NBA Weekend Outlook
By Josh Jacobs
Dropping six in a row and struggling to squeeze out three wins in the last 10 games, Phoenix is a team that’s decided to lie down and die. While mathematically still in the race to grab the No. 8 seed, the picture looks worse then bleak.
Other news circulating around the league includes the Lakers becoming the first team to clinch a division title, doing so by defeating San Antonio, 102-95 on Thursday. The Celtics look to be struggling down the stretch (injuries have taken their toll without a dobut) as was evident in 107-99 loss in Miami on Wednesday. And the struggle in the Eastern Conference for the final seed is something to keep your eye on as the regular season nears closer to the finish line.
Cutting right to the chase, here’s what Saturday brings to the table in terms of financial gain and playoff implications.
Utah at Miami – 1:00 p.m. EST
Well, the streak had to come to an end eventually and it did just that on Wednesday. Utah found itself in hostile territory when Atlanta decided to turn up the heat, ending its opponent’s 12-game winning streak that was the envy of the league. The Jazz were able to outscore the Hawks, 51-45 in the second-half but found themselves on the losing end by the final, 100-93 (most books closed the Hawks as 1 ½-point favorites). Utah has been a disappointing 3-4 ATS in its last seven, even after posting a point margin of 6.7 PPG. The problem has been books posting spreads high enough to cover their tails (setting the Jazz at an average of 6.8 favorites in the last 10 games). When installed between seven and 14-plus point favorites, the Jazz are an uninspiring, 11-10 ATS this season.
Some may be drinking the Kool-Aid when they say that Miami is a good team but the facts can’t be ignored. The Heat are 4-1 SU in their last five despite going just 3-2 ATS during the same mini-stretch. Led by a possessed Dwyane Wade (37.1 PPG/ 10.5 RPG/ 1.1 BPG in the last 10), Miami has exploded on offense, tallying up 112.7 PPG in the past seven contests. The bad news is that the Heat are a stagnate 12-22 ATS (35.3%) of a SU win and 11-17 ATS (39.3%) off an ATS victory. The next five games will be torture as a home contest against aforementioned Utah followed by road trips to Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey and Detroit will test Miami’s fortitude.
San Antonio at Houston – 8:30 p.m. EST
The rivalry that began in 1980 will take place for the second time this season (both teams will meet one more time on Mar. 22) when San Antonio travels on Interstate 10 to reach Houston for an evening showdown. As it stands right now, both teams have taken five games apiece SU in the last 10 while the rockets have been able to cover four of the last six head-to-head meetings. Their last tip-off took place Nov. 29 when the Rockets strolled to a 103-84 win as three-point home favorites. If there’s been a trend to take to the bank it has been the ‘under’ going 8-2 in the last 10 meetings and 21-6 in the last 27.
As it happens to be, both clubs are coming off defeats against the Lakers (stay tuned for Houston’s result against Charlotte on Friday). In the short term, the Spurs are the winner financially, collecting a 4-2 ATS record in the last six. San Antonio has been mildly successful on the road this season as an 18-13-1 ATS financial report indicates. The Spurs are 3-4 SU and ATS in their last seven road trips but have offset that record with an 8-4 ATS performance without Manu Ginobili in the lineup during that last 12 games.
For the Rockets, an 11-3 SU run in the last 14 has translated to the ATS report going 8-6. The team is 16-11 ATS overall versus teams with a winning record but has tipped the win total to just one game over .500 by crafting an 8-7 ATS record at home versus winning teams. As a one to 4 ½-point favorite this season, Houston is 7-8 ATS. The Rockets will be coming into this contest without a day of rest for which the club is 6-8 ATS, outscoring opponents by a slim, three-point margin. And in an away to home situation in back-to-back games, Houston continues to prove faulty at 1-2 ATS.
