NBA News and Notes Sunday 1/31

What Bettors Need To Know: Lakers at Celtics
By RICKY DIMON

Two of the most storied franchises is professional basketball will square off for the first time this season when the Lakers and Celtics go head-to-head Sunday afternoon.

Los Angeles, facing its eighth stop on a nine-game road trip, has won three straight (3-0 ATS) and is coming off a 99-91 victory at Philadelphia Friday night.

Boston, on the other hand, has lost two in a row (1-1 ATS) and five of its last seven games (1-6 ATS). Doc Rivers’ club is a mere 6-10 (5-11 ATS) since beating Orlando on Christmas Day.

Must-win situation

“It's still fun to play these games, because they're good teams and you enjoy playing them,” said Rivers, whose team is coming off back-to-back losses on Thursday and Friday to Eastern Conference contenders Orlando and Atlanta. “There's no love lost, and all that stuff's good. It's good for our league. But more importantly, it's just fun in the middle of the season to have days like this.”

But nothing has been much fun for the Celtics (29-15, 18-26 ATS) of late.

Kevin Garnett missed 10 games from December 30 to January 20 due to a hyperextended knee. He has scored at least 13 points in three of his four outings upon his return. Rasheed Wallace (groin) was sidelined for three games earlier this month, but he has scored double-figures in four of his ensuing six contests and he poured in 17 against the Magic.

Still, a matchup with Los Angeles provides Boston with a chance to regain some momentum.

“It's always a big deal,” Paul Pierce said of playing the Lakers. “It is for me. We feel like it’s a must-win. We've got to turn it around right now.”

Go West, young man

Kobe Bryant (28.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg) is just 47 points away from passing Jerry West as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer.

“The game has changed dramatically,” said coach Phil Jackson, comparing the West and Bryant eras. “In that regard, Kobe's challenge for points is a remarkable thing. He's pursuing it, and he's aggressive as an offensive ballplayer and he's going to be scoring for a while.”

Kobe, however, has been dealing with a minor knee issue and he tweaked an ankle as Los Angeles (36-11, 22-24-1 ATS) prevailed against Philadelphia Friday. He has not reached the 30-point mark in any of his past five outings (but he also has not scored fewer than 24 points in that stretch).

While 47 points seems like a longshot, Kobe has extra motivation heading into some hallowed grounds of the NBA against a team desperate to reverse its recent fortunes.

“I'm looking forward to seeing how they answer that challenge,” Kobe said of Boston’s recent slide. “Every time we go back to Boston it's special, because that's where we lost the championship (2008 NBA Finals). All those memories come back.”

Injury update

NBA TV reported Saturday night that Bryant is questionable for the game, but it seems unlikely the Lake Show's star player would sit this one out. Bryant was questionable for a game in early November with flu-like symptons but played and scored 31 points.

The Lakers were last without the services of Bryant during the 2006-07 season. Bryant missed five games that year and L.A. went 3-2 SU and ATS in his absence.

Trending topics

The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall (all on the road, and all against Eastern Conference opponents). However, they are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games as visitors against teams with winning home records.

In addition to their 1-6 ATS mark in their last seven outings, the Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games and 0-6 ATS in their last six against the Western Conference.

Neither Los Angeles (23-23-1 O/U) nor Boston (22-21-1 O/U) has been a good over/under play so far this season. The over, however, is 4-1 in LA’s last five games.

Head-to-head, the Celtics are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two teams and 4-1 ATS in their last five home dates with the Lakers. The underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven installments of this rivalry.

Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs

The fans at AT&T Center will be treated to a game between the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs when they take their seats on Sunday.

The Nuggets were defeated 101-84 by the Thunder last time out, as 2-point underdogs. That game's 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 200.5.

Chauncey Billups had 19 points with five rebounds and seven assists for the Nuggets.

Tim Duncan dropped 19 points with nine rebounds and seven assists to lead the Spurs to a 104-97 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday. The Spurs covered the 5-point spread, while the 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.

George Hill finished with 18 points for the Spurs, and Manu Ginobili collected 14 points.

Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Denver: 31-15 SU, 21-23-2 ATS
San Antonio: 27-18 SU, 23-21-1 ATS

Denver most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Denver's last 10 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Denver's last 16 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Antonio's last 10 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of San Antonio's last 16 games when playing Denver

Next up:
Denver home to Sacramento, Monday, February 1
San Antonio at Sacramento, Wednesday, February 3

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at TD Garden.

