Saturday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
There is no introduction necessary for a five-game card in the NBA on Saturday.
We’ll begin the tip sheet with an afternoon meeting between Philadelphia and Miami. The Heat are coming off a let down loss against Minnesota on Wednesday (111-104), dropping the ATS loss as a 9 ½-point favorite while they hitting the ‘over’ for the sixth time in the last nine games. Think about Miami’s 3-5-1 ATS stint this season when coming off two days of rest. The 76ers are in a two-game slide, getting outscored 100.5-90 PPG. Philly has dropped its last three games ATS and has collected on the ‘under’ in six straight. The ‘Sixers maybe 7-3 SU against teams in the Southeast division but are a mortal, 5-5 ATS. One thing to focus on is Philadelphia’s 7-2 ATS record in the last nine head-to-head games. And to add more firepower is the 7-1 record on the ‘under’ in the last eight clashes between the two teams.
San Antonio and Washington will begin the evening swing in hoops at 8:00 p.m. EST. While the Spurs bring with them an 18-10 away record, the Wizards are just hoping to keep this contest close as a 9-19 performance at home is an example of what’s transpired so far this season. Let’s also focus on Washington entering this game without a day of rest. Traveling back from New Jersey, the Wizards have disappointed backers (who have still remained on board) by going 5-6 ATS in back-to-back games. Since losing to Orlando and Toronto in back-to-back outings on Jan. 6 and 7, Washington has been on a 1-3 SU and ATS skid without rest in-between games. We might not think about Manu Ginobili (shin) playing in this contest, but without his presence on the court, the Spurs are 6-8 this season. The home team is 10-4-2 ATS in the last 16 head-to-head meetings. The ‘under’ is 7-3 in the last 10 gatherings.
Sacramento travels to Dallas after a quick trip to Memphis unfold on Friday. The Kings are another team in a back-to-back situation for which they’ve cut the cash evenly at 8-8 this season. Add the team’s six straight losses and a 1-14 record in the last 15 and we should expect a blowout in the making. The Mavericks are just 2-2 ATS in their last four but a 6-3 ATS run in the last nine (rolling back past the All-Star break) could be something to look at it before game time. Dallas is 8-2 SU but 5-4-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings against Sacramento. We’ll leave this breakdown by going against the grain and saying that the favorite is 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings against each other.
While New Orleans is looking to build on its success of a 4-2 performance in the last six, Utah is looking to throw down its 7th win in the last eight tip-offs. The Jazz have been a great home team since breaking the .500 mark during the ’05-06 season (the club was 18-23 in ’04-05). Since ’05-06, Utah is a combined 113-39 in its own building and just this season has added to home cooking by going 18-11 ATS and is 16-10 ATS as a home favorite. Not only have the Hornets struggled to add ‘Ws’ in the standings but a 5-1-1 ATS record against the Jazz in the last seven head-to-head meetings have been devastating for those backing this team. Mix in the favorite’s 5-1-1 ATS record in the last seven head-to-head contests, the home team going 4-1 ATS in the last five and forward, Tyson Chandlers’ absence from the court and reasons to support New Orleans are scarce at best.
Oklahoma City and Golden State will finish off the evening at 10:30 p.m. EST. The Warriors may be lackadaisical at best and a team to avoid at the window (25-27-3 ATS) but facing an opponent who’s 3-22 on the road could offset those wagering worries. Did you know that Golden State is 11-4-1 ATS as a home underdog, is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 home stands and is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six? Just be wary of the club’s 6-5 ATS record as the home favorite as most books have opened the Warriors as an early, eight-point home favorite. The Thunder are a staggering 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall and are 4-2 ATS in their last six despite dropping two of the last eight. Oklahoma is another group entering a contest with no rest for which they’ve accounted a 7-5 ATS record (off zero days of rest). Even more detailed is the Thunder’s minus-9.4 PPG scoring margin entering the second game of a back-to-back scenario in an away-to-away position (two straight road games). Off a straight up loss, Golden State is 5-14 ATS this season.
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Feb. 21
Oklahoma City at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST). The Thunder, with Kevin Durant fourth in the league in scoring, made deadline deals to add Thabo Sefolosha from Chicago and Malik Rose from New York.
STARS
Friday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 55 points, one short of his career high, in Cleveland’s 111-103 win at Milwaukee.
— Leandro Barbosa, Suns, had a career-high 41 points as Phoenix routed Oklahoma City 140-118.
— Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 11 of his 39 points in overtime, leading Los Angeles past New Orleans 115-111.
— Ben Gordon, Bulls, scored a season-high 37 points to lead short-handed Chicago to a 116-99 win over Denver.
— Randy Foye, Timberwolves, scored a career-high 36 points in a losing cause as Minnesota fell to Indiana 112-105.
