NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Nov. 15
Utah at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST). Carlos Boozer returns to Cleveland to face his former team. The Cavaliers have won six straight.
STARS
Friday
— Shaquille O’Neal, Suns, tied a season high with 29 points and had 13 rebounds and six assists in short-handed Phoenix’s 97-95 overtime victory at Sacramento.
— Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson, Pistons. Wallace had 25 points and 13 rebounds and Iverson added 25 points in Detroit’s 106-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Tim Duncan, Spurs, scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks’ layup with a second left in San Antonio’s 77-75 victory over Houston.
— Devin Harris, Nets, scored 30 points in New Jersey’s 115-108 victory over Atlanta after missing three games because of a sprained left ankle.
— Thaddeus Young, 76ers, had 25 points and 10 rebounds in Philadelphia’s 94-92 victory at Indiana.
— Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, Knicks, each scored 29 points, combining for 10 in the final 4 minutes, in New York’s 116-106 victory over Oklahoma City.
— Rashard Lewis, Magic, scored 23 points, including the tying and go-ahead points on free throws with 10.9 seconds left, in Orlando’s 102-100 victory over Dallas.
SUSPENDED
The NBA suspended Phoenix’s Steve Nash and Matt Barnes and Houston’s Rafer Alston on Friday for their roles in a fight during the Rockets’ victory in Phoenix on Wednesday night. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O’Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000.
STATS
Denver beat Boston 94-85 on Friday night to improve to 4-1 since acquiring Chauncey Billups from Detroit. Billups had 18 points. … Utah has lost three of its last four games after opening 5-0. … Atlanta has lost two straight after a 6-0 start.
STATUS
Portland center Greg Oden had 11 points in his second game back from a sprained foot, an 87-82 loss in New Orleans. … New York rookie Danilo Gallinari received another cortisone shot for his ailing back and will have an “extended period of rest” while seeking additional opinions on treatment. … Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa returned to Brazil following his mother’s death. … Denver center Steven Hunter was expected to miss at least 12 weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
SPEAKING
“What can you say about Tim Duncan that hasn’t already been said. He provides the leadership on this team. He is the center of the program.”—San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich after Duncan scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks’ layup with a second left in San Antonio’s 77-75 victory over Houston on Friday night.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Warriors were defeated 107-102 by the Pistons last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs at home. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.
Andris Biedrins had 17 points with 19 rebounds for a double-double in that loss.
The Clippers were defeated 103-98 by the Kings last time out. Oddsmakers had the Clippers as 7.5-point favorites in that contest, while the 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 195.5.
Al Thornton scored 20 points for the Clippers, and Ricky Davis added 16 in the loss.
Team records:
Golden State: 3-6 SU, 4-5 ATS
Los Angeles: 1-7 SU, 1-7 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Golden State is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Golden State
LA Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of the LA Clippers last 24 games at home
LA Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State home to Portland, Tuesday, November 18
LA Clippers home to San Antonio, Monday, November 17
New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
Devin Harris tossed in a team-high 30 points to lead the Nets to a 115-108 victory over the Hawks in the opener of the home-and-home set on Friday. The Nets won that game as a 3.5-point underdog, while the 223 points sailed OVER the posted total of 191.
Vince Carter added 26 points for the Nets, and Brook Lopez chipped in with 25.
Joe Johnson netted a game-high 32 points with nine rebounds in the loss for the Hawks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS
Atlanta: 6-2 SU, 6-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
New Jersey is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Jersey's last 11 games when playing on the road against 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
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Cleveland, Tuesday, November 18
Atlanta at Indiana, Tuesday, November 18
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Thunder lost 116-106 to New York last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs. The game's combined 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 209.5.
Kevin Durant netted 23 points in a losing effort.
The 76ers scored 23 points in the fourth quarter to come back and defeat the Pacers 94-92 on Friday, as 1-point underdogs. The 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 197.5.
Thaddeus Young tossed in 25 points and hauled down 10 rebounds for a double-double in leading the way.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 6 straight games.
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 1-8 SU, 5-4 ATS
Philadelphia: 4-5 SU, 4-5 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing New York are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Houston, Monday, November 17
Philadelphia at Minnesota, Wednesday, November 19
Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Jazz were upset 104-96 by the Bobcats last time out, as 3.5-point favorites. The 200 points sailed OVER the posted total of 179.
Carlos Boozer had a game-high 26 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Cavaliers dominated the second half and came away with a 110-99 win over the Nuggets on Thursday. The Cavaliers covered the 7-point spread, and the 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.
