Inside the Paint - Saturday
By Chris David
The Elite Eight headlines the hardwood on Saturday, when Missouri and UConn meet in the West Regional before Villanova and Pittsburgh tangle in the East Regional final. While those contests should be as good as advertised, they’ll both be over by 9:00 p.m. EDT.
What’s a gambler to do?
Turn your attention to the NBA and chase or press your bets with a trio of Western Conference battles on tap.
Let’s take a closer look.
Golden State at Denver: The Warriors end their four-game road trip on Saturday when they visit Pepsi Center in Colorado. Don Nelson’s team has dropped all three of their battles on this trek, losing two by double digits as well. Losing again on the road wouldn’t be a surprise for Golden State, considering they own a 6-31 straight up and 13-23 against the spread mark away from home. Denver holds a 27-8 SU and 20-14 ATS mark at home this year and already blasted Golden State 123-105 on Dec. 13 as a healthy 15 ½-point home favorite.
The Warriors have seen the ‘over’ go 8-2 in their last 10 games but a lot of injuries to the club could keep the scoreboard from lighting up tonight. Corey Maggette (head), Stephen Jackson (toe) and Jamal Crawford (team) are listed as either ‘out’ or ‘doubtful’ for the Warriors tonight.
Even though Golden State and Denver both push the tempo, the ‘under’ has gone 5-2 in the last seven meetings between the two teams. The Nuggets are 5-4 ATS as double-digit home favorites this year.
Denver could be in store for a letdown tonight, since it will be traveling home from a Friday Night matchup at Dallas. George Karl’s team is 7-11 SU and 8-10 ATS when playing on zero days rest. The ‘under’ has gone 12-6.
The Nuggets still have a shot at the No. 2 seed in the West, so a setback to a team with a losing record would certainly hurt their chances. This will be the first of four straight at home for Denver and three are against clubs with records under. 500, including tonight’s opponent, Golden State.
Phoenix at Utah: The Suns are treading water right now and trail the Mavericks by 3 ½-games for the eighth and final sport in the West. Phoenix had its six-game winning streak snapped Thursday when the club was trampled by Portland, 129-109. Every game here on out is a must-win situation for the Suns, including tonight’s battle against the Jazz. The two teams just met Wednesday and Phoenix escaped with a 118-114 victory in the desert. Winning in Salt Lake City is next to impossible and this year is no different. Utah owns a 30-6 SU and 21-15 ATS mark at home this season and has outscored opponents by 10 PPG (105-95) over this span as well.
Even though the Jazz lost by four points to the Suns on Wednesday, Jerry Sloan has to be confident that his team will bounce back tonight considering the final statistics. The Jazz shot 45 percent from the field, while Phoenix shot 55 percent. Also, Utah was a dreadful 16-of-27 (59%) from the free throw line, which is disgusting for a NBA club.
This will be the fourth and final meeting of the season. The Suns have won two of three, but Utah is 2-1 ATS. The Jazz have covered five straight in this series prior to Wednesday’s loss as 3 ½-point road underdogs. The numbers have been rising, yet the ‘over’ has cashed in four straight in this series.
Memphis at Portland: Certainly a mismatch on paper and the oddsmakers agree, installing the Trail Blazers as healthy favorites over the Grizzlies tonight. Portland has been a solid bet at home this year, both SU (29-7) and ATS (22-14). On the other end of the court are the Grizzlies, who are 5-29 SU and 15-18 ATS on the road this year.
The Blazers have covered five of their last six, while the Grizzlies are mired in a 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS skid. Portland is 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings against Memphis, including a pair of victories (1-1 ATS) this year. To make matters worse, Memphis is facing a back-to-back spot tonight and the team is 2-16 SU and 7-11 ATS in these situations.
Portland has decided to run more at home recently, evidenced by its 129-spot posted against Phoenix on Thursday. Some would expect more of the same tonight, which could translate into an ‘over’ play. However, the Grizzlies have scored 84, 87 and 82 points in their last three.