STREAKS
Sacramento snapped a six-game skid with a 115-106 victory over Memphis on Friday night. … Houston snapped a four-game home losing streak to Dallas with a 93-86 win. … New Orleans’ NBA-record streak of 13 consecutive overtime victories, dating to December 2005, ended with a 115-111 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. … Washington snapped a 13-game losing streak against Eastern Conference opponents with a 107-96 win at New Jersey. … Portland has won seven straight at the Rose Garden, where it improved to 22-5 overall with a 108-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
KING JAMES
LeBron James scored 16 points in less than 3 minutes to begin the third quarter, on his way to 55 for the night—one shy of his career high—in Cleveland’s 111-103 victory over Milwaukee on Friday. James scored his previous season high of 52 points at New York on Feb. 4. His career high of 56 came at Toronto on March 20, 2005.
BLAZING SUNS
Phoenix became the first team in 18 seasons to score at least 140 points in three consecutive games, beating Oklahoma City 140-118. The Portland Trail Blazers did it from Nov. 13-17 in 1990. The Suns did it for the first time in franchise history.
BIG WIN
Wilson Chandler scored a career-high 32 points and the New York Knicks matched their victory total from last season with a 127-97 rout of the Toronto Raptors. They can better last season’s 23-59 mark under Isiah Thomas with a victory Sunday afternoon in Toronto.
REVENGE
The Los Angeles Lakers improved the NBA’s best record to 45-10 with a 115-111 overtime win, and avenged a 116-105 loss to New Orleans on Jan. 6 that ended a 15-game home winning streak.
SHORT-HANDED
Ben Gordon scored a season-high 37 points to lead short-handed Chicago to a 116-99 win over Denver on Friday night. The Bulls, with eight players, had a short bench after making three trades before the deadline, and Lindsey Hunter didn’t get in until the last 1:07 of the game.
STEPPING IN
Rafer Alston, acquired by Orlando in a beat-the-trade-deadline deal with Houston on the same day Jameer Nelson scrapped his rehab and had surgery, arrived in Charlotte around noon Friday. He immediately took a physical, went through a crash course of the offense and was cleared to play about two hours before tipoff once the trade was finalized. He finished with three points, eight assists and just one turnover in the Magic’s 92-80 win.
SIDELINED
Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire, a starter for the West in Sunday’s All-Star game, had surgery Friday to repair a partially detached retina in his right eye and won’t be able to resume physical activity for about eight weeks—meaning he could be gone for the season.
FAREWELL
Larry H. Miller, the car sales mogul who turned the Utah Jazz into one of the NBA’s most stable teams, died Friday from complications of type 2 diabetes. He was 64. “Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today,” Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said in a statement. “Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry.”
SPEAKING
“Everywhere I looked, I had a weapon to pass it to. I think point guards in this league would love to be in that situation. Everywhere you turn, you’ve got a guy who can flat-out shoot it or can drive it and finish.”—Orlando Rafer Alston, acquired Thursday from Houston, who had eight assists and helped his new team rout Charlotte 92-80 on Friday night.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
The 76ers were torn down 101-89 by the Nuggets last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. That game's 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.5.
Andre Miller netted 17 points for the 76ers, and Louis Williams added 15 in a losing effort.
The Heat were held off late in the game and fell 111-104 to the Timberwolves last time out, as 9.5-point favorites at home. That game's 215 points sailed OVER the posted total of 195.
Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 37 points with four rebounds and 12 assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 27-26 SU, 25-26-2 ATS
Miami: 28-25 SU, 25-27-1 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Miami is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia at New Jersey, Monday, February 23
Miami at Orlando, Sunday, February 22
San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards
The Spurs were locked in a see-saw battle on Thursday and came out with an 83-79 victory over the Pistons. The Spurs won the game as a pick'em, and the game's 162 points went UNDER the posted total of 180.5.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with a double-double, tossing in 18 points and hauling down 18 boards.
The Wizards outscored the Nets in the first three quarters and closed out a 107-96 upset victory on Friday, as 7-point underdogs. The 203 points made it OVER the posted total of 201.
Antawn Jamison poured in a game-high 28 points and hauled down 12 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 36-17 SU, 26-25-2 ATS
Washington: 13-42 SU, 21-33-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Dallas are 8-2
After playing Detroit are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After playing New Jersey are 2-8
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Antonio's last 10 games
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Dallas, Tuesday, February 24
Washington home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, February 25
Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Martin went for a game-high 33 points as the Kings downed the Grizzlies 115-106 on Friday, as 7-point underdogs. The 221 points sailed OVER the posted total of 208.
Beno Udrih added 18 points and dished out six assists for the Kings, and Jason Thompson chipped in with 17 points.
The Mavericks fell 93-86 to the Rockets last time out, as 3.5-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 197.
Jose Juan Barea tossed in a game-high 26 points, four rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Team records:
Sacramento: 12-44 SU, 26-30 ATS
Dallas: 32-22 SU, 25-29 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing Houston are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 11 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Dallas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to New Orleans, Monday, February 23
Dallas at San Antonio, Tuesday, February 24
New Orleans Hornets vs. Utah Jazz
The Hornets were defeated 115-111 in overtime by the Lakers on Friday, as 8.5-point underdogs. The night's combined 226 points sailed OVER the posted total of 207.5.
Rasual Butler picked up a team-high 31 points, while Chris Paul scored 21 points and dished out 16 assists in the loss.
