NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Dec. 20
Denver at Phoenix (9 p.m. EST). Phoenix is coming off a 124-119 loss in Portland on Thursday night, while Denver looks to rebound after a Friday night smackdown from LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
STARS
Friday
— Dwyane Wade, Heat, scored 35 points in Miami’s 89-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Luis Scola and Yao Ming, Rockets. Scola had his seventh double-double this season with 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Yao scored 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter of Houston’s 107-96.
— Deron Williams, Jazz, scored 29 points to help Utah win its seventh straight over the Pistons, 120-114 in double overtime.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 33 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and made 13 of 20 shots in Cleveland’s 105-88 win.
INSIDE JOB
Boris Diaw had a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Emeka Okafor added 25 points to help the Bobcats control the inside on the way to an easy 112-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Charlotte set a franchise record by making 66 percent of its shots, and the Bobcats outscored the Grizzlies in the paint 70-42 and outrebounded them 41-23.
HEY, THANKS!
New Jersey fans chanted their appreciation for the deal that sent Devin Harris from Dallas to New Jersey after Harris dominated his former team with 41 points, helping the Nets ruin Jason Kidd’s return with a 121-97 victory over the Mavericks on Friday night.
LOW-CUT KOBE
Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant unveiled his latest Nike signature shoe—a low-cut sneaker—when his Los Angeles Lakers visited the Miami Heat. At 11.6 ounces, Nike says it’s the lightest basketball shoe it has created, and Bryant is convinced the switch makes sense for his game.
SPEAKING
“If you put dribbling in, I think we’ve got a shot at it.”—Celtics coach Doc Rivers, after Olympic gold medalist sprinter Usain Bolt visited the locker room, sparking speculation about how speedy point guard Rajon Rondo would match up with him in a race.
Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Warriors were crushed 115-99 by the Hawks last time out, as 10.5-point road underdogs. The 214 points went UNDER the posted total of 217.
Marco Belinelli dropped a game-high 27 points in the loss.
The Bobcats controlled the game from start-to-finish as they tore apart the Grizzlies 112-83 on Friday. The Bobcats won the game as a 3.5-point underdog, while the 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 182.5.
Boris Diaw had a double-double for the Bobcats with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Emeka Okafor added 25 points in the win.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 5 straight games.
Charlotte has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 7-20 SU, 10-17 ATS
Charlotte: 9-18 SU, 16-11 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-4
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 5-3
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Golden State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Golden State is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Golden State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Golden State
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
Golden State at Orlando, Monday, December 22
Charlotte home to Washington, Tuesday, December 23
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
The Lakers lost 89-87 to the Heat last time out, as 8-point favorites on the road. The game's 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 203.
Kobe Bryant shot 12-for-24 from the field with 28 points.
Orlando held San Antonio to just 29 points in the first half as they ran away with a 90-78 victory over on Thursday. Orlando easily covered the slight 2.5-point spread, while the 168 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Jameer Nelson led the way with 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Rashard Lewis chipped in with 15 points in this contest.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 21-4 SU, 11-14 ATS
Orlando: 20-6 SU, 16-9-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Orlando
LA Lakers are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers at Memphis, Monday, December 22
Orlando home to Golden State, Monday, December 22
Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pacers fell 117-109 to the Clippers in double OT last time out, as 3-point underdogs at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 204.
Jarrett Jack netted 27 points with four rebounds and seven assists in the loss.
The 76ers pulled ahead for good in the fourth quarter and came away with a 109-103 victory over the Wizards on Friday. The 76ers covered the 1.5-point spread, while the combined 212 points sailed OVER the posted total of 194.
Louis Williams tossed in a game-high 26 points to lead the way, while Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young had 18 points apiece in that win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 9-17 SU, 13-12-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 12-14 SU, 11-15 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 2-8
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Philadelphia's last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to New Jersey, Tuesday, December 23
Philadelphia at Boston, Tuesday, December 23
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Yao Ming dropped 30 points in helping the Rockets defeat the Kings 107-96 on Friday. The Rockets failed to cover the 13-point spread, while the 203 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 203.
Luis Scola added 23 points for the Rockets, and Tracy McGrady chipped in with 18 in the victory.
The Timberwolves were toppled 93-70 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 10-point underdogs. The 163 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Al Jefferson scored 20 points and hauled down 11 boards for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 11 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 17-9 SU, 13-13 ATS
Minnesota: 4-21 SU, 9-16 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 2-8
After a loss are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston at New Jersey, Monday, December 22
Minnesota at San Antonio, Tuesday, December 23
Miami Heat vs. New Jersey Nets
The Heat were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to sneak past the Lakers 89-87 on Friday. The Heat won the game as 8-point underdogs, while the 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 203.
Dwyane Wade led the way with a game-high 35 points to go with six rebounds in that win.
