Sunday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Spurs at Lakers**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Los Angeles as a 7 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over San Antonio, with the total set at 202. ABC Sports will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.
-San Antonio (29-13 straight up, 18-22 against the spread) enters Los Angeles riding a four-game SU winning streak after slipping past New Jersey Friday as an 11 ½-point home favorite, 94-91. The Spurs have alternated ATS wins and losses their last five outings. The combined 185 points failed to eclipse the 189-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fourth consecutive contest.
-San Antonio outrebounded the Nets, 45-36, while shooting 47 percent (35-of-75) from the field. Tim Duncan led all scorers with 30 points along with 15 rebounds, while Tony Parker added 17 and four assists.
-The Spurs are 12-6 SU and 10-8 ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 12-6. San Antonio has been winning its road endeavors by an average score of 94-93.
-Los Angeles (34-8 SU, 20-22 ATS) has strung together three consecutive SU victories after throttling Washington Thursday as a 14-point home ‘chalk,’ 117-97. The Lakers have also alternated ATS wins and losses their last five games. The combined 214 points eclipsed the 208 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash the second consecutive contest.
-Los Angeles outrebounded the Wizards, 41-36, while shooting a solid 54 percent (45-of-84) from the field. Seven players reached double digits in scoring, led by center Andrew Bynum’s 23 points and 14 rebounds.
-The Lakers are a robust 22-3 SU at home, but just 12-13 ATS. Los Angeles has been winning its home endeavors by an average score of 109-99, helping the ‘over’ go 16-8.
-San Antonio won the lone encounters with the Lakers this season January 14 as a 2 ½-point home favorite, 112-111. The combined 223 points soared ‘over’ the 200-point closing total, ending a string of five straight ‘under’ outings in this series.
**Suns at Hawks**
-LVSC opened Atlanta as a 1 ½-point home favorite over Phoenix, with the total listed at 211. This game is slated to start at 6:05 p.m. ET.
-Phoenix (23-18 SU, 13-27 ATS) has dropped three games in a row SU, and gone 0-7-1 ATS the past eight outings after Friday’s setback to Charlotte as a four-point road ‘chalk,’ 98-76. The combined 174 points never seriously threatened the 200-point closing total.
-The Suns outrebounded the Bobcats, 44-41, but lost after connecting at just a 36-percent clip (27-of-75) from the field. Shaquille O’Neal had 20 points and seven rebounds in the setback, while Amare Stoudemire added 12 and nine.
-Phoenix is 11-10 SU and 7-13 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 13-7. The Suns have been dropping their road endeavors by an average score of 104-103.
-Atlanta (26-16 SU, 23-18 ATS) has won its last three games SU and back-to-back outings ATS after routing Milwaukee Friday as a 5 ½-point home favorite, 117-87. The combined 204 points slithered past the 203-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ go 3-1 the past four matchups.
-The Hawks won the rebounding battle, 44-37, and shot a blistering 56 percent (43-of-77) from the field. Ronald Murray netted 25 points off the bench, while Josh Smith added 24 and eight rebounds.
-Atlanta is now 17-4 SU and 10-11 ATS on its home court, winning those affairs by an average score of 100-94.
-Phoenix knocked off Atlanta in the lone matchup this season Jan. 13 as a 7 ½-point home favorite, 107-102. The combined 209 points failed to eclipse the 214-point closing total.
-Phoenix center Shaquille O’Neal (rest) and guard Steve Nash (back) are ‘questionable’ versus the Hawks. Atlanta guard Acie Law (quad) is expected to be ‘out’ against the Suns.
**Jazz at Nuggets**
-LVSC lists Denver as a five-point home favorite over Utah, with the total set at 212. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Utah (25-18 SU, 22-21 ATS) is playing its second game in as many days after matching up against Cleveland Saturday night. The Jazz continue a string of alternating six home-and-away games with this contest.
