NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Sunday, April 12
Philadelphia at Toronto (6 p.m. EDT). Still hoping to finish fifth in the Eastern Conference but suddenly in danger of tumbling all the way to eighth, the sixth-place 76ers bring a four-game losing streak to Toronto.
STARS
Friday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 27 points and 10 assists, and Cleveland beat the 76ers 102-92.
— Paul Pierce, Celtics, scored 21 of his 28 points in the second half, including the go-ahead free throws with 97 seconds left to lead Boston to a 105-98 victory over Miami.
— Josh Smith, Hawks, scored 30 points to help Atlanta clinch the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 122-118 victory over Indiana.
— Caron Butler, Wizards, made a jumper at the buzzer to give Washington a 100-98 victory over Toronto. He finished with 21 points.
— Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, each scored 25 points and Dallas held off a late rally for a 100-92 victory over New Orleans that ties the teams for the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
— Tony Parker, Spurs, scored 31 points and San Antonio shook off their funk long enough to bury the Jazz further back in the playoff race with a 105-99 victory.
— Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers, had 24 points and eight assists, and Portland held off the Lakers 106-98.
KINGS OF THE EAST
The Cavaliers beat the 76ers 102-92 to clinch the No. 1 playoff seed and home-court advantage in the conference. No team has played better at home this season than the Cavs. They’re 38-1 at Quicken Loans Arena, with the only loss coming against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 8.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Chris Paul had 42 points, one shy of his career high, with nine rebounds and seven assists, but New Orleans los to Dallas 100-92. … Miami’s Dwyane Wade scored 21 of his 31 points in the second half, adding nine assists, in a 105-98 loss to Boston. … Dwight Howard had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Orlando in a 105-95 loss to New York. … Chris Bosh had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto in a 100-98 loss to Washington.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The Hawks earned home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a 122-118 win over Indiana. The Hawks won their third straight, all against sub-.500 teams, and are assured of home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since winning a best-of-five series against Detroit in 1999.
SNEAKINIG IN
Detroit beat New Jersey 100-93 to improve to 39-40 and clinch its eighth straight playoff trip. But the Pistons still needs two wins in their final three games to finish with a .500 record.
STAY AWAY
Oklahoma City had its eighth straight sellout and its 18th of the season, an 84-81 victory over Charlotte. The Thunder went 3-15 in those games.
SNAPPED
The Memphis Grizzlies ended a 10-game losing streak against the Phoenix Suns with a 106-89 victory. … The Los Angeles Clippers halted a six-game skid with a 109-78 victory over Sacramento.
SPEAKING
“Words cannot describe how I feel. Even last year, making the playoffs, people were counting us out, saying we weren’t even going to even make the playoffs this year, but we proved them wrong.”—Atlanta’s Josh Smith on the Hawks’ clinching the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 122-118 victory over Indiana. Smith is the only holdover from a team that managed just 13 wins in 2004-05.
Playoff Update
By Chris David
Leave it to the NBA to take away the late season drama. The 30-team league hands out 16 playoff spots and it seems like you’re always going to have at least one tight race toward the end of the season, but that’s not the case this year.
With five days of regular season action remaining, all 16 of the playoff spots have been sealed up. Even though we know who’s going to be dancing, only a few of the actual seeds are set in stone.
The Lakers (63-17) and the Cavaliers (64-15) are the No. 1 seeds in the Western and Eastern Conference respectively, but the two are still fighting for home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. The Cavs finish the year with two of three at home, while the Lakers close at Staples Centers versus the Grizzlies and Jazz. If Cleveland wins out, it will clinch. If the two teams end in a tie, the road to the finals will go through Los Angeles.
A couple teams are on the brink, including the Nuggets. Denver (53-27) sits in the No. 2 spot out West and controls its own destiny with a home game versus Sacramento on Monday and a road battle against Portland on Wednesday.
Houston (52-28) is one-game behind Denver and has two games (New Orleans, @ Dallas) to close the season. The Rockets need to win out and hope the Nuggets split to capture the second seed.
The Trail Blazers (51-28) and Spurs (51-28) both have an extra game left on their dockets but they’ll both need to win out and get a lot of help. Plus the Nuggets own tiebreakers against each club.
If you want to make a case for some intrigue in the last week, then look no further than the bottom three seeds in the West. Dallas (48-31) and New Orleans (48-31) are tied for the sixth seed, while Utah (47-32) is sitting in the eighth and final position.