This late-night battle tips at 10:05 p.m. EDT and NBATV will provide national coverage.
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, March 28
Phoenix at Utah (9 p.m. EDT). Phoenix, coming off a loss in Portland on Thursday night that snapped its six-game winning streak, is ninth in the Western Conference—three games behind eighth-place Dallas and 4 1/2 behind seventh-place Utah.
STARS
Friday
— Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets, made a go-ahead layup with 12.2 seconds left, then added a free throw in the final seconds to cap a 43-point performance that lifted Denver to a 103-101 victory over Dallas.
— Pau Gasol, Lakers, had a season-high 36 points and 11 rebounds, and Los Angeles clinched the top spot in the Western Conference with a 103-95 victory over New Jersey.
— Marc Gasol, Grizzlies, scored 27 points and Memphis won in Sacramento for the first time in 11 years, defeating the Kings 113-95.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 25 points to lead Cleveland to its 11th straight victory with a 107-85 win over Minnesota.
— Chris Bosh and Shawn Marion, Raptors. Bosh had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Marion added 20 points and 11 rebounds as Toronto cruised to a 112-96 victory over Oklahoma City.
STREAKS
Cleveland beat Minnesota 107-85 on Friday night for its 11th consecutive victory, tying a franchise record for consecutive wins in a season. … Orlando beat Milwaukee 110-94 for its fifth straight win and 12th in 14 games to stay percentage points ahead of Boston for the Eastern Conference’s second seed. … New York snapped a six-game losing streak with a 103-93 victory over the New Orleans Hornets, who were hit with two technicals and an ejection in the fourth quarter.
LONG TIME COMING
Marc Gasol scored 27 points and the Grizzlies won in Sacramento for the first time in 11 years, defeating the Kings 113-95 on Friday night. Memphis snapped a 20-game losing streak at Arco Arena, with its only victory there coming in the final game of the 1997-98 season, when the franchise was in Vancouver.
DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
Kobe Bryant sprained his right ankle late in the first half in a collision with New Jersey’s Devin Harris on a drive to the basket during Los Angeles’ 103-95 win Friday night. Bryant lay on the court for about a minute before limping off to the locker room. He started the second half and scored 12 of his 14 points after halftime as the Lakers won their fifth straight and clinched the top seed in the Western Conference.
SCORING WOES
Philadelphia scored a season-low 10 second-quarter points in 100-95 loss to Charlotte on Friday night. The 76ers’ lowest quarter output was eight in the fourth quarter against New Jersey on Jan. 31 at the Wachovia Center in an 85-83 loss.
SIDELINED
A lower-back injury kept Jason Kidd out of Dallas’ lineup for the first time after playing 100 straight games since being acquired last year. With Josh Howard also out because of a sprained ankle, the Mavericks made only 35 percent of their shots in a 103-101 defeat to Denver and lost at home for the first time since the All-Star break, ending a nine-game win streak. … Baron Davis sat out the Los Angeles Clippers’ 111-98 loss at San Antonio with a stomach flu, while Marcus Camby sprained an ankle early in the first quarter and is expected to miss the next one to two weeks.
BIG THREE IN BUSINESS
Reuniting Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili for the first time since the All-Star break, the San Antonio Spurs celebrated with an easy 111-98 romp over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Parker had 18 points and Ginobili had 14 before they and Duncan, who had 13, kicked back for most of the fourth quarter.
ZEN MASTER
Phil Jackson coached in his franchise-record 728th game with the Los Angeles Lakers, passing Pat Riley with a 103-95 victory at New Jersey on Friday night.
SURGING RAPTORS
Toronto used a 17-2 scoring spurt to take a big lead in the first quarter before cruising to a 112-96 victory over Oklahoma City on Friday night. The Raptors, who led by 25, avenged a 91-83 road loss to the 2-24 Thunder on Dec. 19.
