Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Denver Nuggets and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Philips Arena.
Carmelo Anthony poured in a game-high 30 points in the Nuggets 96-88 loss to the Heat on Friday. The Nuggets were slight 1-point favorites in that game, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 201.5.
Josh Smith had 13 points and seven rebounds in the Hawks 103-83 loss to the Bobcats on Friday. Oddsmakers had the Hawks listed as 2-point favorites in that contest, while the 186 points made it OVER the posted total of 180.
Team records:
Denver: 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS
Atlanta: 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 7-3
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Denver is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Denver
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Denver at Chicago, Tuesday, November 10
Atlanta at New York, Wednesday, November 11
Boston Celtics vs. New Jersey Nets
The fans at Izod Center will be treated to a game between the Boston Celtics and the New Jersey Nets when they take their seats on Saturday.
The Celtics were upset 110-103 to the Suns last time out, as 10.5-point favorites. The game's 213 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.5.
Kevin Garnett collected 26 points with eight rebounds in that loss.
Brook Lopez had 22 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the Nets 97-94 loss to the 76ers on Friday. The Nets were 12-point underdogs in that game, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 194.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS
New Jersey: 0-6 SU, 1-4-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a loss are 8-2
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 1-9
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 11 games at home
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Boston home to Utah, Wednesday, November 11
New Jersey home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, November 11
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Chicago Bulls
The Charlotte Bobcats and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at United Center.
Six players reached double figures as the Bobcats clawed apart the Hawks 103-83 on Friday. The Bobcats won that game as 2-point underdogs, and the 186 points made it OVER the posted total of 180.
Raja Bell shot 9-for-12 from the field with 24 points, and Gerald Wallace grabbed 18 rebounds.
The Bulls went down to the wire as they won a thrilling 86-85 game over the Cavaliers on Thursday, as 11.5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 191.
Derrick Rose had 14 points and dished out 11 assists for the Bulls.
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS
Chicago: 3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Charlotte is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Charlotte home to Orlando, Tuesday, November 10
Chicago home to Denver, Tuesday, November 10
Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Toronto Raptors and the Dallas Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
The Raptors dominated the second half and went on to defeat the Hornets 107-90 on Friday, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 197 points went UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Chris Bosh was a perfect 9-for-9 from the field with 27 points and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks blew a late lead and lost 114-107 to the Hornets in overtime on Wednesday, as 4-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 189.5.
Jason Terry led the Mavericks with 35 points from 12-for-18 shooting from the field.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS
Dallas: 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a win are 8-2
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 9-1
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 18 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
Dallas is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games at home
Next up:
Toronto at San Antonio, Monday, November 9
Dallas home to Houston, Tuesday, November 10
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Bradley Center.
The Knicks were defeated 100-91 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 191 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.5.
David Lee had a team-high 21 points in the loss.
Andrew Bogut dropped 17 points with 10 rebounds in a double-double on Friday, as the Bucks defeated the Timberwolves 87-72.
The Bucks won the game as 2.5-point underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 189.
Luke Ridnor collected 16 points in that win.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 1-5 SU, 1-5 ATS
Milwaukee: 2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
New York is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
New York home to Utah, Monday, November 9
Milwaukee home to Denver, Wednesday, November 11
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz
The Sacramento Kings and the Utah Jazz will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Kings were defeated 113-105 by the Hawks last time out, as 6-point underdogs. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 207.
Kevin Martin dropped a game-high 29 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Carlos Boozer poured in 27 points with 14 rebounds on Thursday, as the Jazz defeated the Spurs 113-99. The Jazz won the game as a pick'em, while the 212 points sailed OVER the posted total of 197.
Deron Williams added 27 points with seven rebounds and nine assists.
Team records:
Sacramento: 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS
Utah: 2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing New York are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 9 games
Sacramento is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to Golden State, Sunday, November 8
Utah at New York, Monday, November 9
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
The Grizzlies were toppled 114-98 by the Lakers last time out, as 9.5-point underdogs. That game's 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 210.5.
Zach Randolph had 21 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double in that loss.
The Clippers dominated the first quarter en route to a 118-90 victory over the Warriors on Friday. The Clippers won the game as a 4.5-point underdog, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 216.
Baron Davis led the Clippers with 25 points, and Eric Gordon also netted 25 points in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 4 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS
Los Angeles: 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Memphis is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Clippers
Memphis is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games at home
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
LA Clippers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Portland, Tuesday, November 10
LA Clippers home to New Orleans, Monday, November 9
NBA Round-up for 11/7 & Fantasy Pick-Ups
by Dan Bebe
I like to try to begin these notes with a quick foray into last night, to see if we can't determine what we learned from the previous day's games. The biggest thing to take away, without question, is the exceedingly poor play of teams nearing the end of short road trips with a bigger game the following day. Both Denver and Atlanta played without their normal gusto (they play each other tonight), and we capitalized on the situation. Do not be afraid to take the less-talented team when the situation is right.
I am also positively floored at New Orleans posting a 14-point 3rd quarter. Toronto certainly did their part to get us to 206, but for whatever reason the Hornets decided to just take a quarter off and got dominated on their home floor -- very disappointing for Chris Paul and company.
Sports Wagering
Hawks/Nuggets - Both teams are coming off thoroughly pathetic performances last night, which makes this game a horrible spot to take either club, since both are going to be looking to prove something. Currently, the Hawks are favored by 2 with a total of 213.5. Both teams played low-scoring games last night, and both clubs normally like to push the pace. With so many similarities, it makes this game very difficult to hash out. Both teams are going to play with purpose, which makes a close game extemely likely. Someone could well win this thing in the last minute of regulation. The total feels accurate, as well. Slight leans to the Hawks to play their best ball of the season at home and deal the Nuggets their second straight loss. No leans on the total.
