Saturday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
The NBA regular season has begun its stretch run, with some teams hoping to improve their playoff standings and others playing out the string. There are a couple of interesting matchup on Saturday’s schedule involving Eastern Conference playoff teams.
Philadelphia hosts Detroit featuring a pair of teams hoping to improve its standings before the postseason arrives. The Sixers are currently the East’s fifth seed, which is the first seed that does not have homecourt advantage. Detroit is the East’s seventh seed, but there are enough teams right behind the Pistons that could still knock them out of the playoffs.
Another interesting matchup pits Orlando and Atlanta, with both teams playing on back-to-back nights. The Magic can do no worse than the East’s third seed, while Atlanta seems pretty secure with the fourth seed. Now let’s take a closer look at these contests along with the Memphis-Milwaukee matchup.
**Pistons at 76ers**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Philadelphia as a 4 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Detroit, with the total set at 189. ESPN will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 3:05 p.m. ET. This game has since been taken ‘off the board’ due to various injuries.
-Detroit guard Allen Iverson (back) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, while forward Rasheed Wallace is ‘probable’ versus the Sixers. Philadelphia forward Thaddeus Young is ‘out,’ while guard Andre Miller is ‘questionable.’
-Detroit (36-39 straight up, 32-43 against the spread) is currently mired in a two-game SU losing skid after Wednesday’s setback to New Jersey as a 1 ½-point road underdog, 111-98. The combined 209 points soared past the 187-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the past four outings. The Pistons had covered back-to-back outings before falling to the Nets.
-Detroit was outrebounded by New Jersey, 37-35, while shooting 47 percent (37-of-79) from the field. Guard Richard Hamilton led all scorers with 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting, while backcourt mate Rodney Stuckey added 16 and seven rebounds.
-The Pistons are 17-20 SU and 20-17 ATS on the road, dropping those affairs by an average score of 95-93. Detroit concludes a three-game homestand with this contest.
-Philadelphia (39-35 SU, 34-39 ATS) has won back-to-back games SU and ATS after Thursday’s victory over Milwaukee as a 7 ½-point home favorite, 105-95. The combined 200 points eclipsed the 198-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to improve to 3-1 the previous four outings.
-The Sixers dominated the boards, 44-28, while connecting at t 51-percent clip (35-of-69) from the field. Guard Lou Williams paced the offense with 21 points, while forward Andre Iguodala added 20.
-Philadelphia is 23-15 SU and 17-20 ATS on its home court, with the ‘under’ going 22-15. The Sixers conclude a three-game homestand with this contest before embarking on a three-game road trip.
-Detroit is 4-1 SU and ATS the previous five meetings with Philadelphia after winning the last encounter March 29 as a two-point home favorite, 101-97. The combined 198 points went ‘over’ the 184 ½-point closing total, ending a 4-0-1 ‘under’ string in this series.
**Magic at Hawks**
-LVSC opened Orlando as a 1 ½-point road favorite over Atlanta, with the total listed at 193. This game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Orlando (55-19 SU, 46-27 ATS) was riding a six-game SU winning streak before Wednesday’s setback to Toronto. The Magic are playing on back-to-back nights after their Friday-night matchup with Cleveland.
-Orlando maintains a stellar 26-11 SU and 25-11 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 20-16. The Magic have been winning those affairs by an average score of 102-98. Orlando concludes its two-game road trip with Tuesday’s game at Houston.
-Atlanta (43-32 SU, 41-32 ATS) is also playing on back-to-back nights after Friday’s matchup at Boston.
-The Hawks have this home game against Orlando sandwiched in between four road games. Atlanta is 29-9 SU and 22-15 at home, with the ‘under’ going 21-17. The Hawks have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 99-93.
-Orlando has won the last two meetings with Atlanta SU and ATS after routing the Hawks January 9 as a 5 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 121-87. The combined 206 points soared past the 192-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the last four games in this series.
-Atlanta guard Acie Law (back) is ‘questionable’ versus the Magic.
**Grizzlies at Bucks**
-LVSC lists Milwaukee as a five-point home ‘chalk’ over Memphis, with the total set at 199. This contest is scheduled to start at 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Memphis (20-54 SU, 33-40 ATS) is playing on back-to-back nights after Friday’s home matchup with Dallas.