The Mavericks just stopped the Hornets 100-92 at home on Friday and the two finish a home-and-home set on Sunday from the Big Easy. After this preliminary playoff battle, Dallas closes the year with two games at home, while the Hornets take to the road for their remaining two.
If the Jazz want to avoid a daunting first-round matchup against the L.A. Lakers, then they’ll need to win their next two at home. Fortunately, Jerry Sloan’s team faces the Warriors and Clippers at Salt Lake City before a finale at Staples Center against the aforementioned Lakers. Most would expect Los Angeles to rest its starters for this one, unless they still have a shot at home-court (see above).
Along with Cleveland in the East, the Hawks are the only other team that cannot move up or down. Atlanta is penciled into the No. 4 spot, which is an improvement off last year’s performance as an eighth seed. Right now, the Hawks would meet Miami in the 4/5 matchup of the first-round. However, the 76ers have a chance to steal the fifth seed but the schedule is tough. Philadelphia visits the Raptors on Sunday, before hosting the Celtics on Tuesday and then traveling to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. At least they’ll be playoff ready, right?
Detroit clinched a playoff berth on Friday after it defeated New Jersey 100-93 from The Palace. The Pistons are now tied with the Bulls for the seventh seed in the East. Chicago has won two of the three meetings against Detroit this year, but the two clash again on Monday.
Either way you look at it, one club will face Cleveland and the other Boston, if the Celtics hold on and capture the second seed from Orlando. It seems likely that Doc Rivers’ troops will get the job done, especially with a two-game lead over the Magic and only three games left on their schedule.
Like any professional sport, it’s hard to handicap the final weeks since you never know who’s going to show up or who will play out the string.
A perfect example came on Friday with Phoenix, who played backups for the majority of the time in its 106-89 loss to Memphis. And who would’ve predicted that the Grizzlies close the season with an eye opening 5-2 straight up and 7-0 against the spread run? If you believe in backing young teams that are looking to build on something, then Memphis should be on your radar the final week.
If you’re only looking to wager on games that have serious meaning this weekend, then circle these contests over the next couple days.
Saturday (4/11)
Golden State at Utah: Must-win for the Jazz and the oddsmakers know it too…
Portland at L.A. Clippers: The Trail Blazers have a shot for home-court in the first-round.
Sunday (4/12)
Dallas at New Orleans: Winner is set up nicely for the sixth spot.
Boston at Cleveland: A nice barometer for both teams heading into the postseason.
Memphis at L.A. Lakers: If the Cavs lose earlier, the Lakers need to win out for home-court.
vegasinsider.com
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
The Pistons were outscored in the fourth quarter, but managed to defeat the Nets 100-93 on Friday. The Pistons failed to cover the 8-point spread, but the 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Rasheed Wallace shot 6-for-10 from the field with 15 points and four rebounds for the Pistons, and Will Bynum added a team-high 20 points.
The Pacers were defeated 122-118 by the Hawks on Friday, as 5.5-point underdogs on the road. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 212.5.
Danny Granger netted a game-high 35 points to lead the Pacers.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 39-40 SU, 34-44-1 ATS
Indiana: 34-45 SU, 41-35-3 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Detroit is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Chicago, Monday, April 13
Indiana home to Cleveland, Monday, April 13
Orlando Magic vs. New Jersey Nets
The Magic were upset 105-95 by the Knicks last time out, as 11-point favorites at home. The 200 points fell UNDER the posted total of 210.5.
Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic with 24 points and nine rebounds.
Ryan Anderson led the Nets with 20 points and four rebounds in their 100-93 loss to the Nets last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 193 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 58-21 SU, 48-30-1 ATS
New Jersey: 32-47 SU, 40-37-2 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing New York are 5-5
After a loss are 10-0
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing New Jersey
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games on the road
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
New Jersey is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Next up:
Orlando at Milwaukee, Monday, April 13
New Jersey home to Charlotte, Monday, April 13
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Suns were upset 106-89 by the Grizzlies last time out, as 2.5-point favorites on the road. That game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 227.
Louis Amundson had 13 points and nine rebounds, while Jason Richardson also had 13 points in the loss.
Kevin Love netted 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double on Wednesday, helping the Timberwolves defeat the Warriors 105-97. The Timberwolves won the game as a 6-point underdog, while the 202 points fell UNDER the posted total of 223.5.
Sebastian Telfair poured in as team-high 21 points, and Anthony Randolph had 11 rebounds in that win.