Devin Harris went for a game-high 41 points to lead the Nets to a 121-97 victory over the Mavericks on Friday. The Nets won that game as a 3.5-point underdog, while the 218 points sailed OVER the posted total of 199.
Vince Carter chipped in with 34 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Team records:
Miami: 13-12 SU, 10-14-1 ATS
New Jersey: 13-12 SU, 14-11 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a win are 3-7
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Miami's last 14 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Miami is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New Jersey's last 14 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing Miami
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Miami home to Golden State, Tuesday, December 23
New Jersey home to Houston, Monday, December 22
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Kings were defeated 107-96 by the Rockets on Friday, as 13-point underdogs on the road. The 203 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 203.
John Salmons tossed in 26 points with three rebounds and three assists in that loss.
The Hornets dominated the fourth quarter en route to a 90-83 victory over the Spurs on Wednesday. The Hornets covered the 2-point spread, while the 173 points fell UNDER the posted total of 186.
Chris Paul led the Hornets with 19 points, six rebounds and 12 assists, while David West added a game-high 21 in the win.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 7-20 SU, 13-14 ATS
New Orleans: 15-7 SU, 10-10-2 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Houston are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Sacramento is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Sacramento is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing Sacramento
New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at San Antonio, Monday, December 22
New Orleans home to LA Lakers, Tuesday, December 23
Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls
The Jazz forced overtime to earn a 120-114 double OT victory over the Pistons on Friday, as 3-point underdogs. The 234 points sailed OVER the posted total of 191.
Deron Williams had 29 points for the Jazz, while Mehmet Okur added 26 points and Paul Millsap netted 24 in that win.
The Bulls were defeated by the high-flying Celtics 126-108 on Friday, as 12.5-point road underdogs. The 234 points sailed OVER the posted total of 196.
Luol Deng scored 19 points with seven rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Utah has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 17-11 SU, 16-12 ATS
Chicago: 12-14 SU, 12-14 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Boston are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Utah is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Utah is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah at Milwaukee, Tuesday, December 23
Chicago at Detroit, Tuesday, December 23
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Clippers pulled out a hard-fought double OT victory by defeating the Pacers 117-109 on Friday. The Clippers covered the 3-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 204.
Zach Randolph led the way with a game-high 34 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double in that win.
The Bucks dominated from the start and finished off the Knicks with a 105-81 upset on Friday. The Bucks won the game as a 5-point underdog at Madison Square Garden, while the game's 186 points went well UNDER the posted total of 216.
Michael Redd had 21 points and six assists for the Bucks, while Andrew Bogut had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 8-18 SU, 11-15 ATS
Milwaukee: 12-16 SU, 18-9-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a win are 2-8
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 3-7
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
LA Clippers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Milwaukee's last 23 games at home
Next up:
LA Clippers home to Toronto, Monday, December 22
Milwaukee home to Utah, Tuesday, December 23
Toronto Raptors vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Raptors lost the lowly Thunder 91-83 last time out, as 6.5-point road favorites. The 174 points fell UNDER the posted total of 200.
Chris Bosh had 22 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Spurs were defeated 90-78 by the Magic last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The 168 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Tim Duncan tossed in 19 points with nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 4 straight games.
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 10-16 SU, 9-17 ATS
San Antonio: 15-10 SU, 12-13 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 8-2
After playing Orlando are 9-1
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Toronto is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at LA Clippers, Monday, December 22
San Antonio home to Sacramento, Monday, December 22
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
The Nuggets lost 105-88 to the Cavaliers last time out, as 1.5-point favorites at home. The 193 points went UNDER the posted total of 197.
Chauncey Billups shot 5-for-12 from the field with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists in the loss.
The Suns fell 124-119 to the Trail Blazers last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs on the road. That game's 243 points sailed OVER the posted total of 204.
Amare Stoudemire had 23 points to go with eight rebounds and eight assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Denver has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 17-9 SU, 15-10-1 ATS
Phoenix: 15-11 SU, 10-16 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Denver is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Denver
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Phoenix's last 11 games
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver home to Portland, Monday, December 22
Phoenix home to San Antonio, Thursday, December 25
GOLDEN STATE vs. CHARLOTTE
Golden State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Golden State
LA LAKERS vs. ORLANDO
LA Lakers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games on the road
LA Lakers are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games
Orlando is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Orlando is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
INDIANA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
MIAMI vs. NEW JERSEY
Miami is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Miami's last 18 games on the road
New Jersey is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
SACRAMENTO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Sacramento is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
LA CLIPPERS vs. MILWAUKEE
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 6-19 SU in their last 25 games on the road
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
TORONTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
UTAH vs. CHICAGO
Utah is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
DENVER vs. PHOENIX
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
DETROIT vs. ATLANTA
Detroit is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
DALLAS vs. WASHINGTON
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Dallas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Washington is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Dallas
NEW YORK vs. BOSTON
New York is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
CLEVELAND vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Cleveland is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Cleveland