Inside the Paint - Saturday
By Chris David
Boston head coach Doc Rivers was fined $25,000 by the NBA this past week for criticizing referees after he was tossed in the Celtics’ 127-121 loss to Boston on Tuesday. The cash is probably peanuts to Doc’s pockets but I’m sure very comparable to some heavy hitters that have been betting and losing on his squad lately.
Last year, the Celtics were a beast both straight up (66-16) and against the spread (52-28) for gamblers. Hitting 65 percent of the time is unheard of, especially in the NBA where Doc’s club was regularly covering double-digit numbers.
Times have changed in Beantown this year and every bookmaker has probably never been happier. The Celtics are 34-35 ATS this year, which isn’t horrible but nowhere near last season’s number. What’s more important about this year’s Boston squad for the books is that the team is super streaky. And lately, it’s been real bad.
The Celtics are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games and the main reason has been due to the status of Kevin Garnett (knee). On Friday, Garnett returned to the lineup and added 10 points in 14 minutes as the Celtics knocked off the Spurs 80-75 as 3 1/2-point road underodgs. Prior to the win, KG had missed 13 games and the club was 3-10 ATS during that span. Most would expect his minutes to be limited against Memphis tonight.
During this ATS drought, Boston is 6-6 SU. Even though the Celtics are in a back-to-back spot on Saturday against Memphis, Doc’s troops have won four straight against the Grizzlies, including two straight at FedEx Forum. The Grizz are only 2-9 SU in their last 11 games but they are 7-4 versus the number.
Other non-conference battles to keep an eye come Saturday:
Portland at Milwaukee: The Trail Blazers conclude their five-game road trip tonight at Milwaukee. The club has been on the road since last week due to NCAA Tournament games played at the Rose Garden. Portland has gone 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in its first four battles during this trek. The Bucks have been fading lately, going 3-7 both SU and ATS in their last 10 games. Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last five at home and the lone cover came against the ice-cold Celtics (see above). Portland has won four (3-1 ATS) in a row against Milwaukee, including a 17-point (102-85) win on Jan. 19 at home.
L.A. Lakers at Chicago: Phil Jackson and the Lakers begin their final road test, a seven-game swing, of the season on Saturday against the Bulls. Los Angeles has won and covered five of the last six against Chicago, including two of three at United Center. L.A. enters this game on a 0-3 ATS run, while the Bulls have covered four straight and seven of their last eight. Chicago is currently sitting in the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, while the Lakers have already clinched the Pacific Division and is just a handful of games away from sealing homecourt in the West too. Most would agree that this game matters more to the Bulls.
Washington at Phoenix: After losing six straight, the Suns have ripped off three straight both SU and ATS. Phoenix has a great shot for its fourth straight victory when Washington visits the desert. The Suns have won four in a row against the Wizards, covering three of those meetings. The ‘over’ has gone 3-1 during this span. Keep an eye on injuries in this matchup. Caron Butler (hamstring) has been banged up for the Wizards and the Suns’ Leandro Barbosa (knee) is expected to miss up to three weeks. Without Butler last night, the Wizards were toasted by the Nuggets 116-105 from Pepsi Center.
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, March 21
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EDT). The West-leading Lakers visit the Bulls to open a season-high, seven-game road trip.
STARS
Friday
— J.R. Smith, Nuggets, scored a season-high 40 points in a 116-105 win over Washington.
— Chris Paul and David West, Hornets. Paul had 32 points and nine assists and West scored 29 points in New Orleans’ 96-84 win over Memphis.
— Gerald Wallace and Boris Diaw, Bobcats. Wallace had 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and Diaw also scored 30 points in Charlotte’s 102-89 victory at Toronto.
— Kevin Martin, Kings, scored 30 points in a 121-94 win at New York.
— Brandon Wright, Warriors, scored 25 points in Golden State’s 119-111 win over Philadelphia.
— Antonio McDyess and Tayshaun Prince, Pistons. McDyess had 24 points and 17 rebounds, Prince added 23 points and 12 assists, and Detroit beat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-90.
— Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, scored 24 points in a 94-92 victory at Indiana.
— Deron Williams, Jazz, had 24 points and 11 assists in a 101-94 victory at Oklahoma City.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Chris Bosh scored 35 points and Andrea Bargnani had 27 in Toronto’s 102-89 loss to Charlotte on Friday night. … Dwyane Wade scored 27 points in Miami’s 96-88 loss at New Jersey. … Washington’s Antawn Jamison had 27 points in a 116-105 loss at Denver. … Tony Parker scored 25 points in San Antonio’s 80-77 loss to Boston. … Kevin Durant had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook scored 22 points in Oklahoma City’s 101-94 loss to Utah.