The Lakers pulled ahead in the second quarter and went on to defeat the 76ers 99-91 on Friday. The Lakers covered the 7-point spread, while the 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.

Pau Gasol tossed in 19 points and grabbed 10 boards for a double-double for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant netted a game-high 24 points in that win.

The Celtics were defeated 100-91 by the Hawks last time out, as 4-point underdogs. That game's 191 points went UNDER the posted total of 190.5.

Paul Pierce poured in a game-high 35 points in a losing effort for the Celtics.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Boston has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 36-11 SU, 22-25 ATS
Boston: 29-15 SU, 18-26 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Boston is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games when playing LA Lakers
Boston is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Boston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Boston's last 18 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Next up:
LA Lakers at Memphis, Monday, February 1
Boston at Washington, Monday, February 1

Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors

The Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.

The Pacers were routed 94-73 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 6.5-point underdogs. That game's 167 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.5.

Danny Granger collected a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Knicks blew and early lead and fell 106-104 to the Raptors last time out, as 3.5-point favorites. That game's 210 points went UNDER the posted total of 218.

Current streak:
Indiana has lost 2 straight games.
Toronto has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
Indiana: 16-31 SU, 20-27 ATS
Toronto: 25-22 SU, 24-23 ATS

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing New York are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 7-13-1 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Next up:
Indiana home to Toronto, Tuesday, February 2
Toronto at Indiana, Tuesday, February 2

Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons

The Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Dwight Howard dominated with 31 points and 19 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, leading the Magic over the Hawks 104-86. The Magic covered the 6-point spread, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 195.5.

Rashard Lewis added 17 points for the Magic, and Ryan Anderson netted 16 points in the win.

The Pistons were scorched 92-65 by the Heat last time out, as 2-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 187.5.

Charlie Villanueva netted 15 points from 6-for-11 shooting in that loss.

Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Detroit has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 31-16 SU, 23-22-2 ATS
Detroit: 15-30 SU, 19-25-1 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando

Next up:
Orlando home to Milwaukee, Tuesday, February 2
Detroit at New Jersey, Tuesday, February 2

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Jersey Nets

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Sunday when the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets meet at Izod Center.

The 76ers were defeated 99-91 by the Lakers last time out, as 7-point underdogs. That game's 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.

Elton Brand had 19 points with nine rebounds, and Allen Iverson drained 23 points in the loss.

The Nets were defeated 81-79 by the Wizards last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. That game's 160 points went UNDER the posted total of 192.5.

Brook Lopez had 17 points and eight rebounds in a losing cause for the Nets.

Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Philadelphia: 15-31 SU, 19-27 ATS
New Jersey: 4-41 SU, 15-29-1 ATS

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Philadelphia is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Next up:
Philadelphia home to Chicago, Wednesday, February 3
New Jersey home to Detroit, Tuesday, February 2

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Clippers were defeated 111-97 by the Timberwolves on Friday, as 1-point underdogs. That game's 208 points made it OVER the posted total of 201.

Baron Davis had 28 points with four rebounds and five assists.

LeBron James went for 22 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists in leading the Cavaliers to a 94-73 win over the Pacers. The Cavaliers covered the 6.5-point spread, while the 167 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.5.

Shaquille O'Neal also finished with 22 points for the Cavliers, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 13 in that win.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Cleveland has won 7 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 20-26 SU, 22-24 ATS
Cleveland: 37-11 SU, 23-23-2 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Indiana are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Next up:
LA Clippers at Chicago, Tuesday, February 2
Cleveland home to Memphis, Tuesday, February 2

Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Ford Center.

The Warriors were defeated 121-110 by the Bobcats last time out, as 2-point underdogs. That game's 231 points sailed OVER the posted total of 211.

Stephen Curry finished with 22 points and dished out nine assists for the Warriors. Corey Maggette had 25 points in a losing effort.

Oklahoma City dominated the second half and cruised to a 101-84 victory over the Nuggets on Friday. Oklahoma City covered the 2-point spread, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 200.5.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with a game-high 30 points, and Jeff Green finished with 15 points in the win.