BIG BABY BACKUP
Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who moved into the starting lineup when Kevin Garnett was held out with a sore knee, had 19 points and matched his career high with 12 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics past the Atlanta Hawks 99-93 on Friday night.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
David West scored 29 points and Chris Paul had 22 points and 10 assists for New Orleans, which lost 103-93 at New York on Friday night. … Kevin Martin scored 31 points for the Sacramento Kings, who have dropped seven of eight following a 113-95 loss to Memphis.
SPEAKING
“It was borderline dirty. That’s not part of the game. Hard fouls are a part of the game. That was a little bit overboard.”—Cleveland’s LeBron James after taking a hard foul to the face from Minnesota’s Jason Collins in the Cavaliers’ 107-85 win Friday night.
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Pacers had 23 points in the final quarter and snuck past the Heat 90-88 on Wednesday, as a pick'em. The combined 178 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.
Danny Granger led the Pacers with 28 points and four rebounds, while Jeff Foster dished out 16 assists.
Six players reached double-figures as the Bulls defeated the Heat 106-87 on Thursday. The Bulls covered the 5.5-point spread, while the 193 points went UNDER the posted total of 202.
John Salmons led the way for the Bulls with 27 points, and Ben Gordon chipped in with 18 points.
Current streak:
Indiana has won 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 30-42 SU, 37-33-2 ATS
Chicago: 35-38 SU, 38-34-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 3-7
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Chicago
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Chicago is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to Washington, Sunday, March 29
Chicago at Toronto, Sunday, March 29
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Knicks scored 35 points in the third quarter and came back to defeat the Hornets 103-93 on Friday, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 196 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Al Harrington had 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the win, while David Lee had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bobcats were outplayed in the final quarter, but managed to pull out a 100-95 victory over the 76ers on Friday. The Bobcats won the game as a 4.5-point underdog, and the 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.
Boris Diaw had 24 points and dished out six assists, while Raymond Felton added 20 in that win.
Team records:
New York: 29-43 SU, 41-30-1 ATS
Charlotte: 32-40 SU, 43-29 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing LA Lakers are 1-8
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 8 games at home
Charlotte is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
Charlotte is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at Utah, Monday, March 30
Charlotte home to LA Lakers, Tuesday, March 31
Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards
The Pistons lost 92-77 to the Lakers last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs. That game's 169 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 194.
Will Bynum had 25 points and dished out 11 assists in a losing effort.
The Wizards held the Bobcats to just 14 points in the third quarter and managed to pull out a 95-93 victory as 6.5-point underdogs on Wednesday. The Wizards won the game as a 6.5-point underdog, while the 188 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.5.
Antawn Jamison had 27 points and eight rebounds to lead the way, and Nick Young added 23 points in the win.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 34-37 SU, 30-41 ATS
Washington: 17-56 SU, 27-44-2 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games
Detroit is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Detroit home to Philadelphia, Sunday, March 29
Washington at Indiana, Sunday, March 29
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat
The Bucks were defeated 110-94 by the Magic last time out, as 12-point underdogs. That game's 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.
Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell each had 19 points in the loss.
The Heat lost 106-87 to the Bulls last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. That game's 193 points went UNDER the posted total of 202.
Dwyane Wade tossed in a game-high 31 points to go with five rebounds.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 4 straight games.
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 31-42 SU, 36-35-2 ATS
Miami: 38-34 SU, 34-37-1 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Orlando are 1-9
After a loss are 3-7
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Milwaukee's last 25 games when playing Miami
Milwaukee is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Miami
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Milwaukee is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Miami
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games at home
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Next up:
Milwaukee at New Jersey, Monday, March 30
Miami home to Orlando, Monday, March 30
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
The Clippers were dumped 111-98 by the Spurs last time out, as 12-point road underdogs. The 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 193.
Mike Taylor had 23 points, and Eric Gordon added 18 in the loss.
Aaron Brooks scored 20 points to lead Houston in its 99-86 loss to Utah on Tuesday night.