HURT
Jazz center Mehmet Okur left in the second quarter of Utah’s 101-94 win at Oklahoma City after being poked in his right eye and did not return. Okur got popped in the face when the Thunder’s Chucky Atkins made a swipe at the ball as he ran by on defense. Okur crumpled to the ground for a few moments before being replaced and heading to the locker room with 7:41 left before halftime. Jazz trainers reported that Okur hadn’t sustained any damage to his eye, but was seeing double.
RUSTY
Warriors guard Jamal Crawford missed his third straight game Friday after asking for a little practice time before he returns from two straight benchings earlier this week. Golden State coach Don Nelson sat the healthy veteran for games against the Clippers and the Lakers as part of the coach’s unorthodox plan to give more playing time to his youngsters—and perhaps also to nudge Crawford out of town before next season. Nelson wanted Crawford back for Friday night’s game against Philadelphia, but Crawford said he didn’t think he was ready to jump back into action. The Warriors beat the 76ers 119-111.
RILED UP
The NBA’s referees union criticized the league on Friday for fining an official who was involved in a dispute with Boston coach Doc Rivers. Rivers was fined $25,000 Thursday for his postgame rant two nights earlier in Chicago against Bill Kennedy, who was also docked an undisclosed amount. Rivers complained afterward that Kennedy had stared at him, goading the Celtics coach into receiving a second technical foul and an automatic ejection. The referees, however, claim that is what they’re trained to do, instead of yelling back at the coaches, and plan to appeal.
HAPPY RETURN
Kevin Garnett, returning to the Boston lineup after missing 13 games with a knee injury, scored 10 points in 15 minutes in the Celtics’ 80-77 win at San Antonio. Garnett played only the start of the first and third quarters as a precaution. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he wants to gradually ease Garnett back into the lineup, comparing the game to training camp for Garnett while the rest of the Celtics fought to maintain playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
SPEAKING
“When J.R. is shooting like that, with all the other options we have, we’re pretty much unstoppable offensively.”—Denver’s Chauncey Billups after teammate J.R. Smith scored a season-high 40 points on 15-for-23 shooting from the field in the Nuggets’ 116-105 win over Washington on Friday night.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Hawks outscored the Mavericks 33-16 in the second quarter and won by a final score of 95-87 on Thursday. The Hawks covered the 5-point spread, but the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 196.
Joe Johnson led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Josh Smith added 15 points and nine rebounds in that win.
LeBron James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double in the Cavaliers 97-92 win over the Trail Blazers last time out. The Cavaliers could not cover the 10.5-point spread, but the 189 points made it OVER the posted total of 187.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas netted 21 points, and Anderson Varejao grabbed nine rebounds in that win.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 7 straight games.
Cleveland has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 41-28 SU, 39-30 ATS
Cleveland: 55-13 SU, 41-27 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 1-9
After a win are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Portland are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Atlanta's last 18 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games at home
Cleveland is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Minnesota, Monday, March 23
Cleveland at New Jersey, Sunday, March 22
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Danny Granger led Indiana with 18 points and 11 boards in its 94-92 loss to Dallas on Friday night.
Dallas cashed as 1-point road underdogs as the game played under the 208.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Gerald Wallace had 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, as the Bobcats defeated the Raptors 102-89 on Friday night.
Charlotte cashed as 1-point road underdogs as the game played under the 196-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 5 straight games.
Charlotte has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 28-42 SU, 35-33-2 ATS
Charlotte: 31-38 SU, 42-27 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Charlotte is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games at home
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to Miami, Wednesday, March 25
Charlotte at Washington, Wednesday, March 25
New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
Nate Robinson netted 19 points to lead New York in its 121-94 loss to Sacramento on Friday night.
Sacramento cashed as 9-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 224-point total set by oddsmakers.
The Magic went up by 16 points after the first quarter, as they cruised to a 106-80 win over the Bucks on Wednesday. The Magic covered the 5.5-point spread, while the 186 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 202.5.
Dwight Howard shot 8-for-13 from the field with 28 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
Current streak:
New York has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 28-40 SU, 38-29-1 ATS
Orlando: 50-18 SU, 44-23-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Orlando are 2-8
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New York's last 12 games on the road
New York is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York home to Orlando, Monday, March 23
Orlando at New York, Monday, March 23
Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Ray Allen swished 19 points to lift the Celtics over the Spurs 80-77 on Friday night.
Boston cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 182.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Rudy Gay drained 23 points for Memphis in its 96-84 loss to New Orleans on Friday night.
New Orleans covered as 11.5-point home favorites as the game played under the 188-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Memphis has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 52-18 SU, 35-35 ATS
Memphis: 17-51 SU, 30-37-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Boston home to LA Clippers, Monday, March 23
Memphis at Miami, Monday, March 23
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls
Pau Gasol poured in 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for a double-double, leading the Lakers to a 114-106 victory over the Warriors on Thursday. The Lakers failed to cover the 13-point spread, and the combined score went UNDER the night's posted total of 232.