-The Grizzlies have struggled to a 7-30 SU and 17-19 ATS road record, dropping those matchups by an average score of 100-93. Memphis follows this game by hosting Portland.
-Milwaukee (32-45 SU, 39-37 ATS) is just 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS its last five games after Thursday’s setback to Philadelphia as a 7 ½-point road underdog, 105-95. The ‘under’ had cashed three consecutive contests before going ‘over’ in that loss to the Sixers.
-The Bucks shot 47 percent (35-of-75) from the field, but just 29 percent (4-of-14) from 3-point land. Six starters reached double digits in scoring, led by point guard Ramon Sessions who had 18 points and 10 assists.
-Milwaukee is 20-17 SU and 19-18 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going 20-17. The Bucks have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 102-100.
-Milwaukee is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS the last five meetings with Memphis, while the ‘over’ has gone 4-1. The Bucks beat the Grizzlies November 14 in overtime as a 4 ½-point home favorite, 101-96, while the combined 197 points eclipsed the 187 ½-point closing total.
-Memphis guard Marko Jaric (flu) is ‘questionable’ versus the Bucks. Milwaukee center Francisco Elson (hip) is ‘questionable’ against the Grizzlies.
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, April 4
Orlando at Atlanta (7 p.m. EDT). Orlando is coming off a 116-87 home win over Cleveland on Friday night.
STARS
Friday
— Jamal Crawford, Warriors, had 39 points in Golden State’s 111-103 win over New Orleans.
— LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers, had 35 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in Portland’s 107-102 victory in Oklahoma City.
— Dwyane Wade, Heat, had 27 points and 10 assists to help Miami clinch a playoff spot with a 97-92 win in Charlotte.
— Tony Parker, Spurs, had 31 points and 10 assists in San Antonio’s 126-121 victory in Indiana.
— Steve Nash, Suns, had 29 points and nine assists to help Phoenix beat Sacramento 139-111.
— Dwight Howard, Magic, had 20 points and 11 rebounds in Orlando’s 116-87 victory over Cleveland.
— Rudy Gay, Grizzlies, had 27 points and 10 rebounds in Memphis’ 107-102 win over Dallas.
— Rodney Carney scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with a minute left, to help Minnesota beat Utah 103-102.
— Pau Gasol, Lakers, had 23 points and 10 rebounds in Los Angeles’ 93-81 victory over Houston.
SIDELINED
Allen Iverson will miss the rest of the season—and the playoffs if Detroit qualifies—because of a sore back. Iverson missed 16 games from Feb. 27 to March 28. He returned for the past three games, averaging 7.7 points and 2.7 assists in nearly 19 minutes. He complained about his role as a reserve, saying he would rather retire than come off the bench next season. Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent, said Iverson’s health was the only factor in the decision.
STATS
The Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston 93-81 on Friday night to reach 60 wins for the 11th time in franchise history. They are 60-16.
STREAKS
Minnesota beat Utah 103-102 on Thursday night to snap a nine-game road skid and end Utah’s home winning streak at 15. … Phoenix has won seven straight at home.
STATUS
New York rookie Danilo Gallinari will have back surgery Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery in six to eight weeks. … Toronto signed guard Quincy Douby to a second 10-day contract Friday, and reassigned rookie Nathan Jawai to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League.
SPEAKING
“It’s embarrassing.”—LeBron James after Cleveland’s 116-97 blowout loss in Orlando on Friday night.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks
The Raptors extended their winning streak to five games with a 99-95 upset victory over the Magic on Wednesday, as 10-point underdogs. That game's 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.
Chris Bosh led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Jose Calderon added 21 in the win.
Reserve Nate Robinson dropped 30 points for New York in its 111-104 loss to Denver on Tuesday night.
Denver couldn't cover as 11.5-point favorites as the teams played under the 221-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 5 straight games.
New York has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 29-45 SU, 29-42-3 ATS
New York: 29-46 SU, 43-31-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New York's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Toronto
New York is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to New York, Sunday, April 5
New York at Toronto, Sunday, April 5
New Jersey Nets vs. Chicago Bulls
The Nets jumped out to an early lead and went on to defeat the Pistons 111-98 on Wednesday. The Nets covered the slight 1-point spread, while the 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 187.