Sunday
Dallas at L.A. Lakers – 3:30 p.m. EST
This weekend’s action continues to burn intensely as the Mavericks will look to go .500 on the road when they pay a visit to Los Angeles. Dallas has a tough schedule ahead as six of the next nine games will be played in enemy territory after already logging in two ‘Ws’ on the road against Phoenix and Portland. The Mavs are 15-6 SU and 13-8 ATS in their last 21 and just 2-5 ATS in their last seven road trips. A 7-1 record on the ‘under’ as the visiting team has been a hot trend of late (the ‘over’ is 6-3 in the last nine). But the total’s run shouldn’t come as a surprise as Dallas is a smoking 21-12 on the ‘under’ in away games this season.
L.A. is coming off two big road wins in San Antonio and Houston and is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in the last five overall. The Lake Show’s defense has risen to the occasion, holding down opponents to 96.2 PPG. This is in comparison to giving up 100.4 PPG, ranking the team 17th in the defensive category. What the ‘D’ unit has helped L.A. accomplish is an ‘under’ record currently at 6-3 in the last nine and 4-2 in the last six home stands. Rest will be on the Lakers side, coming off the 102-95 win over the Spurs on Thursday. With two days off of action, L.A. is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS (supplying the stats sheet with a point margin of 8.6 PPG). And while not convincing enough, the Lakers are 17-14-1 ATS when coming off an ATS win.
Dallas last met L.A. on Nov. 11 as 5 ½-point underdogs. The Lakers were able to outwork their Western Conference nemesis, winning the contest, 106-99.
Utah at Orlando – 6:00 p.m. EST
We come full circle from Saturday’s preview when Utah and Orlando come together to close out a weekend packed with hardwood action. As mentioned earlier, the Jazz are coming off a 12-game winning streak after losing outright to Atlanta as the 1 ½-point visiting ‘dog. This was the ninth ATS loss in a total of 15 games as the visiting underdog this season (getting outscored 6.9 PPG). The Jazz are in a back-to-back spot as well. This is an area which Utah has suffered mightily with a 5-10 ATS stint. But what could break the camels back is the team’s 1-5 ATS record off zero days of rest in away to away situations (the defense has been prone to getting smacked, giving up 102.5 PPG).
The Magic have been an ATS money machine this season, truly exploding on the road with a 22-10 ATS record. But a 19-13 ATS mark at home shouldn’t be overlooked. A 3-4 ATS slide in the last seven can be partially attributed to books setting Orlando at an average, 9.3 point favorite in the last 10 games. Backers should begin their homework noting that the Magic are 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS versus teams in the Northwest division this season. Watch the injury reports (which we all know is a joke anyway) as Hedo Turkoglu will be a game time decision (Achilles). The 17 PPG shooting guard missed out on Wednesday’s victory against Chicago (107-79).
vegasinsider.com
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, March 14
San Antonio at Houston (8:30 p.m. EDT). A meeting between the top two teams in the Southwest Division, where the Spurs own a 1 1/2 -game lead over the Rockets.
STARS
Friday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 51 points, including six in overtime, and Cleveland clinched the Central Division title by beating Sacramento 126-123.
— Leon Powe, Celtics, scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, the 10th double-double of his career and his third in four games, as Boston beat Memphis 102-92.
— Joe Johnson, Hawks, scored 30 points for the third straight game, and Atlanta beat Indiana 101-87 for its fourth straight victory.
— Chris Paul, Hornets, scored 30 points as New Orleans beat Milwaukee 95-86 for its ninth win in 10 games.
— Richard Hamilton, Pistons, had 24 points and a career-high 16 assists in Detroit’s 99-95 overtime victory over Toronto.
— Dwight Howard, Magic, had 18 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high seven assists to lead Orlando to a 112-103 victory over Washington.
— Thaddeus Young, 76ers, scored a career-high 31 points, two nights after his previous career best of 29, leading Philadelphia over Chicago 104-101.
CHAMPION CAVALIERS
The Cleveland Cavaliers clinched the Central Division title with their 126-123 overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings. It was just the second division title in franchise history, with the other coming in 1976.