Current streak:
Golden State has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
Golden State: 13-32 SU, 25-19-1 ATS
Oklahoma City: 25-21 SU, 28-18 ATS

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Golden State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games
Oklahoma City is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Golden State

Next up:
Golden State at Houston, Tuesday, February 2
Oklahoma City home to Atlanta, Tuesday, February 2

Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets

The fans at Toyota Center will be treated to a game between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets when they take their seats on Sunday.

The Suns came-from-behind and scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to help them defeat the Mavericks 112-106 on Thursday. The Suns covered the 2-point spread, while the 218 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.

Steve Nash led the Suns with 19 points and 11 assists, while Amare Stoudemire chipped in with a game-high 22 points.

The Rockets held off the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter and came away with a 104-100 on Friday. The Rockets failed to cover the 5-point spread, and the 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.

Aaron Brooks tossed in 33 points and dished out seven assists for the Rockets. Carl Landry finished with 21 points and five rebounds.

Team records:
Phoenix: 27-21 SU, 24-23-1 ATS
Houston: 25-21 SU, 22-24 ATS

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 2-8

Houston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Golden State are 6-4
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
Phoenix is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games
Houston is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games at home
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
Phoenix at New Orleans, Monday, February 1
Houston home to Golden State, Tuesday, February 2

New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Target Center.

The Knicks were dumped 106-96 by the Wizards last time out, as 2-point favorites. That game's 202 points went UNDER the posted total of 204.5.

David Lee collected 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the loss.

The lowly Timberwolves jumped out to an early lead as they went on to defeat the Clippers 111-97 on Friday. The Timberwolves covered the 1-point spread, while the 208 points made it OVER the posted total of 201.

Al Jefferson finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double, while Corey Brewer went for 20 points and five rebounds in that win.

Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 18-28 SU, 21-25 ATS
Minnesota: 10-38 SU, 23-24-1 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 1-9
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
New York is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York

Next up:
New York home to Washington, Wednesday, February 3
Minnesota at Dallas, Friday, February 5

Denver (31-15, 21-23-2 ATS) at San Antonio (27-18, 23-21-1 ATS)

The Nuggets, coming off their first loss in nearly three weeks, complete a three-game road trip when they visit the AT&T Center for a clash with the Spurs.

Denver’s eight-game winning streak was snapped in Friday’s 101-84 loss at Oklahoma City, falling as a two-point road underdog. Forward Carmelo Anthony (ankle injury) missed his third straight game, and without their All-Star, the Nuggets were held to season-low in points while shooting 40.3 percent from the field. Nearly a quarter of the team’s points came from the free-throw line (20-for-22). Denver has dropped eight of its last 11 road games (2-8-1 ATS).

San Antonio has followed up a 1-5 SU and ATS slump – including a three-game SU and ATS home losing streak – with consecutive home wins over the Hawks (105-90 as a three-point chalk on Wednesday) and Grizzlies (104-97 as a five-point favorite on Friday). Prior to exploding in the last two games, the Spurs’ offense had reached triple digits in scoring just once in their previous six games.

Like Denver, San Antonio has an All-Star dealing with an ankle injury, as point guard Tony Parker missed Friday’s game. Parker has been ruled out today, while Anthony is doubtful.

The Nuggets scored a 106-99 upset win in San Antonio as a four-point underdog back on Dec. 9, the first meeting between these Western Conference powers this season. Denver has won two in a row, three of the last four and five of the last seven in this series, going 5-2 ATS. The road team and underdog have cashed in five straight meetings.

The SU winner has covered the spread in each of the Spurs’ last 10 games and 21 of their last 22, and the winner has cashed in eight of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry.

The Nuggets have cashed in four straight games when coming off a non-cover, but otherwise George Karl’s club is in pointspread slumps of 2-8-1 on the road, 3-10-2 against the Western Conference, 1-4 against the Southwest Division, 4-11 after one day off and 0-5-1 on Sunday. Likewise, San Antonio is in ATS ruts of 2-7 on Sunday and 2-8 against the Northwest Division.

The under is 20-7 in the last 27 Spurs-Nuggets matchups and 16-5-1 in the last 22 clashes at the AT&T Center. Additionally, Denver is riding “under” streaks of 5-1 on the road, 13-6 against the Western Conference, 4-1 versus Southwest Division squads and 24-8-1 against winning teams, while the under is 21-6 in San Antonio’s last 27 against winning teams and 8-1-1 in its last 10 on Sunday. On the flip side, the Spurs are on “over” runs of 3-1-1 overall (all at home) and 20-8-1 against Northwest Division foes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and UNDER

L.A. Lakers (36-11, 22-24-1 ATS) at Boston (29-15, 18-26 ATS)

The surging Lakers, in the midst of a season-long eight-game road trip, go after their fourth straight win and cover when they make their only visit of the season to TD Banknorth Garden to renew their rivalry with the Celtics.

