NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Feb. 28
Sacramento at Utah (9 p.m. EST). The Jazz, who have won six straight to climb back into the Northwest Division race, face the Kings, who are a league-worst 13-47.
STARS
Friday
— Shaquille O’Neal, Suns, scored 45 points in his biggest offensive performance in six years during a 133-113 rout of the Raptors. O’Neal made 20 of 25 shots in the game.
— Al Horford, Hawks, had 21 points and a career-high 22 rebounds in a 91-83 victory over the Heat, allowing Atlanta to snap a three-game skid.
— Richard Hamilton, Pistons, had 31 points in place of Allen Iverson, helping Detroit snap an eight-game skid with a 93-85 victory over Orlando.
— Antawn Jamison, Wizards, had 27 points and 11 rebounds as Washington beat the Chicago Bulls 113-90 before a crowd that included President Barack Obama.
— Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, Celtics. Allen had 30 points and Rondo matched his career high with 17 assists in a 104-99 victory over the Pacers.
— Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, scored 17 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and overtime of a 110-108 victory over the Thunder.
FIRST FAN
President Barack Obama took a break from politics to sit courtside and watch his hometown Chicago Bulls lose to the Washington Wizards, 113-90 on Friday night. The president pumped his fist and grinned when the Bulls scored several of their points, but he was largely subdued, clapping politely for both teams before leaving with about four minutes remaining.
STEPHON RETURNS
Former Knicks guard Stephon Marbury got a much-needed fresh start with the Boston Celtics, and was inserted against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night hours after clearing waivers. He finished with eight points and two assists in his first game since splitting with New York on Tuesday, after he agreed to a buyout of his $20.8 million contract.
FINES
Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace was fined $25,000 by the league for his actions after his ejection in the team’s 90-87 loss at New Orleans on Wednesday night. Wallace was ejected after receiving two technicals in the fourth quarter.
FIGURES
Shaquille O’Neal scored 45 points in his biggest offensive performance in six years during a 133-113 rout of the Raptors. O’Neal made 20 of 25 shots in the game for his 49th 40-point game of his career. … The Wizards had eight double-figure scorers in their 113-90 win over the Bulls for the first time since Feb. 5, 1993. … Chris Paul had a season-high 20 assists in the Hornets’ 95-94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
STREAKS
The Trail Blazers snapped a five-game road losing streak with a 102-82 win over the Timberwolves, who have lost eight straight at home. … Toronto lost its 10th straight to the Suns, 133-113. … The Mavericks have won eight in a row at home over the Thunder after a 110-108 overtime victory. Six of those came while the franchise was in Seattle. The Thunder, meanwhile, have lost eight straight on the road.
SIDELINED
Spurs forward Tim Duncan missed his third consecutive game against Cleveland with a right quad injury, but is expected to return to the lineup as early as Sunday. … Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant sprained his right ankle in the first quarter against the Mavericks. X-rays were negative, but Durant did not return.
SPEAKING
“We all know that he’s from Chicago. That’s the only reason why he’s here tonight. I have no problem with that. You can’t convert him overnight. Eventually—he’s here for four or eight years—we can be his second-favorite team.”—Wizards forward Antawn Jamison, after Washington beat the Chicago Bulls 113-90 in front of a crowd that included President Barack Obama.
ORLANDO (42 - 15) at PHILADELPHIA (28 - 28)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (24 - 33) at MIAMI (30 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 59-77 ATS (-25.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (13 - 44) at MEMPHIS (15 - 42)
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
MEMPHIS is 23-33 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MEMPHIS is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-5 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (37 - 21) at CHICAGO (26 - 32)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 277-229 ATS (+25.1 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 91-65 ATS (+19.5 Units) against Central division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 73-103 ATS (-40.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 30-43 ATS (-17.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (13 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (28 - 32)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 205-262 ATS (-83.2 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 79-113 ATS (-45.3 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 44-64 ATS (-26.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (12 - 47) at UTAH (35 - 23)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 82-68 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games this season.
UTAH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in February games this season.
UTAH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
UTAH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
UTAH is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (23 - 35) at LA CLIPPERS (15 - 43)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Magic fell 93-85 to the Pistons last time out, as 9.5-point favorites on the road. That game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 187.
Dwight Howard netted 21 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The 76ers controlled the tempo late in the game and managed to come away with a 108-103 victory over the Knicks. The 76ers won the game as a 2-point underdog, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 213.5.