SO LONG, SPECTRUM
The Philadelphia 76ers played a final game at the Spectrum, their old home, beating Chicago 104-101 on Friday. The Sixers, who normally play across the street at the Wachovia Center, played their first game at the Spectrum, scheduled to be demolished later this year, since April 19, 1996. Julius Erving and other greats from Philadelphia’s two championship teams were honored during pregame festivities.
DAVIDSON DIES
Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson, a noted philanthropist who was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame last year, died Friday. He was 86.
STATS
Jason Kidd recorded his second triple-double of the season with 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Dallas’ 119-110 loss to Golden State. Kidd has 102 career triple-doubles, third on the list behind Oscar Robertson (181) and Magic Johnson (138). … Atlanta’s Joe Johnson has gone 33-for-64 from the field in the past three games to average 30.3 points.
TWO 3S
Yao Ming made a straightaway 3-pointer—the second of his career—with 2:12 left to put Houston ahead 83-77 in its 91-86 victory over Charlotte. It was the 7-foot-6 Yao’s first attempt of the season and his second make in 10 attempts in his seven-year career—the last coming as a rookie in 2002-03.
RONDO RETURNS
Point guard Rajon Rondo returned to the lineup in Boston’s 102-92 victory over Memphis. He had missed two games with a sprained right ankle and the Celtics lost both.
SLUMPING
Toronto dropped its season-high seventh straight with a 99-95 overtime loss to Detroit. … Charlotte has lost two in a row following its franchise-record, six-game winning streak following its 91-86 loss to Houston. … Memphis was dealt a fourth straight loss, falling 102-92 to Boston.
SPEAKING
“We’ve got to keep it the way it is. We’ve only lost (two) games with him in the lineup. He’s been sharing the ball like a point guard, which is not his strength, and really scoring, also. With the energy he brings, it’s like we have more confidence in ourselves now.”—Antonio McDyess, on keeping Richard Hamilton in Detroit’s starting lineup. Hamilton had 24 points and a career-high 16 assists in the Pistons’ 99-95 overtime victory in Toronto.
Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat
Deron Williams paced Utah with 20 points and nine assists in its 100-93 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Atlanta cashed as 1-point home favorites as the game played under the 195.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Dwyane Wade had 32 points, seven assists, and four steals to lead the Heat past the Celtics 107-99 on Wednesday night.
Miami cashed as 4-point home favorites as the teams played over the 190-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Miami has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 41-24 SU, 35-30 ATS
Miami: 35-29 SU, 30-33-1 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Utah
Next up:
Utah at Orlando, Sunday, March 15
Miami at Philadelphia, Sunday, March 15
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Gerald Wallace went for 17 points and eight boards for Charlotte in its 91-86 loss to Houston on Friday night.
Houston cashed as 1-point road underdogs as the game played under the 183-point total set by oddsmakers.
Ryan Gomes scored 28 points for Minnesota in its 102-94 loss to New York on Friday night.
New York covered as 4.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 218-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 28-37 SU, 39-26 ATS
Minnesota: 19-46 SU, 28-36-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Houston are 2-7
After a loss are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing New York are 2-8
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Minnesota is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Next up:
Charlotte home to Toronto, Monday, March 16
Minnesota at San Antonio, Tuesday, March 17
New Orleans Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls
Chris Paul went for 30 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals to lead the Hornets over the Bucks 95-86 on Friday night.
New Orleans covered as 4.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 197.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Derrick Rose had 20 points, six boards, and six assists for Chicago in its 104-101 loss to Philadelphia on Friday night.
Philadelphia couldn't cover as 4-point home favorites as the teams played over the 200-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Chicago has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 41-23 SU, 28-34-2 ATS
Chicago: 29-37 SU, 33-32-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 10-0
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing Chicago
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Houston, Monday, March 16
Chicago home to Boston, Tuesday, March 17
San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets
Tony Parker had 25 points and nine assists for the Spurs in their 102-95 loss to the Lakers on Thursday night.