-Utah is just 8-14 SU and 10-12 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 12-9. The Jazz have been dropping their road endeavors by an average score of 102-99.
-Denver (28-15 SU, 24-18 ATS) snapped a two-game SU losing skid by cruising past Sacramento Tuesday as a nine-point home favorite, 118-99. The combined 217 points went ‘under’ the 219 ½-point closing total.
-The Nuggets outrebounded the Kings, 41-33, and shot an incredible 57 percent (40-of-71) from the field. Linas Kleiza scored 27 points off the bench, while Chauncey Billups added 22 and eight assists.
-Denver is now 17-6 SU and 13-9 ATS on its home court, with the ‘over’ going 13-10. The Nuggets have been winning those games by an average score of 106-101.
-Utah is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the previous four meetings with Denver after winning the lone encounter this season October 29 as a 7 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 98-94. The combined 192 points failed to topple the 209 ½-point closing total.
-Utah forward Carlos Boozer (knee) is ‘out’ versus the Nuggets, while forward Andrei Kirilenko (ankle) is ‘doubtful’ and forward Matt Harpring (knee) and forward Paul Millsap (knee) are ‘probable.’ Denver forward Carmelo Anthony (hand) is ‘out,’ while forward Dahntay Jones (shoulder) is ‘questionable’ against the Jazz.
vegasinsider.com
Dallas (25-18, 19-24 ATS) at Boston (36-9, 25-20 ATS)
The Celtics will try to make it eight in a row when they welcome the Mavericks to TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
Dallas is fresh off Friday’s dominating 121-91 victory in Detroit as a 3½-point ‘dog. The Mavs have won three of four both SU and ATS, and they’ve have taken two of three on this road swing through the Eastern Conference, beating the Sixers and Pistons with a loss to the Bucks (133-99 as one-point favorites) sandwiched in between.
Boston made it seven in a row (6-1 ATS) on Thursday with a 90-80 win in Orlando, cashing as a 4½-point underdog. The Celtics have found their defense lately, limiting the opposition to 87 points or less in each of their last five while averaging 103 points and 50.8 percent shooting from the field.
The Celtics swept the season-series from the Mavericks last year, getting a 96-90 home win as one-point ‘dogs and then going to Dallas and winning 94-90 as 3 ½-point pups. The Mavs had won seven straight (4-3 ATS) in the series prior to last season and the road team has cashed in five of the last seven.
Dallas has failed to cash in five of their last six after a spread-cover and four of their last five after a straight-up win, but they are on ATS runs of 9-2 as a road ‘dog and 7-3 on the road against a team with a winning home record. Boston is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven against Western Conference teams, but otherwise on a plethora of ATS runs that include 20-8 on Sundays, 11-3 as a home favorite, 7-2 when getting two days of rest and 16-5 at home against teams with a winning road mark.
For the Mavs, the under is on runs of 22-7-1 on Sundays, 13-6 on a day of rest, 6-1 against teams with a winning record and 4-1 against the Atlantic Division, but they have topped the total in 18 of their last 26 as a ‘dog. Boston is on “over” streaks of 6-2 at home, 4-1-1 after two days off and 5-2 against teams with a winning record, but they have stayed under the number in four straight and 11 of 13 against Western Conference foes. In this series, the over has been the play in five of the last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
San Antonio (29-13, 19-22-1 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (34-8, 20-22 ATS)
Just 11 days after playing one of the better games this NBA season, the Spurs and Lakers will tangle again, this time inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Back on Jan. 14, San Antonio scored a 112-111 victory over the Lakers, but failed to cash as three-point chalk. It was the first time these two had met since their Western Conference finals series back in May when the Lakers scored a 4-1 series win (3-2 ATS). The home team has won nine of 10 (6-4 ATS) including the playoff series, but the Lakers have gotten the cash in three straight and five of the last seven.