Devin Harris had 19 points and dished out 11 assists, while Keyon Dooling netted a team-high 23 points.
Derrick Rose went for 24 points, 11 boards, and six assists for Chicago in its 107-105 loss to Indiana on Tuesday night.
Indiana covered as 1.5-point home favorites as the teams played under the 216-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 31-44 SU, 38-36-1 ATS
Chicago: 36-40 SU, 39-36-1 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 1-9
After playing Detroit are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games on the road
New Jersey is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing New Jersey
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to Philadelphia, Sunday, April 5
Chicago home to New York, Tuesday, April 7
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Richard Hamilton went for a game-high 29 points from 11-for-18 shooting in the Pistons 111-98 loss to the Nets last time out, as 1-point underdogs. The 209 points sailed OVER that game's posted total of 187.
The 76ers dominated the fourth quarter as they rallied to upend the Bucks 105-95 on Thursday. The 76ers covered the 7.5-point spread, and the 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.
Andre Miller tossed in 18 points to go with five rebounds, while dishing out 11 assists in the win.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Philadelphia has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 36-39 SU, 32-43 ATS
Philadelphia: 39-35 SU, 34-38-2 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing Charlotte are 8-2
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Detroit home to Charlotte, Sunday, April 5
Philadelphia at New Jersey, Sunday, April 5
Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards
The Heat dominated the fourth quarter and rallied for a 97-92 victory over the Bobcats on Friday, as 5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 183.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 27 points, while dishing out 10 assists. Daequan Cook added 16 points, and Michael Beasley had 14 in that win.
The Wizards ended the Cavaliers 13-game win streak with a 109-101 victory last time out, as 10-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 196.5.
LeBron James netted 31 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists.
Team records:
Miami: 40-36 SU, 37-38-1 ATS
Washington: 18-59 SU, 29-45-3 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 12-1-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Washington
Miami is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Washington
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Miami is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing at home against Miami
Next up:
Miami home to New Orleans, Tuesday, April 7
Washington at Cleveland, Wednesday, April 8
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Magic handed Cleveland a second straight loss with a 116-87 victory over the Cavaliers on Friday. The Magic covered the 4-point spread, while the 203 points sailed OVER the posted total of 187.
Dwight Howard led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double.
The Hawks were defeated 104-92 by the Celtics last time out, as 4.5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 187.5.
Mike Bibby dropped 20 points and dished out six assists for the Hawks, and Flip Murray had 21 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 56-19 SU, 47-27-1 ATS
Atlanta: 43-33 SU, 41-34-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Atlanta is 11-2-1 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games at home
Next up:
Orlando at Houston, Tuesday, April 7
Atlanta at Toronto, Tuesday, April 7
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Grizzlies came back in the fourth quarter and pulled off a 107-102 upset over the Mavericks, as 7.5-point underdogs on Friday. That game's 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.
Rudy Gay had a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Mike Conley chipped in with 25 points in the win.
The Bucks fell 105-95 to the 76ers last time out, as 7.5-point road underdogs. The 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.
Ramon Sessions had 18 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss for the Bucks.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 3 straight games.
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 21-54 SU, 34-40-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 32-45 SU, 38-37-2 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Portland, Tuesday, April 7
Milwaukee home to Atlanta, Wednesday, April 8
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
The Clippers fell 104-98 to the Hornets last time out, as 3-point underdogs at home. That game's 202 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Zach Randolph had a double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.
J.R. Smith poured in a game-high 28 points to help the Nuggets defeat the Jazz 114-104 on Thursday. The Nuggets managed to cover the 5-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 208.
Carmelo Anthony netted 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Denver has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-57 SU, 29-46 ATS
Denver: 50-26 SU, 42-33-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Clippers last 15 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
Next up:
LA Clippers at LA Lakers, Sunday, April 5
Denver at Minnesota, Sunday, April 5
TORONTO vs. NEW YORK
Toronto is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against New York
Toronto is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
New York is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
NEW JERSEY vs. CHICAGO
New Jersey is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Chicago
New Jersey is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
DETROIT vs. PHILADELPHIA
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 1-12-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Miami
Washington is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Miami
ORLANDO vs. ATLANTA
Orlando is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 11-2-1 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Atlanta is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
MEMPHIS vs. MILWAUKEE
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
LA CLIPPERS vs. DENVER
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Hot Teams
-- Toronto won, covered its last five games.