Los Angeles cashed as 1.5-point road underdogs as the teams played over the 196-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Yao Ming had 23 points and eight rebounds to lead the Rockets past the Bobcats 91-86 on Friday night.
Houston cashed as 1-point road underdogs as the game played under the 183-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
San Antonio: 43-21 SU, 33-29-2 ATS
Houston: 43-24 SU, 32-34-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 6-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 10 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Antonio's last 13 games on the road
Houston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Oklahoma City, Monday, March 16
Houston at New Orleans, Monday, March 16
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Zach Randolph led the way for Los Angeles with 20 points and 14 rebounds in its 87-83 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday night.
Cleveland couldn't cover as 9-point road favorites as the teams played under the 192-point total set by oddsmakers.
Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points, as the Nuggets took down the Thunder 112-99 on Wednesday night.
The game resulted in a push with Denver as 13-point home favorites, as the teams played over the 202.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 15-49 SU, 25-39 ATS
Denver: 41-25 SU, 35-30-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 14 of the LA Clippers last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 14 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Denver is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers home to New Jersey, Sunday, March 15
Denver home to New Jersey, Monday, March 16
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns
Jeff Green netted 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Oklahoma City in its 112-99 loss to Denver on Wednesday night.
The game resulted in a push with Denver as 13-point home favorites, as the teams played over the 202.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Matt Barnes scored 21 points for Phoenix in its 119-111 loss to Cleveland on Thursday night.
Cleveland covered as 3.5-point road favorites as the game played over the 219.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 18-47 SU, 39-25-1 ATS
Phoenix: 34-31 SU, 25-39-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games when playing Phoenix
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Oklahoma City is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to San Antonio, Monday, March 16
Phoenix at Golden State, Sunday, March 15
UTAH (41 - 24) at MIAMI (35 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
UTAH is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 62-82 ATS (-28.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-0 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-1 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (28 - 36) at MINNESOTA (19 - 45)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 98-125 ATS (-39.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 51-65 ATS (-20.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-57 ATS (-30.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 4-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (40 - 23) at CHICAGO (29 - 36)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 132-103 ATS (+18.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 60-39 ATS (+17.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 75-103 ATS (-38.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (43 - 21) at HOUSTON (42 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 112-81 ATS (+22.9 Units) in March games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-92 ATS (+21.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 219-173 ATS (+28.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (15 - 49) at DENVER (41 - 25)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-38 ATS (-15.8 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 50-72 ATS (-29.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 30-52 ATS (-27.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-29 ATS (-12.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 27-47 ATS (-24.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (18 - 47) at PHOENIX (34 - 31)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
UTAH vs. MIAMI
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Utah is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games
CHARLOTTE vs. MINNESOTA
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
Minnesota is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games at home
NEW ORLEANS vs. CHICAGO
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing New Orleans
SAN ANTONIO vs. HOUSTON
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
San Antonio is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
LA CLIPPERS vs. DENVER
LA Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when playing Denver
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Denver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. PHOENIX
Oklahoma City is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Phoenix
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Saturday's best NBA bets
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets (-13.5, 205.5)
The Denver Nuggets won convincingly their last time out, but eight losses in their last 12 games is hardly the type of play that's going to put them over the top in a tight Northwest Division race.
A visit from the reeling Los Angeles Clippers might be just the place to start a winning streak.
The Nuggets will try to make it six wins in a row over the Clippers on Saturday night at the Pepsi Center, while Los Angeles will be looking to snap a six-game slide that included an almost unfathomable loss in their latest contest.
Denver (41-25) is in a crowded three-team race for the Northwest title along with Utah and Portland, but the recent play of coach George Karl's team has hardly resembled a division champion.
The Nuggets had dropped three in a row and eight of 11 to fall out of first place for the first time since December heading into a home game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Karl used eight players with Kenyon Martin sitting out due to a lower back strain, and seven scored in double figures in a 112-99 win. The one who didn't, backup guard Anthony Carter, had a season-high 12 assists in his return after missing four games with a sore left hip.