The Spurs are riding a four-game winning streak (2-2 ATS) and escaped with a 94-91 home win over the Nets on Friday, falling well short as 11½-point favorites. They’ve won three of four on the road (2-2 ATS) but barely edged the Bobcats 86-84 on their last road outing and failed as a five-point chalk.
Los Angeles has won three straight (2-1 ATS) and easily beat the Wizards 117-97 inside the Staples Center Thursday, cashing as a 14-point favorite. The Lakers are 22-3 in front of the home fans but just 12-13 ATS. They have topped the 100-point mark in 13 straight games and have limited the opposition to 97 or less in each of the last three.
San Antonio is 6-1 ATS in its last seven against Pacific Division teams but just 2-5 ATS in its last seven overall and 1-4 ATS in its last five after a straight-up win. The Lakers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 against the Southwest Division and 7-3 their last 10 against teams with a winning record, but they are on ATS slides of 7-16 as a favorite and 2-6 when getting two days off.
The Spurs are on a host of “under” streaks, including 23-8-1 as a ‘dog, 40-19-1 on the road, 18-8 after a day of rest, 12-3 against the Pacific Division, 4-0 overall and 23-10-2 after a straight-up win. Los Angeles is just the opposite, topping the total in 17 of 24 at home, six of eight overall, seven straight after a straight-up win, four of five against the Western Conference and seven of 10 on Sundays. In this rivalry, the under is 5-1 in the last six and 5-1 in the last six in Hollywood.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS
Utah (25-19, 22-22 ATS) at Denver (28-15, 24-18-1 ATS)
The Jazz go to the Pepsi Center in Denver looking for their fifth straight win over the Nuggets in this Western Conference rivalry.
Utah suffered a 102-97 home loss Saturday night to the Cavaliers, falling as a three-point favorite to LeBron and Co. The Jazz have lost four of their last six and gone just 1-6 ATS in their last seven overall. They are just 8-14 away from home this season (10-12 ATS) and average just 98.6 points per game on the highway while allowing 101.8.
Denver hasn’t been on the court since Tuesday when it scored a 118-99 home win over Sacramento, cashing as a nine-point chalk. The Nuggets have gotten the cash in three of their last four overall and six of their last nine. They are 17-6 at home (13-9-1 ATS) but when they play on three-plus days of rest they are just 1-3 ATS this season.
Utah has won the last four meetings in this series, including a 98-94 home win back on Oct. 29, but the Nuggets took home the cash in that one as eight-point ‘dogs. Last time these two squared off in Denver was almost a year ago and Utah got a 118-115 win in overtime as a two-point pup. The Jazz are 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five in the Mile High City. And finally, the favorite is 20-9-1 the last 30 times these two have met.
The Jazz are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 against teams with a winning record, but otherwise they are on ATS dives of 1-4 on the road, 1-4 against the Western Conference, 1-6 overall and 2-5 when playing the second night of a back-to-back. Denver is on ATS streaks of 4-1 against the Western Conference, 4-1 on Sundays and 17-4-1 as a home favorite of five to 10 ½ points.
Utah is on “over” runs of 16-5 against Western Conference teams, 11-2 overall, 11-1-1 as a road ‘dog and 5-0 when playing the second night of a back-to-back. For the Nuggets, they have stayed under the total in four of their last five at home, but they are on “over” streaks of 10-4 overall, 39-19 against Northwest Division squads and 5-2 when playing after three or more days off. In this rivalry, the over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings and 5-1 in the last six in Denver.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Gametimepicks.com
NBA situational weekend bets
By Teddy Covers
Sunday, January 25th
Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors
The Raptors thought their season was off to a bad start when they fired Sam Mitchell after going 8-9 in their first 17 games. Clearly Mitchell, a former NBA coach of the year, was not the problem. The team has gone 8-19 SU since his departure. Current head coach Jay Triano is getting frustrated.