Los Angeles dumped the 76ers 99-91 as a 6½-point favorite on Friday and is now 4-2 SU and ATS on the road trip, including 3-0 SU and ATS in the last three. The Lakers have also won seven of nine overall (6-2-1 ATS), but Phil Jackson’s troops are just 13-8 SU and 9-12 ATS on the highway this year.

Star forward Kevin Garnett returned to the Celtics’ lineup last week after missing 10 games with an injury and he immediately helped his team to a pair of home wins over Portland (98-95 in overtime) and the Clippers (95-89). However, Boston then went on the road and blew a 16-point fourth-quarter lead at Orlando on Thursday (losing 96-94 as a 3½-point underdog) followed by Friday’s 100-91 loss in Atlanta as a four-point pup. The Celtics have dropped 10 of their last 16 games, going 5-11 ATS, and they’ve split their last six home games, failing to cover in the last five.

The SU winner is 14-0-1 ATS in the Lakers’ last 15 games, including 6-0 ATS in the last six, and the winner has cashed in each of L.A.’s last 14 road contests.

After losing the 2008 NBA Finals to the Celtics, the Lakers got a little revenge last year as they swept the season series, winning 92-83 as a two-point home favorite and 110-109 in overtime as a seven-point road underdog. Prior to those two wins and covers, Boston had been on a 6-2 SU and 8-0 ATS roll in this rivalry, including 4-0 SU and ATS at home. Finally, the underdog has gotten the money in five of the last seven series clashes.

Los Angeles is on ATS runs of 4-1 overall (all on the road and all against the Eastern Conference), 4-1 versus Atlantic Division foes and 6-1 on Sunday, but it is 1-3-1 ATS in its last five games against winning teams.

The underdog is 6-1 ATS in Boston’s last seven games, with the Celtics going 0-5 ATS as a favorite during this stretch. Additionally, Doc Rivers’ squad is in pointspread ruts of 1-6 overall, 0-5 at home, 0-6 versus Western Conference foes, 0-8 against the Pacific Division, 2-6 when playing after one day of rest and 1-4 against winning teams.

The Lakers had a four-game “over” streak snapped at Philadelphia on Friday, and the under is 5-2-1 in their last seven against Atlantic Division teams and 20-6-2 in their last 28 on Sunday. Similarly, Boston is on “under” runs of 9-4 on Sunday and 4-1 against the Pacific Division.

Finally, the over is 3-0 in the last three Lakers-Celtics battles in Boston.

ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS

NBA RoundUp For 1/31
By Dan Bebe

Nuggets @ Spurs - This line is OFF. I don't mean to be brief, but since this game starts ultra early, and by all accounts we'll probably only have a line on the game for about 2 hours, I don't think it's worth going into TOO much detail for a game that there's about a 1% chance will appear on my premium card. Still, I'll try to hit on the key notes, then power forward. Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker are both doubtful as of late Saturday night, so handicap accordingly. The Nuggets are coming off getting pummeled by the Thunder, so they're giving their typical road performances without a healthy roster. Denver is playing the last game of a 3-game road trip, so they'll be looking to head home. San Antonio is playing the last game of a 6-game homestand, so they'll be looking to finish strong before embarking on an extended roadie. San Antonio lost to Denver by 7 earlier this year in San Antonio, so they are avenging a home loss, a situation that has seen the Spurs go 5-3 ATS. San Antonio has been terrible against the Northwest division this year at 2-8, and they are 1-7 in games following a divisional opponent (Memphis, Friday). I lean Spurs and Under, partially due to the early start and some sluggish legs.