"It was good to have A.C. back," said Linas Kleiza, who had 20 points off the bench. "He creates a lot of easy opportunities."
Oklahoma City was the first of five straight teams the Nuggets will face that own a losing record, and with six consecutive defeats the Clippers (15-49) are playing the worst of any of them.
Karl, though, isn't sure playing struggling clubs is any sort of a breather.
"It's not going to be easy," he said. "A lot of these teams are really playing with no stress and no pressure, and we're playing with probably the most stress and most pressure we've had all year long."
Pick: Los Angeles +13.5
Charlotte Bobcats at Minnesota Timberwolves (+4.5, 193)
Since winning a franchise-best six in a row, the Charlotte Bobcats have dropped back-to-back contests against Western Conference powers.
A game against one of the league's worst teams should help them get back on track.
On Saturday night, the Bobcats look for their fifth consecutive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are trying to avoid losing for the 12th time in 13 games.
After averaging 103.0 points on 51.3 percent shooting during its winning streak, Charlotte's offense has sputtered recently.
The Bobcats (28-37) shot 42.5 percent from the floor in Friday's 91-86 loss to Houston after making 44.1 percent of their shots in a 100-86 loss at San Antonio on Tuesday.
Still, Charlotte had a chance to beat the Rockets. Raja Bell's jumper gave the Bobcats a one-point lead with 34 seconds left, but Houston went on to score the game's final six points.
The loss is especially tough for a Bobcats team seeking the first playoff berth in their five-year franchise history. Charlotte is tied for 10th in the East, but just one-half game out of eighth.
"I think we played the way we were playing when we went on that six-game streak," said guard Raymond Felton, who had 12 points on 6-for-19 shooting. "The ball just wouldn't fall in the basket for us."
While Charlotte's offense is mired in a bit of a funk, it should be able to get back on track against Minnesota (19-46), which owns the league's seventh-worst scoring defense (103.4).
The Bobcats are averaging 107.5 points on 50.3 percent shooting during their four-game winning streak over the Timberwolves. Charlotte, which has not lost to Minnesota since a 102-96 setback on Jan. 1, 2007, won 100-90 on Dec. 1 in the first meeting of the season.
Pick: Over 196
San Antonio (43-21, 33-29-2 ATS) at Houston (43-24, 32-34-1 ATS)
The Rockets look to continue the home team’s dominance in this rivalry when they welcome the Spurs to the Toyota Center in Houston.
San Antonio wrapped up a four-game homestand (3-1 SU and ATS) with Thursday’s 102-95 loss to the Lakers, failing as a three-point favorite. The Spurs have thrived on the road this season, going 20-12 (18-13-1 ATS).
Houston scored a 91-86 win in Charlotte on Friday night, cashing as a one-point favorite. However, the Rockets had a 12-game home winning streak (7-4-1 ATS) snapped on Wednesday when the Lakers got a 102-96 win in Houston as 3½-point pups.
These division rivals have split two games this season with the host winning and covering both contests. In fact, the home team has won each of the last six meetings. Back on Nov. 29, the Rockets got a 103-84 win as three-point favorites, 15 days after the Spurs scored a 77-75 home victory as six-point home ‘dogs. The Rockets are 6-3 ATS in the last nine meetings, and the straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10.
San Antonio is 14-6-1 ATS in its last 21 games overall and 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 against the Western Conference, but the Spurs are just 9-20 ATS in their last 29 as a road ‘dog of less than five points. The Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight on the second night of a back-to-back and 5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday games, but they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five as a home chalk.
For the Spurs, the over is on streaks of 9-4 on the road, 10-4 after getting one day off, 6-1 as a ‘dog and 9-3 against the Western Conference. However, Houston in on “under” streaks of 5-1 overall, 6-1 on the second night of a back-to-back and 20-6 against teams with a winning record. Finally, in this rivalry, the under is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings and 4-1 in the last five in Houston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Gametimepicks.com