New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets
The New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Izod Center.
The Knicks dominated the fourth quarter as they crushed the Pacers 110-103 on Wednesday. The Knicks won the game as a 6.5-point underdog, while the 213 points went UNDER the posted total of 215.
Larry Hughes netted 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Knicks rally. Al Harrington tossed in a team-high 26 points in the win.
Chris Douglas-Roberts dropped a game-high 31 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the Nets 99-85 loss to the Bucks on Wednesday. The Nets were 9.5-point underdogs in that game, while the 184 points went UNDER the posted total of 185.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 12 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 2-9 SU, 3-8 ATS
New Jersey: 0-12 SU, 4-7-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a win are 2-8
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 14 games on the road
New York is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing New York
New Jersey is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York home to Boston, Sunday, November 22
New Jersey at Denver, Tuesday, November 24
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
The 76ers were defeated 102-97 by the Grizzlies last time out as a 5-point favorite. That game's 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.
Louis Williams scored 31 points in the loss.
LeBron James poured in a game-high 38 points to lead the Cavaliers to a 105-95 victory over the Pacers on Friday. The Cavaliers covered the 3.5-point spread, and the 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 199.
James also had nine rebounds and seven assists in that win.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 5-7 SU, 3-9 ATS
Cleveland: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Indiana are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Philadelphia's last 23 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Philadelphia's last 16 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia at Washington, Tuesday, November 24
Cleveland at Detroit, Wednesday, November 25
Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Hornets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at New Orleans Arena.
The Hawks outlasted the Rockets for a 105-103 victory on Friday, but failed to cover the 7-point spread in the win. That game's 208 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.
Marvin Williams led the Hawks with 29 points and nine rebounds, while Jamal Crawford chipped in with 21 points in the win.
Peja Stojakovic poured in 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for a double-double on Thursday, lifting the Hornets to a 110-103 upset victory over the Suns. The Hornets won the game as 8-point underdogs, while the 213 points went UNDER that game's posted total of 215.5.
Devin Brown and Marcus Thornton added 19 points apiece in the win for the Hornets.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 7 straight games.
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 11-2 SU, 11-2 ATS
New Orleans: 5-8 SU, 5-8 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Houston are 1-9
After a win are 8-2
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
New Orleans is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New Orleans's last 17 games at home
New Orleans is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to Orlando, Thursday, November 26
New Orleans at Miami, Sunday, November 22
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at FedExForum.
Brandon Jennings poured in 29 points on Friday night as the Bucks got past the Bobcats for a 95-88 victory.
The Bucks had no trouble covering the 3-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (182).
Rudy Gay dropped a game-high 33 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double as the Grizzlies upset the 76ers 102-97 on Friday. The Grizzlies won that game as 5-point underdogs, while the 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.
Zach Randolph also had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.
Memphis has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 7-3 SU, 7-3 ATS
Memphis: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing San Antonio are 1-9
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Memphis
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Milwaukee at San Antonio, Monday, November 23
Memphis home to Sacramento, Monday, November 23
Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets
The Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Tyreke Evans was good for 29 points in the Kings' 104-102 loss to the Mavericks on Friday night.
The Mavericks failed to cover the 10.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (203).
The Rockets were defeated 105-103 by the Hawks last time out as a 7-point underdog. That game's 208 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.
Luis Scola collected a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 5-6 SU, 7-4 ATS
Houston: 7-6 SU, 9-4 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Memphis are 1-9
After playing Dallas are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Sacramento is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Sacramento is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Memphis, Monday, November 23
Houston home to Dallas, Wednesday, November 25
Washington Wizards vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Washington Wizards and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at AT&T Center.
The Wizards were defeated 127-108 by the Thunder last time out as a 4-point underdog. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 194.
Caron Butler scored 24 points for the Wizards, while Gilbert Arenas had 23 and Antawn Jamison added 22 in the loss.
Tim Duncan had 21 points and nine rebounds in the Spurs 90-83 loss to the Jazz last time out, as 5-point favorites at home. That game's 173 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 196.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 3-8 SU, 3-8 ATS
San Antonio: 4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 1-9
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Washington is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
San Antonio is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 24
San Antonio home to Milwaukee, Monday, November 23
Detroit Pistons vs. Utah Jazz
The Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Pistons were defeated 87-81 by the Trail Blazers last time out as a 10-point underdog. That game's 168 points went UNDER the posted total of 180.5.
Rodney Stuckey collected 21 points, six rebounds and five assists in the loss.
The Jazz rallied with 30 points in the fourth quarter and came away with a 90-83 victory over the Spurs on Thursday as a 5-point underdog. The game's 173 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 196.
Deron Williams led the Jazz with 21 points and dished out 10 assists, while Paul Millsap added 20 points in that win.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.