Lakers @ Celtics - This line is OFF. I will be hosting the Live Chat on this game in the forum, so keep an eye out for our first NBA Live Chat of the season with your buddy Dan Bebe. Another line that ceases to be, though at least we'll probably get, I don't know, 3-4 hours to bet on this game. That's more than enough time to make my card, so let's break it on down. The Lakers roll into Boston feeling pretty good about themselves. They lost to Cleveland and Toronto on this road trip (with a win in New York in between), but since that loss in Canada, the Lakers have rattled off 3 straight wins and 3 straight covers. Now, we get to see how this team performs against tougher competition. I will admit, I was a bit concerned about backing the Lakers in Philadelphia with this game on the horizon, but Kobe and the gang showed they were not looking ahead, or at least not doing so to the point that it would cost them, and I expect another strong showing from the Lakers. Obviously, the big issue here is the health of Kevin Garnett. He's playing, but he's clearly not himself, and I just wonder if the Lakers size and skill isn't going to be a bit much for Boston to deal with. The Celtics are coming off losses in both Orlando (the demoralizer) and Atlanta, so they're not exactly flying high right now. Still, if there's ever a time we'll see the Celtics come ready to play, it's going to be against the Lakers. I am actually a huge fan of avoiding the side on this one, and using the results as a barometer for the Lakers game tomorrow in Memphis, but I do think this game gets played at a slower tempo than most casual fans will expect, and I lean Under.

Clippers @ Cavs - This line is OFF. Fortunately, we'll have this line for a while, but truth be told, I'm extremely curious where this one is going to open. The Clippers have been blown out by both the Nets and Timberwolves, the two worst teams in the NBA, and now they have to play arguably the best in the League, at least based on how teams are playing right now. The Cavs have won 7 games in a row (covering 4), so they're hot, and they're finding ways to win when games are close. Our issue here is to determine just how close we think the Clippers can make this one. I'm inclined to believe the Clippers' value is at an all-time high right now, but we have to determine if that's enough reason to take a risk and back them. Sure, they may be getting a wildly inflated line in this one, courtesy of the Cavs' win-streak and the Clippers looking like absolute turds in their last few games, but that doesn't mean the Cavs won't win this thing by 30. As a point of comparison, the Cavs were 8.5-point favorites when these teams met in Los Angeles, and the Clippers lost by 1 in a game they led almost from start to finish. That was an extremely strong effort by the Clips, and it raises two interesting points. One, does that game make LA believe they can compete with the Cavs? Two, does that game make LA feel like they can play one of their best games and still lose, and thus, what's the point? I'm inclined to believe that the value is strongly on the side of the Clippers, so I lean their direction, but the Cavs could indeed open this sucker up early and never look back. Based on that note, and given I think the Clippers could compete, the only way they're going to pull that off is to score some points, so I like at least a peek at the Over, though, again, that depends largely on where the line opens up.

Sixers @ Nets - This line is OFF. The one we've all been waiting for! Three interesting games, and now this crapper. The road warrior 76ers against the "we covered two-in-a-row" Nets! New Jersey is on double-revenge in this one, so there is certainly one decent reason to consider a play on Jersey, but I'm just not sure how far double-revenge extends when you're talking about a team that is every other team's inferior. It might not make a difference. What more can we say about the Nets? Nothing good, that's for sure. On Philly's side, there is actually some value here, too. The Sixers are coming off 3 straight losses and 3 straight failed covers, but they continue to be a much more interesting bet on the road. Philadelphia is 14-9 ATS away from home, 5-18 on their home court. I've gone into the final margin discrepancy many times in the past, so I won't bore you all with numbers here (if you're curious, ask, and I'll produce them in the comments section), but suffice it to say the Sixers need the 3 points they give away to the line at home, and don't really need the 3 they get from playing on the road. This is a good indicator of how well we can all perform at betting if we're constantly getting a 2+ point advantage on the line. The Sixers play in road venues like they're on a neutral court, and so, with 2-3 points of value on a daily basis, they're hitting the fantastic 14-9 mark we mentioned above. I have no leans on the side in this one, since both teams have a ton of value, and I think there's some value in the total, since these teams combined for 161 points the last time they played, 27 points below the posted total. Let's see where it opens, and if it's above 188, we might look at the over.