LeBron James shot 10-for-20 from the field with 22 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists to lead the way.
Current streak:
Utah has lost 2 straight games.
Cleveland has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 6-3 SU, 4-5 ATS
Cleveland: 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 6-2
After a loss are 7-3
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Utah's last 11 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 9 games
Utah is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Next up:
Utah home to Phoenix, Monday, November 17
Cleveland at New Jersey, Tuesday, November 18
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Trail Blazers were defeated 87-82 by the Hornets last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The game's 169 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 191.
Brandon Roy had 21 points with three rebounds and six assists in the loss.
Al Jefferson finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks for Minnesota in its 113-110 overtime loss to Golden State on Tuesday night.
Golden State couldn't cash as 6-point home favorites as the teams played over the 204-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 5-4 SU, 5-4 ATS
Minnesota: 1-6 SU, 3-4 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games at home
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Portland at Golden State, Tuesday, November 18
Minnesota at Denver, Sunday, November 16
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Pacers lost 94-92 to the 76ers last time out, as a 1-point favorite. The 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 197.5.
Marquis Daniels had a double-double in the loss for Indiana with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Ben Gordon dropped a game-high 35 points in helping the Bulls upset the Mavericks 98-91 on Thursday, as 2-point road underdogs. The 189 points fell UNDER the posted total of 200.
Luol Deng tossed in 20 points and Derrick Rose added 16 points with nine rebounds in the win.
Team records:
Indiana: 4-4 SU, 5-3 ATS
Chicago: 4-5 SU, 5-4 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Indiana is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Indiana is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Indiana home to Atlanta, Tuesday, November 18
Chicago at LA Lakers, Tuesday, November 18
New Orleans Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
The Hornets outlasted the Trail Blazers for an 87-82 victory on Friday. The Hornets failed to cover the 7-point spread, and the game's 169 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 191.
Chris Paul scored 17 points with six rebounds and nine assists in the win, and David West chipped in with 18 points.
The Rockets were upset 77-75 by the Spurs as a 5.5-point favorite last time out. The combined 152 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 173.
Ron Artest had 18 points in a losing effort.
Team records:
New Orleans: 5-3 SU, 2-5-1 ATS
Houston: 5-4 SU, 3-6 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 1-9
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 8-2
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Houston
New Orleans is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Houston
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 10 games at home
Houston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
New Orleans home to Sacramento, Wednesday, November 19
Houston at Oklahoma City, Monday, November 17
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Celtics were defeated 94-85 by the Nuggets last time out, as 10-point favorites at home. The 178 points fell UNDER the posted total of 197.
Ray Allen scored a game-high 26 points with six rebounds.
The Bucks evened their record to 5-5 with a 101-96 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute led the Bucks with 19 points and 17 rebounds in a double-double performance.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 8-2 SU, 4-6 ATS
Milwaukee: 5-5 SU, 7-3 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 7-3
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Boston's last 12 games on the road
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Milwaukee's last 22 games at home
Milwaukee is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston home to New York, Tuesday, November 18
Milwaukee at Denver, Tuesday, November 18
GOLDEN STATE (3 - 6) at LA CLIPPERS (1 - 7) - 11/15/2008, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 38-53 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 34-55 ATS (-26.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW JERSEY (3 - 5) at ATLANTA (6 - 2) - 11/15/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 36-51 ATS (-20.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
ATLANTA is 110-147 ATS (-51.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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OKLAHOMA CITY (1 - 8) at PHILADELPHIA (4 - 5) - 11/15/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-0 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-0 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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UTAH (6 - 3) at CLEVELAND (7 - 2) - 11/15/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-0 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 2-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PORTLAND (5 - 4) at MINNESOTA (1 - 6) - 11/15/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 73-94 ATS (-30.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-51 ATS (-23.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 7-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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INDIANA (4 - 4) at CHICAGO (4 - 5) - 11/15/2008, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BOSTON (8 - 2) at MILWAUKEE (5 - 5) - 11/15/2008, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW ORLEANS (5 - 3) at HOUSTON (5 - 4) - 11/15/2008, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 59-42 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