Utah has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 5-7 SU, 7-5 ATS
Utah: 6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 8-2
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a loss are 2-8
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit at Phoenix, Sunday, November 22
Utah home to Oklahoma City, Tuesday, November 24
Chicago Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets
The Chicago Bulls and the Denver Nuggets will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Pepsi Center.
The Bulls were defeated 108-93 by the Lakers on Thursday, as 9.5-point underdogs. The 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 195.5.
Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 20 points and six assists.
The Nuggets were defeated 106-99 by the Clippers on Friday, as 9-point favorites. That game's 205 points fell UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Carmelo Anthony tossed in a game-high 37 points in a losing effort.
Team records:
Chicago: 6-5 SU, 4-7 ATS
Denver: 8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Denver is 21-2 SU in its last 23 games at home
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Portland, Monday, November 23
Denver home to New Jersey, Tuesday, November 24
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Portland Trail Blazers meet at Rose Garden.
The Timberwolves were defeated 97-84 by the Rockets last time out, as 6-point underdogs. That game's 181 points went UNDER the posted total of 197.
Al Jefferson had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers were upset 108-94 by the Warriors last time out as 8-point favorites. The teams played UNDER that game's posted total of 207.5.
Rudy Fernandez had 19 points and four rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 11 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 1-11 SU, 3-8-1 ATS
Portland: 9-5 SU, 8-6 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Houston are 2-8
After a loss are 0-10
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 18 games
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games at home
Portland is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota at LA Clippers, Monday, November 23
Portland home to Chicago, Monday, November 23
NBA RoundUp for 11/21
by Dan Bebe
The Warriors look way, way better without Stephen Jackson. It reminds me of the old riddle:
"What can you put in a bucket to make it lighter?
A hole."
Stephen Jackson's mighty hole in the Warriors' bucket has at last been replaced by the REST OF THE BUCKET, and while they may not be winning the tough road games, they're competing, and they look more cohesive doing it.
Your old pal Danno is headed out for 24 hours, so this may have some holes that require YOUR attention. I hereby issue a humble request that while I'm away from the internet, everyone can help each other by clearing up any mistakes I made, adding injury updates, and making the key plays!
Sports Wagering
Nets/Knicks - Here's a game that could make a lot of folks sick to their stomach, though word on the street is that Devin Harris is expecting to make his return tomorrow. The line is currently sitting on New Jersey by 2 at home with a total of 194. If Devin Harris has any of his usual spark, I think this is the game where New Jersey finally gets a win. They have a few solid pieces, with Harris at the point, Lopez down low, and now a healthy Douglas-Roberts on the wing. I lean to Jersey to cover, though these are two teams that have both been just terrible. New Jersey is 4-8 ATS, while the Knicks are an equally sad 3-8 ATS, so not only are these teams losing, but they're losing bad. The Nets are also 2-10 O/U, driving totals down, down, down. Devin Harris could help change that, though. His quicks are his greatest asset, and suddenly the Nets have a player that can get some steals and get out in transition. I think we'll start to see some Nets Overs in the near future, though Harris may take a game or two to get acclimated. No lean on the total.
Cavaliers/Sixers - Cleveland is favored by 11 with a total of 192.5. You know times are tough for the Sixers when they begin to get double-digit dog lines. Philadelphia is just a mess, and they really aren't showing any signs of turning things around. It starts with defense, and Philly's best defense this year has been trying to limit the total number of possessions. It hasn't been working, at least not in the sense of getting them wins. It has pushed some final totals down a little, but Philly just keeps losing. The Cavs, meanwhile, are starting to win with some offense. I know, I'm as blown away as the next guy, but suddenly they seem more concerned with having some fun out there than playing hard-nosed defense and trying to deflate opponents. The Cavs are an Over team during their last 5 or 6 games, and the question here is whether the Sixers can find a way to score 90 points. I lean slightly to the Over, but my trust in Philly makes this a very iffy play. In terms of the side, I'm not a big fan of taking a double-digit favorite, especially since Cleveland is returning home after a road game. Still, Lebron should have no trouble scoring at will against Philadelphia, and I think this line is right on the mark. No lean on the side.
Hornets/Hawks - Hornets are getting 6 points on their home floor with a total of 207. At first glance, this line looks like a trap, though perhaps I only feel that way because of the debacle that was Phoenix's defensive rebounding. That won't be a problem here. The Hawks are one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA, especially at the offensive end of the floor. They are on a tough back-to-back, as they hosted Houston last night in Atlanta while the Hornets have been able to take a night to prep for the high-flying Hawks. Atlanta has also been a much better home team in years past, though they're showing signs of becoming slightly more competitive on the road this year. The Hornets are trying to step up in Chris Paul's absence, and they did a decent job of doing so in an easy win over the Clippers and a tough win over the Suns, but it'll catch up with them at some point. This game, I'm sure, will see a ton of action on the Hawks, and smells like a no-play to me, a smell I can whiff from a mile away. The total of 207 seems pretty accurate. I would lean slightly to the Over, since New Orleans is clearly trying to move the ball up the floor quickly and get an open shot before a defense can get set.