Andre Miller led the 76ers with 25 points, and Thaddeus Young added 23 in the win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 42-16 SU, 36-21-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 29-28 SU, 27-28-2 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 1-9
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Orlando is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Orlando home to Phoenix, Tuesday, March 3
Philadelphia home to New Orleans, Monday, March 2
New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat
The Knicks were defeated 108-103 by the 76ers last time out, as 2-point favorites. That game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 213.5.
Larry Hughes tossed in 25 points for the Knicks, and Al Harrington collected 23.
The Heat were tamed 91-83 by the Hawks last time out, as 5.5-point road underdogs. The combined 174 points went UNDER the posted total of 194.5.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 21 points and 22 rebounds.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 24-34 SU, 32-26 ATS
Miami: 30-27 SU, 27-29-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games on the road
New York is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games at home
Miami is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York home to Atlanta, Wednesday, March 4
Miami home to Cleveland, Monday, March 2
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder fell 110-108 to the Mavericks in overtime on Friday, as 9-point underdogs on the road. The 218 points made it OVER the posted total of 210.
Russell Westbrook scored 33 points with eight rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Marc Gasol had a double-double, tossing in 22 points with 15 rebounds in the Grizzlies 104-99 loss at Indiana on Wednesday. Oddsmakers had the Grizzlies as 7.5-point underdogs in that game, while the 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 208.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 7 straight games.
Memphis has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 13-45 SU, 34-24 ATS
Memphis: 15-42 SU, 23-33-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 2-8
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 1-9
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games
Memphis is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Dallas, Monday, March 2
Memphis at LA Lakers, Tuesday, March 3
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Antawn Jamison went for 27 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for a double-double on Friday, leading the Wizards to a 113-90 victory over the Bulls. The Wizards won the game as a 5-point underdog, while the 203 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.5.
Caron Butler and Mike James added 14 points apiece in that win.
The Bucks were defeated 95-94 by the Hornets as a 9.5-point underdog last time out. The combined 189 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 201.5.
Richard Jefferson led the Bucks with 22 points, and Charlie Bell had 21 in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 14-44 SU, 22-35-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 28-33 SU, 34-25-2 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games
Washington is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Atlanta, Monday, March 2
Milwaukee home to New Jersey, Tuesday, March 3
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls
Yao Ming dropped 28 points and hauled down eight rebounds to lead the Rockets to a 93-74 victory over the Cavaliers on Thursday. The Rockets covered the 4-point spread, and the 167 points fell UNDER the posted total of 185.5.
Von Wafer added 19 points for the Rockets, and Ron Artest tossed in 15 points in that win.
The Bulls were upset 113-90 by the Wizards on Friday, as 5-point favorites on the road. That game's 203 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.5.
John Salmons had 25 points and three rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Houston has won 6 straight games.
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 37-21 SU, 27-30-1 ATS
Chicago: 26-33 SU, 28-30-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Charlotte are 4-6
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Chicago is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston at Minnesota, Sunday, March 1
Chicago at Charlotte, Tuesday, March 3
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz
Six players reached double-figures in leading the Kings to a 98-86 victory over the Clippers on Friday. The Kings covered the slight 1.5-point underdog, while the 184 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 214.
Kevin Martin tossed in 20 points to lead the Kings, and Bobby Jackson netted 18 points in the win.
Seven players reached double-figures as the Jazz trounced the Timberwolves 120-103 on Wednesday. The Jazz covered the 8-point spread, and the 223 points sailed OVER the posted total of 212.
Mehmet Okur led the way with 25 points, and Ronnie Brewer added 20. Deron Williams dished out 13 assists in that win.
Current streak:
Utah has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 13-47 SU, 28-32 ATS
Utah: 35-23 SU, 32-26 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 2-8
After a win are 0-10
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing Utah
Sacramento is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Utah
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Sacramento is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against 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
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Sacramento home to Indiana, Tuesday, March 3
Utah at Golden State, Sunday, March 1
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Raymond Felton went for 26 points and dished out nine assists to lead the Bobcats to a 112-109 victory on Friday. The Bobcats won the game as a 1.5-point underdog, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 207.
Boris Diaw chipped in with 22 points, and Gerald Wallace had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Clippers were defeated 98-86 by the Kings last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. That game's 184 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 214.