Utah covered as 5-point home favorites as the game played under the 195-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-55 SU, 29-44 ATS
Houston: 47-26 SU, 35-37-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
Houston is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Houston is 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers home to New Orleans, Wednesday, April 1
Houston at Phoenix, Wednesday, April 1
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
The Clippers were dumped 111-98 by the Spurs last time out, as 12-point road underdogs. The 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 193.
Mike Taylor had 23 points, and Eric Gordon added 18 in the loss.
Aaron Brooks scored 20 points to lead Houston in its 99-86 loss to Utah on Tuesday night.
Utah covered as 5-point home favorites as the game played under the 195-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-55 SU, 29-44 ATS
Houston: 47-26 SU, 35-37-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
Houston is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Houston is 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers home to New Orleans, Wednesday, April 1
Houston at Phoenix, Wednesday, April 1
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets
The Warriors were defeated 128-106 by the Mavericks last time out, as 9.5-point underdogs. The 234 points made it OVER the posted total of 225.
Anthony Morrow netted 29 points from 10-for-11 shooting in the loss.
Carmelo Anthony dropped a game-high 43 points as the Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 103-101 on Friday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 204 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Anthony finished with 11 rebounds for a double-double, and J.R. Smith had 22 points in the win.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 3 straight games.
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 25-47 SU, 35-36-1 ATS
Denver: 47-26 SU, 40-32-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Golden State's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Golden State's last 13 games on the road
Golden State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State home to Memphis, Monday, March 30
Denver home to New York, Tuesday, March 31
Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz
The Suns were crushed 129-109 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 6.5-point road underdogs. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 221.
Shaquille O'Neal had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.
The Jazz were defeated 118-114 by the Suns last time out, as 3-point road underdogs. That game's 232 points made it OVER the posted total of 228.5.
Deron Williams netted 25 points and dished out 10 assists in a losing effort.
Team records:
Phoenix: 40-32 SU, 30-41-1 ATS
Utah: 44-27 SU, 37-34 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 8-2
After playing Portland are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Utah
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Next up:
Phoenix at Sacramento, Sunday, March 29
Utah home to New York, Monday, March 30
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Marc Gasol dropped 27 points and hauled in five rebounds as the Grizzlies defeated the Kings 113-95 on Friday, as 3-point underdogs. The combined score went as a PUSH against the posted total of 208.
Rudy Gay added 23 points for the Grizzlies, and Mike Conley added 20 in the win.
LaMarcus Aldridge tossed in 29 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double on Thursday, leading the Trail Blazers to a 129-109 rout of the Suns. The Trail Blazers covered the 6.5-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 221.
Brandon Roy added 26 points and nine rebounds, while Rudy Fernandez collected 23 points in this contest.
Team records:
Memphis: 18-53 SU, 31-39-1 ATS
Portland: 45-27 SU, 38-34 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Golden State are 2-8
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Memphis's last 22 games when playing Portland
Memphis is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Portland
Memphis is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Portland is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Memphis at Golden State, Monday, March 30
Portland home to Utah, Tuesday, March 31
INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
Indiana is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Chicago
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
DETROIT vs. WASHINGTON
Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
NEW YORK vs. CHARLOTTE
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Charlotte is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing New York
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI
Milwaukee is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Miami
Milwaukee is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Miami
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
LA CLIPPERS vs. HOUSTON
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
Golden State is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Denver is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Golden State
PHOENIX vs. UTAH
Phoenix is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games at home
INDIANA (30 - 42) at CHICAGO (35 - 38)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (34 - 37) at WASHINGTON (17 - 56)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-5 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (29 - 43) at CHARLOTTE (32 - 40)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 50-72 ATS (-29.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 41-30 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games this season.