Grizzlies/Bucks - Memphis laying 3.5 at home to the Bucks with a total of 198. Memphis is getting a ton of respect here, because this line basically tells me that oddsmakers think these teams are evenly matched on a neutral court. The Bucks continue to deal with injury issues, with both Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut hurt, and that does indeed leave them shorthanded. This game is another one that smells like a pass, since the Bucks are playing a back-to-back shorthanded. If you want to take anything, I think you have to lean to the Grizzlies, since they, at least, have enough healthy bodies to get through 2 games in 2 nights without getting gassed by the 7th quarter of 8. The total of 198 appears too high, especially with the way the Grizzlies have been focused more on executing on offense lately, but fouls could push this total up. Still, the Bucks don't figure to score a ton, since they'll be relying pretty heavily on Jennings. I lean to the Under, and barely to the Grizz.
Spurs/Wizards - This line is OFF, to no one's surprise. San Antonio is dealing with the absence of both Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and Parker MIGHT make his return in this one. The Spurs desperately need healthy bodies, and this is a team, as you may have heard in my "Today in Sports Betting" daily podcast, that is just not worthy of backing until they figure out team chemistry with all the new faces. Basically, it's Wizards or nothing, though I'm not necessarily saying that's the way to go. The total should be relatively high, though I'm just not sure San Antonio can keep up lately. They've looked old and slow. More to come tomorrow when we see some lines.
Rockets/Kings - This is a big line. Houston by 10 at home with a total of 208. The total I like. Houston has been playing some Unders, but Sacramento plays minimal defense, and I think we'll see both teams get out on the break. But laying 10 points on the second half of a back-to-back where the first half was played in Atlanta? Houston has a tall order maintaining top speed for that many minutes after traveling significantly farther than Sacramento, who played in Dallas last night. I'm forced to pre-type a significant amount of this blog today due to time constraints, but I think we'll get a good idea of what to expect from Sacramento after watching the Dallas game. Sacramento finally lost their last game, the first "L" since they lost Kevin Martin, and it has all the makings of a severe letdown for all the guys that stepped up in those 4 big wins for the Kings. If Sacramento can keep it close against Dallas, I think they can do the same with San Antonio, but I fear a blowout. Updates to come. EDIT: Sacramento played a DAMN good game against the Mavs. I lean Sactown on this one when the line comes out.
Jazz/Pistons - This line is OFF. That being said, we can still take a peek at the game without knowing the line, and try to make some calls. The Jazz have won 3 of 4 (2 straight), and have gone 4-0 ATS in those 4 games, as well. Does this mean they've turned a corner? I'm still not convinced. Those SU wins for Utah came against Philadelphia, who is just in disarray, at home against an awful road Raptors team, and then in San Antonio against the Parker/Ginobili-less Spurs. This game won't really define a turnaround for Utah, either, but it could be a well-contested match. Detroit is finding ways to score, and can compete with the mid-tier teams of the NBA. Still, Utah is always tough at home, Detroit is on a tiring road trip through some tough, tough cities, and I expect this line to open near 8 with a total of 193.
Nuggets/Bulls - Denver by 9 at home to Chicago with a total of 205. Should be a good game, if only because the HOME team has to play the second half of a back-to-back in the thin air of Denver. Surely they're better accustomed to the situation, but I think Chicago has a huge energy advantage in this one. Denver is playing on the West coast, and even though it's just a game with the Clippers, they'll be getting into Denver in the wee hours of the morning, and will be forced to adjust to the mile high altitudes in just a few hours. I lean hard to Chicago with the points early, and I also think this game has a great shot of going Under. Denver isn't going to be running all game, they simply won't have the steam, and the Bulls should be more than happy to take it to the lethargic Nuggets in a lower-scoring game. Strong leans to both the Bulls and the Under.
Blazers/Timberwolves - Portland by 15 with a total of 186.5. Yikes. Sometimes 15 point lines are just outrageous, and sometimes they're not. This is a situation where Minnesota might actually need 15 points to hang with the Blazers. Of course, we should not forgot that Portland rolled through Minnesota and won by 17 there, so perhaps the Wolves will feel a little twinge of anger going into this one. We might also see Portland take Minnesota lightly, since they probably remember beating up on them on the road and don't think they'll need a top effort to beat Minny at the Rose Garden. I would lean to the Wolves, though this side screams pass to me. The total, on the other hand, seems a little on the high side. Portland plays incredible defense, and I know that's what everyone is going to be thinking, but I don't really see Minnesota breaking 85, which means Portland is going to have to hit 100 to cover and clear the total. Slight lean to the Under.