Zach Randolph had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 24-35 SU, 35-24 ATS
Los Angeles: 15-44 SU, 23-36 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 5-4
After a win are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Charlotte is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
LA Clippers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Charlotte
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Charlotte
LA Clippers are 7-17 SU in their last 24 games at home
Next up:
Charlotte home to Chicago, Tuesday, March 3
LA Clippers home to San Antonio, Monday, March 2
ORLANDO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Orlando is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Orlando is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Orlando
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
NEW YORK vs. MIAMI
New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of New York's last 23 games when playing Miami
Miami is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
HOUSTON vs. CHICAGO
Houston is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
SACRAMENTO vs. UTAH
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Sacramento is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
CHARLOTTE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 7-18 SU in their last 25 games
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games at home
Tips and Trends
Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls
Rockets (-1, O/U 196): Houston is a perfect 6-0 since losing star Tracy McGrady for the season to a knee injury after crushing Cleveland 93-74 on Thursday night. Yao Ming scored 28 points on 13-of-15 shooting and seem to be getting hot again just like last year when they won 22 in a row. “It is a big win,” Yao said. “We played against one of the best quality teams in this league. That is a really good test for us to see how far we can go.”
Rockets are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (ankle) is day-to-day.
G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 99
Bulls: Chicago still doesn't know what happened on Friday in a 113-90 loss at Washington, which followed a sad day on Thursday when the team lost legends Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr. President Barack Obama even took in the game against the Wizards and left disappointed. “I’m speechless right now - to come in here and lose to the Wizards by 23 points, it’s inexcusable,” Chicago guard Ben Gordon said. “I don’t know what to say. We didn’t do anything well tonight.”
Bulls are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
The OVER is 9-3 in Chicago's last 12 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 98
Saturday Research
By Indiancowboy
Orlando vs. Philadelphia
Orlando comes off a bit of a surprise of a loss against Detroit at home. They were favored by -9.5 in that contest only to fall short Outright at home. Orlando beat this team by a bucket 96-94 on the road as a 5 point chalk and failed to cover but did win SU in Philly. Philly has revenge coming home, did beat Wash and NY on the road. Note, that roughly 75% of the public favors Orlando coming into this game and this is a game that Philly likely wins outright. I just hate going against Orlando off a loss but Philly should do well.
NY vs. Miami
Miami comes off a loss to Atlanta has they return home. 60% of the public favors Miami as they return home. NY beat this team by 5 at home earlier tihs yaer winning 120-115 back in October. So, Miami does have revenge and comes off a loss. NY comes off two tough losses to Orlando and Philly and will look to bounce-back here on the road at Miami. I actually lean on NY here to hang tough as this is a game they can win outright despite Miami having revenge - so they are both coming off losses and I think the 6 points look appealing.
OKC vs. Memphis
OKC actually beat this team at home earlier this year in OT. Amazingly enough, they ended up winning by 12 covering the -7 spread in the extra session. The public is roughly split on this game. Note that Memphis comes off an ATS loss to Indiana on the road. Of course, the line has moved up fairly drastically given that Durant is not expected to play as it sits at high as 7.5 right now. Westbrook, Thabo and Green need to pick up the scoring slack it seems. I've always said though, that just b/c a player is out, it is more reason to take the over as it gives bench players more time and usually it goes over more often than not. Take a look at Nash being out for the Suns, the total took a massive hit under and it went relatively comfortably over from start to finish.
Washington vs. Milwaukee
Wash stepped up big and got it done over Chicago at home. Milwaukee beat this team by 6 on the road last time, but Wash did play very well at home against the Bulls to win big by 23. No doubt, when Mike James plays well, this team usually rolls as he gives them a bench presence. Milwaukee returns home after the tough loss at NO, and I actually lean slightly on wash and the over here as maybe Wash can use this game as a stepping stone to go on a bit of a run.
Sacramento vs. Utah
This is a huge line for Utah to cover. But, they continue to roll at home so Vegas is making it tough on them once again to cover such a big spread. Utah beat this team by just 4 and Sac comes off a nice win against the Clippers at home. But, if I've learned one thing, stay clear from Utah when the Jazz play at home as they cover at a ridiculous clip at home with or without injuries, and now with Boozer back, they are simply more dynamic. No doubt, the Jazz will be a huge difficulty for the Lakers on the road this year as Utah beat them already in Salt Lake without Boozer, who knows what they could do with Boozer on the road.
Charlotte vs. Clippers
Charlotte should do well here but the Clips come off an ugly loss on the road, and of course, they come off a huge win over Boston and GS at home as they love playing in Staples. The line opened up at the Clippers -1 and moved to Charlotte -1 relatively quickly. Once again, Camby, Randolph and Davis will play and it seems that Thornton will be probable for this contest. Gordon still seems to be out and the fact that he is out is a big deal as they lose a solid 15 to 20 points from him. Note though the Clips do have revenge and come off an ugly loss, they might very well get it done here despite the line movement going against them.