed less than 40% from the field. The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-12.4 ppg) since April 08, 2007 as a dog with at most one day of rest after a double digit win in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight. The Bulls are 8-0 ATS (10.9 ppg) since December 31, 2007 with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they allowed less than 40% from the field. The Rockets are 0-9-2 ATS (-5.1 ppg) since March 02, 2005 with no rest after a game on the road in which they shot at least 50% from the field.
Warriors at Suns – The Suns are 8-0 ATS (3.5 ppg) since December 30, 2000 after a double digit home loss in which they were outshot by at least 10 percent. The Suns are 0-8 ATS (-5.8 ppg) since October 30, 2003 as a favorite after a game in which they had at least 10 shots blocked.