“We need to do a better job of fighting through adversity. I don’t know why, but when we get down, we seem to lose confidence and hang our heads a little.”
Like the Nets example above, some of the issue here is scheduling and some is injury related. Toronto enters Friday game at Chicago in the midst of a seven game losing streak. During that span, the Raptors were underdogs six times, facing Boston twice, along with Atlanta, Detroit and the improving Pacers on the road, as well as the Phoenix Suns at home. The only really ‘bad’ loss during that entire stretch was a four-point home loss to an underwhelming Chicago squad.
And, even in defeat, the Raptors have remained competitive, losing only one of those games by more than seven points. They took the Celtics to overtime. They came one shot away from upsetting Phoenix and Atlanta. Things are bad right now for the Raptors, but they are not a team that is falling apart. And it’s surely worth noting that prior to their current skid, the Raptors had won three straight at home, beating up on Memphis, Orlando and Houston.
Toronto just completed a 10-game stretch without two key starters, center Jermaine O’Neal and point guard Jose Calderon. O’Neal returned to the court earlier this week. Calderon is expected back before tip-off on Sunday. Calderon’s injury, in particular, has really hampered this team offensively. While Anthony Parker has been decent filling in as the starter, Roko Ukic and Will Solomon have been nothing short of awful coming off the bench when Parker needs a rest. With Calderon’s expected return, that duo should be relegated to the end of the bench, where they belong.
When a struggling team returns home after a tough scheduling stretch and gets two key starters back in the lineup at the same time, it’s definitely a spot for us to seriously consider supporting them. And with their opponent, the Sacramento Kings, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after allowing a whopping 125 points per game over their last five contests, this looks like an excellent spot for the Raptors to get back on track in a hurry.
DALLAS vs. BOSTON
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Dallas is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA LAKERS
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
San Antonio is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games
PHOENIX vs. ATLANTA
Phoenix is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
SACRAMENTO vs. TORONTO
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Sacramento
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
HOUSTON vs. DETROIT
Houston is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
CHARLOTTE vs. INDIANA
Charlotte is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Indiana is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Chicago is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
UTAH vs. DENVER
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Denver is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home
LA CLIPPERS vs. GOLDEN STATE
LA Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games when playing Golden State
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Golden State is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
DALLAS (25 - 18) at BOSTON (36 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 92-60 ATS (+26.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 72-50 ATS (+17.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 209-162 ATS (+30.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 200-143 ATS (+42.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 30-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
BOSTON is 75-103 ATS (-38.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 2-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (29 - 13) at LA LAKERS (34 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 198-157 ATS (+25.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 210-168 ATS (+25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 8-5 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (23 - 18) at ATLANTA (26 - 16)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (10 - 34) at TORONTO (17 - 28)
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 87-125 ATS (-50.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
TORONTO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (27 - 17) at DETROIT (24 - 18)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-2 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (18 - 25) at INDIANA (16 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 255-199 ATS (+36.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (18 - 26) at MINNESOTA (14 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 54-72 ATS (-25.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in January games this season.
CHICAGO is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
UTAH (25 - 19) at DENVER (28 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (10 - 32) at GOLDEN STATE (13 - 31)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Sunday Research
By Indiancowboy
Dallas vs. Boston
Keep in mind that these two teams have not met yet this year. Dallas comes off that nice win over the Pistons outright on the road. But, that win shouldn't surprise you. For starters, the Pistons stink. Second of all, Dallas was coming off a 31 point loss to Milwaukee, so they were going to bounce-back. Boston comes off thumping the Suns. Honestly, I can see it either way - the public is split, the line has gone down slightly, having said that - I do lean on Boston as they typically enjoy defeating the good teams by wide margins at home (i.e. Magic, Blazers, Suns etc...)