The Jazz pulled off a stunning 90-85 victory over the Celtics on Thursday, as 2.5-point underdogs. The 175 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.
Deron Williams led the way with 18 points, three rebounds and 10 assists.
Current streak:
Utah has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 32-21 SU, 23-28-2 ATS
Utah: 32-23 SU, 29-26 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Orleans's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Utah
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
New Orleans at Sacramento, Monday, February 23
Utah home to Atlanta, Monday, February 23
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
The Thunder lost 140-118 to the Suns last time out, as 8-point road underdogs. The 258 points sailed OVER the night's posted total of 230.5.
Kevin Durant tossed in 35 points with eight rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors were defeated 129-121 by the Lakers last time out, as 5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 228.5.
Stephen Jackson had 24 points, six rebounds and nine assists.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 13-42 SU, 33-22 ATS
Golden State: 19-36 SU, 26-28-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After playing Phoenix are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to LA Lakers, Tuesday, February 24
Golden State at LA Clippers, Monday, February 23
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
SAN ANTONIO vs. WASHINGTON
San Antonio is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
NEW ORLEANS vs. UTAH
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
SACRAMENTO vs. DALLAS
Sacramento is 3-6-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. GOLDEN STATE
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Oklahoma City is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Tips and Trends
New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz
Hornets: New Orleans has lost in its last five trips to Salt Lake City and is coming off a tough overtime loss against the Lakers on Friday. The Hornets got a season-high 31 points from Rasual Butler but saw point guard Chris Paul foul out in the extra session on a controversial foul against LA's Kobe Bryant. The Lakers also held a 32-15 advantage at the free-throw line, which helped negate a 32-19 surge by New Orleans in the fourth quarter that tied the game in an eventual 115-111 loss.
Hornets are 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The OVER is 7-3 in New Orleans' last 10 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Morris Peterson (foot) is doubtful.
F Tyson Chandler (toe) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 96
Jazz (-7, O/U 198.5): Utah owner Larry Miller passed away on Friday following a battle with diabetes, and the team should be extra motivated to win their fourth game in a row overall and seventh straight at home. “This is a sad day for me, our team, the fans of the Utah Jazz and the NBA,” Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. “Mr. Miller was a terrific man and friend. He changed the lives of thousands of people. We have all been blessed by his generosity and love for this community, and I am blessed to call him my friend. He gave us a lot of joy and we will miss him.”
Jazz are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Southwest Division.
The OVER is 13-5 in Utah's last 18 games vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 104
PHILADELPHIA (27 - 26) at MIAMI (28 - 25)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (36 - 17) at WASHINGTON (13 - 42)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (12 - 44) at DALLAS (32 - 22)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (32 - 21) at UTAH (32 - 23)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
UTAH is 48-26 ATS (+19.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 80-65 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (13 - 42) at GOLDEN STATE (19 - 36)
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 60-75 ATS (-22.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 38-60 ATS (-28.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-5 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Saturday Research
By Indiancowboy
Philadelphia vs. Miami
These teams met earlier this year and Philly defeated Nevada by 14 at home. Prior to that these teams had met in Miami, and the Heat had won 106-83. Philly has dropped 3 straight covers including to Denver at home, Indiana on the road and Memphis (although they did win SU). So, you have a Miami teamt that has revenge, who comes off a SU loss after their trade to get othe poison known as Jermaine O'Neal (similar to the toxin known as Allen Iverson to team chemistry) and will look to bounce-back here. I don't see a line, but no lean b/c I'm not sure if Miami's chemistry is sound but they do have revenge once again, but Phillly definitely wants to hit the floor after the dissappointing loss to Denver. Miller, Wade and O'Neal and all questionable for this game.
San Antonio vs. Washington
No line here, but the Wiz definitely showed some heart winning at NJ with some revenge. They face the Spurs today and these two teams have not met this year. The Wiz have done decent in the second half so far as they did defeat the Twolves at home and now the Nets on the road. I'm interested in seeing a spread here but I assume it will be over 6 to 7 points and I think the Wiz might be able to be competitive here. Note, Ginobli is Out for this game and Butler is Questionable - if Butler does not play, this is a no lean, but if Butler does play, lean on the wiz.
Sacramento vs. Dallas
Another game that might be a surprise today is Sac facing Dallas. Sac actually beat this team outright early in the season only to see Dallas win big by 18 the next time around at home. Sac comes off a nice outright win despite being a 7 point dog at Memphis. Sac has covered 3 straight but face a Houston team that although was leading early, fell too the Houston Rockets on the road. Gooden and Nocioni are both questionable for Sacramento.
OKC vs. Golden State
The public favors GS slightly here at home over the Thunder. The Thunder come off a tough loss at Phoenix although they did put up 118 points. Just be wary though that the Thunder have only lost back to back covers once over the last 10 games as they are typically solid bounce-backs and frankly, they have been decent covers all year at 34-21 ATS. These two teams have met twice this year with the first time OKC winning at home by 7, and winning again in GS by 1 point on the road 122-121. Undoubtedlly, GS is not too fond of that and will be ready to play here. Lean on GS here as they come off a loss to the Lakers at home and of course, have revenge here as well.