Nets/Celtics - The Nets got a rare cover last night in Philly, and now have the pleasure of returning home to host the Celtics as 10.5-point dogs with a total of 182.5. The Celtics should be good and angry after losing their first game of the season, though the truth of the matter is that they were due to play some closer games after blowing teams out for the first week. This is an absolute ton of points to give on the road, though solid defenses like the Celtics' should have very little trouble containing the likes of Trenton Hassell, who broke through for 17 and 12 against the porous Philly defense. Slight lean to Boston to cover. The low total should draw big public money on the Over, and we may have a play as the day wears on depending on line movement.
Bulls/Bobcats - You want to talk about a hideously low total, this is the one. Bulls by 7 with a total of 172.5! I believe this is what they call "begging for money" on the Over, even more than the Celtics game above. The Bobcats and Bulls are both coming off solid wins, with Charlotte beating Atlanta at home and the Bulls taking down the Cavs in Cleveland. Maybe the more important part is that Charlotte shot 47% in their home win, perhaps a sign that the jumpers are going to start to fall. Both teams have 2 days off after this game, so there really isn't the danger of a look-ahead, but with Charlotte's road struggles so far this year, you have to believe the Bulls can win this game. Still, the ugly total screams that someone isn't going to break 80, and I just don't see the Bulls getting held to 78 points on their home floor. Slight lean to Chicago, STRONG lean to the Under on the total.
Mavs/Raptors - After swatting the Hornets last night, the Raptors take their road-show to Dallas, sweeping through the Southwest with reckless abandon. Today, they are road dogs of 7.5 with a total of 205.5. It's tough to see the Raptors taking back-to-back games from tough opponents in the West, but the spread is pretty fair. These two teams match up well, both featuring distributing point guards, and big men who can play outside. The Raptors even showed a little grit last night, holding New Orleans to just 14 points in the 3rd quarter (and angering me in the process). This game will be decided by fewer than 7.5 points. Lean to the Raptors on the side. The total of this one banks on both teams scoring a fair number of points, but the Mavs are really a half-court team this year, and you can bet they'll try to keep Toronto from getting out and running. I lean to the Under.
Bucks/Knicks - The Bucks are favored by 4, with a total of 193.5. The Knicks continue to disappoint in a huge way, falling 1 point short of the back-door cover last night at home, then flying to the Midwest for this contest in Milwaukee. The Bucks, meanwhile, laid a smack upon the Minnesota Timberwolves, and only had a very short hop back home. With both teams playing the night before, and the Knicks looking positively frightful for about 24 minutes of every game, I simply have to lean Bucks to cover 4 points here. They are a team on the rise, and even with Michael Redd out, they're finding ways to defend, and rookie star Brandon Jennings is the motor that keeps this team running. The total feels pretty low for a Knicks' zero-defense game, but so far money is fairly split, with Scott Skiles' defense-first attitude leading to some pretty slow-paced Bucks games so far. With the way the Knicks play defense, I simply cannot bet the Under, but with the way the Knicks have shot the ball as a team, I simply cannot bet the Over. No play on the total.
Jazz/Kings - Yikes! Jazz by 15 at home with a total of 207.5. I mean, that is a powerhouse of a spread. This is the type of situation where you might just want to toss a unit on the dog since there are just a ton of ways to keep a game within 15 points. The high total also seems to indicate that Kings will put up over 90 points in this one. This is one of those spots where a team has their star go down, and the other guys know they need to step up before the adrenaline wears off. I lean to the Kings, but this game will require some line-movement studying before anything more is decided. In terms of the total, there is a REASON it's set at 207.5 even though the Kings have about 9 healthy bodies to toss out there. Oddsmakers know both of these teams like to take shots in the first 10-14 seconds of the shot clock, and we should see a ton of possessions. I think 207.5 is pretty accurate, and if the public pushes the line down, we might get some value on the Over.
Clippers/Grizzlies - The Clippers laid a whooping on the Warriors last night, showing what they can do if nobody is guarding them. Tonight should be another game devoid of defense. Clippers favored by 5 at home with a total of 204. Chris Kaman is starting to take more shots, which is probably a good thing for a team that doesn't have too many high-percentage guys. This is a team that found a way to LOSE games in the first week of the season, and over the last few days, has been able to get 2 wins against pathetic opponents and at least build a hair of confidence. Can the Clips get 3 straight? Maybe. They certainly have the right opponent. Memphis is 1-5 this year, with their lone win coming on their home floor against the Raptors. They are 0-4 on the road, and have lost those games by 10, 11, 8, and 16. Of course, that's what driving most of the money to the Clippers right now. Still, I don't believe this is a good spot to go against the grain, so let's take some time to see how the line shakes out in the afternoon (since it is a late game), and make a play from there. The total seems pretty high, but the Grizzlies are playing a fast-paced offensive style this year -- unsuccessfully, mind you --but fast-paced nonetheless. I think they let the Clippers score over 100, so the question is whether Memphis can get into the high 90's.
Fantasy Advice
T.J. Ford - Someone woke him up! Ford, the littlest man on the floor, had 10 rebounds last night to go along with 18 points and 4 assists in 40 minutes of action. If he's playing 40 minutes a game, this guy is going to be a fantasy powerhouse.
Louis Williams - He's probably been picked up in your League, or drafted, but if not, it's well past the time he should be on someone's team. Williams is averaging 17 points, 5 boards and 5 assists so far this year, truly elite numbers for a guard on a team with 3 or 4 other options on offense.