Kobe Bryant finished with 21 points and six boards. Lamar Odom added 16 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double in that win.
The Bulls won their third straight by defeating the Thunder 103-96 on Wednesday, as 2-point road underdogs. That game's 199 points fell UNDER the posted total of 201.5.
Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 25 points and six rebounds, while John Salmons added 20 points in the win.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 54-14 SU, 33-34-1 ATS
Chicago: 32-37 SU, 36-32-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Lakers last 10 games when playing Chicago
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Chicago
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their 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 UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers at Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 24
Chicago at Washington, Monday, March 23
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Brandon Roy had 24 points with seven rebounds and seven assists in the Trail Blazers 97-92 loss to the Cavaliers last time out, as 10.5-point underdogs. The 189 points made it OVER the posted total of 187.
Brandon Roy had 24 points with seven rebounds and seven assists.
The Bucks were pounded 106-80 by the Magic last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. The 186 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 202.5.
Charlie Villanueva had 17 points and five rebounds.
Team records:
Portland: 43-26 SU, 36-33 ATS
Milwaukee: 31-39 SU, 36-32-2 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 8-2
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Next up:
Portland home to Philadelphia, Monday, March 23
Milwaukee at Toronto, Wednesday, March 25
Washington Wizards vs. Phoenix Suns
Antawn Jamison went for 27 points and seven boards for Washington in its 116-105 loss to Denver on Friday night.
Denver couldn't cover as 14-point home favorites as the game played over the 209.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Suns extended their winning streak to three games with a 126-116 victory over the 76ers on Wednesday. The 76ers covered the 7-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 226.5.
Shaquille O'Neal had 26 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double to lead the way, while Steve Nash added 24 in the win.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Phoenix has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 16-54 SU, 25-43-2 ATS
Phoenix: 37-31 SU, 28-39-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Washington
Phoenix is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Chicago, Monday, March 23
Phoenix home to Denver, Monday, March 23
ATLANTA vs. CLEVELAND
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
INDIANA vs. CHARLOTTE
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Charlotte is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
BOSTON vs. MEMPHIS
Boston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
LA LAKERS vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
PORTLAND vs. MILWAUKEE
Portland is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
WASHINGTON vs. PHOENIX
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Phoenix is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Saturday Research
By Indiancowoy
Atlanta vs. Cleveland
It's tough to go either way on this game. Cle beat this team by 1 on the road 88-87 earlier this year, the Hawks have revenge from that game. The Hawks have been hot at home (7-0 ATS in that stretch). But, on the road, the Hawks have been relatively weak. Cleveland comes off an OT win over the Blazers at home in what was a huge line of 10.5. I like the Hawks here to hang tough in Cleveland.
Indiana vs. Charlotte
Charlotte beat this team by 9 this year. This team is hot right now coming off yet another win over the Raps as they have covered and won 7 of 10 this year. Indiana has lost 6 straight contests. The Bobcats are playing well, and even though 65% of the public likes them, it's tough to go against them as they are in the hunt for the playoffs.
New York vs. Orlando
I'm not in the practice of going against the Magic, but with such an embarrassing loss, the Knicks have to come out and show some heart today. The Magic beat this team by 5 on the road earlier this year. The Knicks lost tto the Nets at home and lost by 27 at home to the Kings in what was I believe a revenge game for the Kings. Orlando just beat Milwaukee by 26 and held them to 80 points in Milwaukee. no thanks.
Boston vs. Memphis
This is a dangerous game for Boston. They come off a win at SA, they now face a Memphis team who lost to them in Boston by 10. That was a game Memphis was in most of the way as they were down by 3 at the half and then down by 7 at the end of 3q. Garnett played about 15 mins in the win over San Antonio. Memphis comes off a tough loss to NO after leading by 1 going into the 4th - in fact, they lost the cover losing by 12 points overall - unbelievable. I like Memphis with the revenge and the fade of the pub here.
Portland vs. Milwaukee
It's never a bad play with the young Blazers on the road. But, Milawukee comes off one of the worst losses of the year to the Magic by 26 at home. They will look to bounce-back today - remember, this team did beat the C's at home earlier this year. Portland beat this team by 17 at home earlier this year as well. I can see it either way, a small lean on the Blazers, I just don't want to go against the Bucks off the big home loss. Portland too comes off a loss to Cleveland in OT.
Washington vs. Phoenix
You just never know what you get Wash. They got the cover at Denver as a similar huge dog to tonight, but lost a huge cover at Dallas desipte being tied at halftime in a similar cover. Phoenix beat this team by 16 on the road earlier this yaer and have covered their last 3 - 66% of the pub is on the Suns however. If you think Wash will be a competitive dog, lean on the over (similar to the Nuggs game going wash cover/over yesterday and if you think Wash is going to get buried, lean on the under - my fav/under theory).