San Antonio vs. Lakers
The Spurs won by 1 at home last time around. The Lakers did get inside the small number at SA so undoubtedly they will be looking for revenge here. But, 6.5 seems to be a wide net for the Spurs to fall through. So, what you have in this game is the Lakers looking for revenge after an easy rout of the Wizards at home and the Spurs coming off a win over NJ but falling well short of the cover. The Lakers have covered 3 of 4 from the Spurs at Staples.
Phoenix vs. Atlanta
No line on this game out. But, bear in mind that Phoenix just got beat by the Bobcats on the road, and prior to that, were defeated by New York and Boston. Yes, the Suns have lost 3 in a row. I'm going to be very blunt. Terry Porter is a terrible coach. One of the best values of a coach is can he take his team on the road and be competitive, win on a consistent basis. Greg Pop is one of the best at it, Stan Van Gundy is great at it, Mike D'Antoni is good at it and he has the Knicks playing better, Phil Jackson is good at it - Terry Porter blows at it. You say - but these are all vet coaches - Porter is just new. Well, what about the youngest coach in the league, in his first year with the Miami Heat (1st coach of filipino descent as well) - he just had his team beat Cleveland, the Lakers and Magic at home and they have been competitive on the road this year. As per this game, Hawks have revenge against Phoenix, Phoenix could very well lose 4 in a row today and Joe Johnson once again faces his old team.
Sacramento vs. Toronto
Kings fall just short against the Bucks on the road (a game they had revenge in such as this game as well). The Kings lost handily to the Raptors at home earlier this year so they have revenge in this game as they tavel from Milwaukee to Toronto. I lean on the Kings to get inside the number with that revenge as the Raps come off a big win over the Bulls on the road.
Houston vs. Detroit
Detroit stinks. Having said that, after coming off a tough loss, they have a way of stepping up. Remember, they had a series of several losses, but did defeat the Magic when they returned to Palace. Houston comes off a loss to the Pacers and Yao is listed as day to day. These two teams have not met since December 23rd of 2007. I can see the Rockets bouncing back and I can also see the Pistons bouncing back. Still no line - no thanks.
Charlotte vs. Indiana
If you are wondering about the short line, it shouldn't really surprise you. After all, Charlotte is 18-25 and they are in the playoff hunt. Yes, Charlotte. Jordan made a great trade bringing in Diaw and Bell and it has added much needed depth, team chemistry, defense, veteran maturity and overall better play. Heck, the Bobcats have covered 6 in a row, just embarrassed the Suns at home by 22 limiting them to 76 points, nearly beat the Spurs at home losing by 2, beat the Blazers in OT, beat the Pistons on the road at the Palace, are 7-3 SU over their last 10 and 5-2 over their last 7 SU. Charlotte beat this team on the road in OT so Indiana does have revenge in this game. But, it is tough to against an Indiana team that, at home, have beaten the Rockets, Pistons and Raptors in their last 3 home games.
Chicago vs. Minnesota
You have to understand the history between these two teams. Remember, the Twolves, when they were under the radar and playing better, went on the road to defeat the Bulls Outright. For a while, the Bulls thought they were just that bad losing to the Twolves. But, the Twolves were on an up trend even before that and soon after the Bulls game, went on to defeat the Suns outright on the road, beat New Orleans just recently, beat Milwaukee at home and nearly defeat the Jazz on the road. The Twolves are 8-1-1 ATS over their last 10 and 8-2 SU over their last 10 Yes, 8-2 SU. Having said that, the Bulls are going to get up for this game. They want revenge, they come off a tough loss to the Hawks and Raptors at home (Raps had revenge in this game) and with a healthier team they will look to defeat the Twolves on the road.
Utah vs. Denver
Utah beat this team earlier this year 98-94 at home back in October. Of course, Denver has revenge from that game. But, Utah comes off back to back losses including to Cleveland who ended up winning outright on the road. Denver comes off nearly beating the Kings by 20 on the road. Still no Boozer for the Jazz as well. I lean slightly on Denver, but I don't like going against a Jerry Sloan team off a loss.