Current streak:
Minnesota has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 43-36 SU, 34-44-1 ATS
Minnesota: 24-55 SU, 36-41-2 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Phoenix is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Minnesota
Phoenix is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games at home
Minnesota is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix home to Memphis, Monday, April 13
Minnesota at Dallas, Monday, April 13
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Chicago Bulls
The Bobcats were defeated 84-81 by the Thunder last time out, as 3-point favorites. That game's 165 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
D.J. Augustin tossed in 20 points with three rebounds and three assists in the loss.
The Bulls dominated the second half and cruised to a 113-99 victory over the 76ers on Thursday. The Bulls covered the 6-point spread, while the 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 205.
Ben Gordon tossed in 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the way, and Tyrus Thomas also had 24 points in that win.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 35-44 SU, 46-33 ATS
Chicago: 39-40 SU, 41-37-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-6
After a loss are 4-6
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Chicago
Charlotte is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Chicago is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte at New Jersey, Monday, April 13
Chicago at Detroit, Monday, April 13
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Thunder got out to an early lead and slipped past the Bobcats 84-81 on Friday, as 3-point underdogs. The 165 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Kevin Durant netted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Nenad Krstic had 19 points and nine rebounds in the win.
The Bucks fell 113-105 to the Hawks last time out, as a pick'em. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 197.
Keith Boggans collected 22 points and five rebounds for the Bucks, while Richard Jefferson finished with 19 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 22-57 SU, 44-34-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 32-47 SU, 38-39-2 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 5-4
After a win are 4-6
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Orlando are 2-8
After playing Atlanta are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Oklahoma City is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oklahoma City's last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City at Portland, Monday, April 13
Milwaukee home to Orlando, Monday, April 13
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz
The Warriors were defeated 113-109 by the Rockets last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.
Kelenna Azubuike netted a game-high 32 points in the loss for the the Warriors.
The Jazz were defeated 105-99 by the Spurs last time out, as 2-point favorites. The 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Deron Williams had 25 points with four rebounds and 10 assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 2 straight games.
Utah has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 28-51 SU, 38-40-1 ATS
Utah: 47-32 SU, 38-41 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing San Antonio are 3-7
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 9-1
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 15 games on the road
Golden State is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Golden State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Utah
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
Utah is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
Next up:
Golden State home to San Antonio, Monday, April 13
Utah home to LA Clippers, Monday, April 13
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Brandon Roy dropped 24 points and dished out eight assists to help lead the Trail Blazers to a 106-98 victory over the Lakers on Friday. The Trail Blazers covered the 1.5-point spread, and the combined 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.
Steve Blake and LaMarcus Aldridge each had 16 points in that win.
Brian Skinner netted 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, as the Clippers defeated the Kings 109-78 on Friday. The Clippers covered the 4-point spread, while the 187 points fell well UNDER the posted over/under (217).
Eric Gordon had 20 points and four rebounds for the Clippers. Chris Kaman netted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Current streak:
Portland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 51-28 SU, 43-36 ATS
Los Angeles: 19-60 SU, 31-48 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Portland is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 9 games when playing Portland
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Portland
LA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games at home
Next up:
Portland home to Oklahoma City, Monday, April 13
LA Clippers at Utah, Monday, April 13
DETROIT vs. INDIANA
Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Indiana is 6-13-2 ATS in its last 21 games when playing at home against Detroit
Indiana is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Detroit
ORLANDO vs. NEW JERSEY
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
PHOENIX vs. MINNESOTA
Phoenix is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Phoenix
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
CHARLOTTE vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Chicago
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
Chicago is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MILWAUKEE
Oklahoma City is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oklahoma City's last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
GOLDEN STATE vs. UTAH
Golden State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 15 games on the road
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
PORTLAND vs. LA CLIPPERS
Portland is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Portland is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games at home
LA Clippers are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
DETROIT (39 - 40) at INDIANA (34 - 45)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-5 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (58 - 21) at NEW JERSEY (32 - 47)
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 37-27 ATS (+7.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 52-33 ATS (+15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 28-49 ATS (-25.9 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-3 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (43 - 36) at MINNESOTA (24 - 55)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 34-44 ATS (-14.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games this season.
PHOENIX is 193-238 ATS (-68.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 106-132 ATS (-39.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-17 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (22 - 57) at MILWAUKEE (32 - 47)
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 43-34 ATS (+5.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 80-117 ATS (-48.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 147-188 ATS (-59.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 46-70 ATS (-31.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (35 - 44) at CHICAGO (39 - 40)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Saturday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Detroit vs. Indiana
Detroit comes off a win yesterday over NY, has won 3 straight contests, Indiana beat this team in OT earlier this year though at home, so this is a revenge game for Detroit, there is no line yet, but with Indiana coming off the road loss to Atlanta yesterday, I lean on the Pacers and the over here.