-- Philadelphia won five of its last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Knicks lost nine of last ten games, but covered five of last seven.
-- Bulls lost last two games, after winning seven of previous eight. Nets lost five of their last six games
-- Pistons lost eight of their last eleven games.
Totals
-- Three of Knicks' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Chicago home games went over the total; six of last eight New Jersey games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Detroit games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- Knicks are 4-5 vs spread if they play again next day/night.
-- Nets are 9-6 vs spread if they play again the next day/night.
-- Pistons are 0-4 vs spread on road if they're at home next day/night.
TORONTO (29 - 45) at NEW YORK (29 - 46)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 32-47 ATS (-19.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 43-31 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW YORK is 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW YORK is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-5 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (31 - 44) at CHICAGO (36 - 40)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-4 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (36 - 39) at PHILADELPHIA (39 - 35)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 9-7 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-6 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (56 - 19) at ATLANTA (43 - 33)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 48-27 ATS (+18.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 120-155 ATS (-50.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
ATLANTA is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-5 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-5 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (40 - 36) at WASHINGTON (18 - 59)
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 MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (21 - 54) at MILWAUKEE (32 - 45)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 70-86 ATS (-24.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 54-68 ATS (-20.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 49-65 ATS (-22.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-53 ATS (-28.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 80-116 ATS (-47.6 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 147-187 ATS (-58.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 46-69 ATS (-29.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 9-27 ATS (-20.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (18 - 57) at DENVER (50 - 26)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS 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
Toronto vs. New York
I just think the Raptors are playing better at this point as they come off a big win over the Magic who might have been looking ahead to the Cavs anyway. But, Toronto beat this team by 11 at home (has covered 5 in a row), but the Knicks who although have covered 5 of 7 and beat New Orleans on the road, come home after a tough road trip and will look to bounce-back with some revenge here. A lean on the Knicks but Raps are playing well. This game has a decent shot at going over too.
New Jersey vs. Chicago
NJ beat this team by 12 at home and come off a big win against Detroit. Chicago returns home after coming off back to back losses to Indiana and Toronto on the road and have some revenge here. I know the net is fairly high at 7 to 8, but I lean laying the points here with the Bulls back from a tough road trip (back to back losses) and having some revenge here.
Detroit vs. Philadelphia
Detroit has lost back to back games, but did beat Philly at home last time out by 4, they lost on the road by 5 to this team earlier this year. Philly has covered back to back lines beating Milwaukee and Atlanta. Philly is playing well at home, and has some revenge here, despite Detroit losing back to back games, I think they do well. Good news for the Pistons - Iverson is out for the year - this will only help this team as they play far better without him.
Orlando vs. Atlanta
Atlanta beat this team by 34 earlier this year. Atlanta has that game in my mind certain as they take the court in Hotlanta today. After Atlanta won on opening day, Orlando leads this series 2-1. Atlanta comes off back to back losses to the Celtics and Sixers on the road, so they need a big step up win. But, if the Magic can go to Miami and win, and given the rivalry of this game, no thanks, tough to go either way - Hawks did beat the Lakers though - but that is also after the Lakers essentially clinched.
Miami vs. Washington
Miami won by 22 the last time these two teams played in Miami. Miami has covered all 3 times these two teams have met. Be careful though, Wiz have covered 4 in a row at home, Arenas is back and Miami only won by 7 on the road last time and they come off a back to back. Lean on the Wiz here.
Clippers vs. Denver
Denver beat this team by 13 last time, covering the -12.5 lay barely. Denver is rolling covering 5 of their last 6 and winning 9 of their last 10 SU as well. If Thornton or Camby was playing, sure, I'd love the points here, but with both of them out, it is tough to roll with the Clippers here.
NBA Injuries:
New York: Richardson/Hughes are both Questionable.
Bulls: Thomas, Salmons, Rose all Probable.
Detroit: Iverson done for the Season. Wallace is Probable.
Philadelphia: Young is OUT. Miller is Probable.
Washington: Crittenon, Jamison, Arenas are all Questionable. Dixon is Doubtful.
Memphis: Jaric is Questionable.
Clippers: Thornton and Camby are OUT.
Nuggets: Martin is Questionable.