3:30 PM GOLDEN STATE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
LA Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when playing Golden State
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Golden State
7:00 PM NEW JERSEY vs. ATLANTA
New Jersey is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:00 PM OKLAHOMA CITY vs. PHILADELPHIA
Oklahoma City is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Oklahoma City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
7:30 PM UTAH vs. CLEVELAND
Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Utah is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
8:00 PM PORTLAND vs. MINNESOTA
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
8:30 PM BOSTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
Milwaukee is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston
8:30 PM INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
8:30 PM NEW ORLEANS vs. HOUSTON
New Orleans is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
Houston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Golden State at LA Clippers
Golden State: 12-1 Over off 3+ ATS losses
LA Clippers: 16-31 ATS in home games
New Jersey at Atlanta
New Jersey: 1-11 ATS off a home win scoring 110+ points
Atlanta: 24-10 Over at home playing w/ same season revenge
Oklahoma City at Philadelphia
Oklahoma City: 0-3 ATS vs. Philadelphia
Philadelphia: 30-16 ATS playing on back-to-back days
Utah at Cleveland
Utah: 0-4 ATS vs. Cleveland
Cleveland: 13-1 Under off 5+ Overs
Portland at Minnesota
Portland: 17-7 ATS off BB ATS wins
Minnesota: 13-25 ATS off ATS win
Indiana at Chicago
Indiana: 28-12 Over off home loss
Chicago: 1-12 ATS off SU win as underdog
Boston at Milwaukee
Boston: 64-32 ATS in road games
Milwaukee: 11-27 ATS vs. Atlantic Divison
New Orleans at Houston
New Orleans: 29-12 ATS playing on back-to-back days
Houston: 30-17 Under at home
Tips and Trends
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers
Jazz: Utah is 0-4 in Cleveland since Carlos Boozer left the Cavs to sign with the Jazz, and he won't have too much help as he continues to look for his first victory there. Boozer's 26 points and 15 rebounds weren't enough in a 104-96 loss at Charlotte on Friday night, and the team has now failed to score 100 points in four straight games. Most of the problem can be attributed to point guard Deron Williams, center Mehmet Okur and forward Andrei Kirilenko missing action. “For some reason we just can’t beat the teams we’re supposed to beat,” Boozer said. “Even if we’re short-handed, I feel like the guys in the locker room can play with anybody.”
Jazz are 1-10 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-3 in Utah's last 9 games overall.
Key injuries - PG Deron Williams (ankle) is doubtful.
F Andrei Kirilenko (finger) is doubtful.
C Mehmet Okur (personal) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 91
Cavs (-9, O/U 191): Cleveland is riding a six-game winning streak with star LeBron James averaging 33.5 points during that stretch. The Cavs got their best game from point guard Mo Williams in a 110-99 win over Denver on Thursday night, as he totaled a team-high 24 points and dished out six assists. “We still have a long way to go, but I like the progress of our guys at this point,” Cleveland coach Mike Brown said. “I think, offensively, we’re further along now than we have been in the last three years.”
Cavs are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-2 in Cleveland's last 9 games vs. Northwest Division.
Key Injuries - C/F Ben Wallace (knee) is questionable
PROJECTED SCORE: 100
WEEKEND NBA
About 2-1/2 weeks into the 2008-09 NBA season, things aren’t looking a whole lot different from where we left off in June. Once again it is the Celtics and Lakers stealing all the headlines, heading into this weekend’s action atop their respective conferences. That’s not to say there hasn’t been any other noteworthy stories to break thus far, but, at this point it seems we could be spending the next seven months simply preparing for a finals’ series rematch. As part of the action over the next three days, Boston will play twice and Los Angeles once. Here’s a closer look at those games as well as the rest of the key weekend action, plus the Top Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering.
On Saturday, there will be eight games to choose from, including a matinee between the Clippers and Warriors. The best game on paper figures to be Utah visiting Cleveland. Both teams headed into the weekend with two losses, while leading their respective divisions. The Cavs beat Denver on Thursday night for their fifth straight season opening home victory. The Jazz play at Charlotte on Friday so will be going to Cleveland on a back-to-back situation.
It should be another great weekend of NBA action, with plenty of money-making opportunities to choose from. Speaking of money making, take a look at some of these top profitable trends that are in play for the weekend games:
Saturday, 11/15/2008
(505) OKLAHOMA CITY at (506) PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA is 37-63 ATS (-32.3 Units) at home vs. poor shooting teams making =46% of their shots over L2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 93.6, OPPONENT 92.3 - (Rating = 2*)
(509) PORTLAND at (510) MINNESOTA
McMillan is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games vs. poor defensive teams (FG%Def >=46%) as coach of PORTLAND. The average score was PORTLAND 95.1, OPPONENT 98.5 - (Rating = 1*)