Orlando vs. New Jersey
Orlando comes off a loss to NY at home, the Magic have lost 3 straight covers, they have also played in 4 straight unders, Magic beat this team by just 3 at home last time, NJ comes off a loss to Det and Boston on the road, no lean on the side despite public heavily on Magic off a loss, but a lean on the under as Magic play defense off a loss moer than usual.
Phoenix vs. Minnesota
Minny beat this team by a bucket on the road earlier this year, Suns off a loss, revenge game for them, Gentry will not let this team pack it in so to speak, as his future coaching gig is on the line, consequently, suns have not lost back to back covers in 10 games, but neither have the Twolves who come off winning at GS and the Clippers on the road. Both teams are beginning to trend under, a small lean on the Under but the Suns with revenge and off a loss, so no lean.
Charlotte vs. Chicago
Charlotte beat this team by 16 earlier this year, and has actually beat this team both times this year, tough to beat a team trice though, Bulls need this game to go to the playoffs, Bell is Doubtful, Charotte comes off a tough loss, Vinny has this team playing well, I don't see a line here, but a lean on the Bulls.
Portland vs. L.A. Clippers
Portland beat this team by 29 last time, and 25 points the time before, Nate has this team playing well as they head into the postseason, this team has covered 6 of 8 and won 8 of 10 SU, Clippers have played 3 straight unders, are 32-47 ATS on the year, did beat Sac at home and have big revenge here, no line yet, but no lean either way.
NBA Injuries/Notes
Orlando: Pietrus is Questionable for this game.
Minnesota: Foye is OUT.
Charlotte: Bell is Doubtful and Chicago clinches playoff spot with win Tonight
Golden State: Ellis is Questionable
Utah: Miles is Questionable
Clippers: Randolph is Questionable, Kaman, Camby, Thornton are all OUT
DETROIT at INDIANA
DETROIT: 3-6 ATS on Saturday
INDIANA: 20-8 ATS off a road loss
ORLANDO at NEW JERSEY
ORLANDO: 12-2 ATS AWAY when the total is between 190 and 199.5
NEW JERSEY: 28-49 ATS as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6
PHOENIX at MINNESOTA
PHOENIX: 16-4 ATS off an loss as a road favorite
MINNESOTA: 7-21 ATS as a home underdog
OKLAHOMA CITY at MILWAUKEE
OKLAHOMA CITY: 39-26 ATS as an underdog
MILWAUKEE: 7-18 ATS in April
CHARLOTTE at CHICAGO
CHARLOTTE: 10-2 ATS after having lost 4 of their last 5
CHICAGO: 6-18 ATS after 3+ consecutive wins
GOLDEN STATE at UTAH
GOLDEN STATE: 22-13 ATS revenging a same season loss
UTAH: 5-14 ATS when playing on BB days
PORTLAND at LA CLIPPERS
PORTLAND: 8-14 ATS as a road underdog
LA CLIPPERS: 10-4 OVER on Saturday
Tips and Trends
Orlando Magic at New Jersey Nets
Magic (-5.5, O/U 196.5): The Magic have lost three of six to drop two games behind Boston for the #2 seed in the East. Orlando was averaging 102.2 points after a 116-87 victory over Cleveland on April 3, but has scored just 86.8 points over their last four. “We’re playing awful basketball,” Coach Stan Van Gundy said. “There’s not going to be anything magical happening at the start of the playoffs. I’ve never been a big flip the switch guy. But that’s what our guys are trying to do now. If we play the way we did these last two home games, there’s not a team in the league we can win a series against."
The Favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (16.7 ppg, missed the last 32 games) is OUT for the season.
PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Nets: The Nets’ last five games have come against Eastern playoff teams, and they’ve won both games at home and dropped all three on the road. Their latest setback came Friday night in Detroit, when Devin Harris scored just one point in 20 minutes before leaving with a shoulder injury in the third quarter of the 100-93 loss. Harris' status for Saturday’s game is uncertain. New Jersey will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak to the Magic. The Nets lost their last two at home in this series by an average of 17.5 points.
The Nets are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference foes.
The Under is 6-1 in the Nets' last 7 home games..
Key Injuries - G Devin Harris (21.5 ppg, 6.9 apg) is DOUBTFUL (shoulder).
PROJECTED SCORE: 94