NEW YORK is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW YORK is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 29-19 ATS (+8.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 6-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (31 - 42) at MIAMI (38 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in March games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 80-115 ATS (-46.5 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MIAMI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MIAMI is 66-86 ATS (-28.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 33-52 ATS (-24.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 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 5-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (18 - 55) at HOUSTON (47 - 26)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE (25 - 47) at DENVER (47 - 26)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-3 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (40 - 32) at UTAH (44 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 30-41 ATS (-15.1 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 51-30 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 47-33 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (18 - 53) at PORTLAND (45 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 31-39 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 52-67 ATS (-21.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 49-64 ATS (-21.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.
MEMPHIS is 69-45 ATS (+19.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA at CHICAGO
INDIANA: 15-32 ATS off BB ATS wins
CHICAGO: 10-2 ATS at home 2nd half of season
DETROIT at WASHINGTON
DETROIT: 2-8 ATS after scoring 80 pts or less
WASHINGTON: 5-2 ATS playing with 2 days rest
NEW YORK at CHARLOTTE
NEW YORK: 20-11 ATS as road underdog
CHARLOTTE: 28-19 Under if Underdog last game
MILWAUKEE at MIAMI
MILWAUKEE: 1-10 ATS in March
MIAMI: 7-0 Over at home on Saturday
LA CLIPPERS at HOUSTON
LA CLIPPERS: 13-5 Over playing on back-to-back days
HOUSTON: 25-11 ATS at home off ATS loss
GOLDEN STATE at DENVER
GOLDEN STATE: 5-1 ATS off loss by 20+ points
DENVER: 1-6 ATS off 3+ ATS wins
PHOENIX at UTAH
PHOENIX: 0-11 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
UTAH: 10-2 Over after allowing 110+ points
MEMPHIS at PORTLAND
MEMPHIS: 3-13 ATS vs. Northwest Division
PORTLAND: 18-8 ATS off DD home win
NBA Saturday Research
By Indiancowboy
Indiana vs. Chicago
Daniels and Murphy are both out for Indiana and Thomas is questionable. Indiana beat this team by 7 at home earlier this year and Chicago beat this team by 10 before that; they have been hit with injuries; they still have Granger who is getting it done for them; Indiana has played the under in 7 straight contests, the bulls just rolled over the Heat and Pistons and are 4-1 ATS at home of late, a lean on the Bulls as the Pacers have been a bit lax on the road losing by 23 to Toronto and 14 to Atlanta. Bulls are playing well right now at home, so lean on the Bulls as the Pacers have lots averages by double-digits on the road in their last 2 games.
New York vs. Charlotte
Robinson is probable. Charlotte beat this team by 9 on the road, and prior to that NY had won by 4 on the road and 3 at home - so NY getting 7 points is significant here. NY comes off a big win over the Hornets and has played 7 of 8 unders of late; Charlotte comes off a big win at Philly; I lean on the Knicks here slightly with revenge - Charlotte has played the under in 4 of their last 5 games.
Milwaukee vs. Miami
Miami beat this team by 3 on the road; these two teams have split the season series currently; Milwaukee is struggling losing 9 of 10 ATS spreads of late, they do have some revenge coming into this game here, Miami comes off losses to Chicago and Indiana and did cover a similar -8.5 against Memphis at home in their most recent home game. A small lean on the Heat as Ridnour is doubtful as well but in a lower scoring game, tough to lay a bit more points and the Bucks at some will make a decent game on the road against someone.
Memphis vs. Portland
Memphis had a great game against Sac and got revenge; now, they are getting 12.5 against a Portland team that has been playing well and just crushed phoenix; but, this is a big net for a memphis team that is beginning to play a bit better and get a bit healthy; I think Memphis likely stays inside the number here as it will be tough for portland to duplicate what they did against phoenix and "get-up" for this game.
Phoenix vs. Utah
Utah comes off a loss to Phoenix and has had some time to rest; Utah has quite a bit of revenge, did beat the Rockets by double-digits, Phoenix comes off a bad loss at Portland though and they desperately need this game, nevertheless, a lean on Utah off a loss + revenge.