Pacers @ Raptors - Toronto by 9 with a total of 216.5. Fear the dino! Honestly, though, I'm not a huge fan of this game. Toronto and Indiana have each won a prior home game this season against one another, and each covered the spread in those games. Toronto is RED-HOT, posting, I believe (and feel free to correct me since this is going off memory) the 3rd best record in the NBA over the last month and change. They've won 4 straight, they've covered 3 straight, and they're actually starting to force misses at the defensive end. On the other side of the court, Indiana has looked awful lately, which makes this game all that much more nerve-racking for me. They could wake up at a moment's notice, and getting creamed in two straight games by the Lakers and Cavs is the fastest way to accrue instant value in the NBA. Most folks are going to look at the recent numbers for these teams and see the Pacers getting run out of their own gym and the Raptors winning both at home and on the road and figure this one is going to be a blowout, but I just don't agree. Toronto isn't playing their normal early Sunday game, so they don't have that sluggish a.m. time advantage here, and I actually think the Pacers wake up for this one. What's more, these two teams play again on the 2nd of February in Indiana, and while I know I've said before that our best course of action is to wait and bet the second game of the home-and-home, only to then pick a side I liked, I actually, truly, do believe that I'm going to wait this one out (barring a crazy line move or something jumping out at me), and take a position on the Tuesday rematch. I like the Under on the total, but BARELY, so take it for what it's worth.

Magic @ Pistons - Orlando by 5.5 with a total of 187. Here are two teams going in completely different directions. The Magic have won 5 of 6, only losing in Memphis to the rolling Grizzlies, and after losing 3 straight on a recent west coast road swing, Orlando seems to have begun to figure things out. In fact, their last 2 wins have come over rivals Boston and Atlanta, and they also grabbed an impressive road win in Charlotte in this hot streak. The Pistons have lost 4 in a row, and they have failed to cover all 4, most recently getting held to 65 points by the Miami Heat after scoring 93 in each of the 3 other losses. These teams have played twice so far this year, and each has won the game home game. Here's the kicker, though. This line is either off by 3 points, or there's a sucker at the end of the rainbow. I'm inclined to believe, given the fact that most folks are going to be betting NBA this Sunday with ABC picking up morning games, and bettors trying to get their morning losses back on these lesser evening contests, that this game might very well be a trap. The road line of 5.5 is a dubious number, and while, unlike my buddy Mike Hook, I don't think it's an automatic fade, I do think that in the right circumstances it can be an indicator of how oddsmakers truly feel about a game. For instance, if the Magic were a different hot team like, say, the Raptors, and this line was at 5.5, I would actually say the line was fair. But here, with a marquee club like Orlando, rolling up into Motown on the back end of a back-to-back that started with a cruising win over the Hawks, this one smells somethin' fierce. I lean to Detroit, though I have to pop a Tums when I say it. I also lean the Under - Orlando is not going to bring their A game, so we're going to get a game with a winner in the 90's.

Knicks @ Wolves - Minnesota by 1.5 with a total of 211. You want to talk about another revenge spot? How about the Wolves hosting a Knicks team that dealt them a regal ass-whooping under a week ago in the Big Apple. The Knicks exploded out to an early lead and never looked back, winning by 27 and dealing the Wolves their second 25+ point loss in a row. Now, Minnesota gets New York on the second half of a back-to-back, and fresh off an ugly loss to the Wizards in Washington. I think it's safe to say the Knicks are bumbling just a bit here, going 2-3 on their recent homestand, and now starting this short 2-game road trip with a 10-point loss to the hapless Wizards. This situation is strikingly similar to that of the Clippers when they just came to Minnesota. LAC had been crushed by the Nets, then, while most folks were banking on the Clippers bouncing back the next day in Minnesota, LA came out flat, only waking up in time to cut the lead to single digits, then losing by plenty in the end. I would not be surprised at all to see the Knicks suffer the same fate. The Wolves have some solid rebounding big men, and if New York continues to rely solely on David Lee to collect every board, this could be a long night for the Knicks. Fact of the matter is that if the Knicks are forced to grind this game out, they're not going to be in good shape - David Lee is going to have to battle with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love all game, which should drastically cut into his ability to score. I like Minny on revenge here, and if the tempo of this game is anything like the tempo the last time these teams met, it should go Over again.

Warriors @ Thunder - Oklahoma City by 9.5 with a total of 214. I imagine the Warriors are wondering when they get to play the Thunder in Oakland, but it ain't today! The answer, actually, is February 6th. In any case, this is a tough spot for the Warriors, and I think that has been reflected in the huge line. This will be the Thunder's largest home spread of the season, so it's rarified air - they were a home favorite of 9 over the Pacers, and they were unable to cover that one. I'm not convinced we won't see the same results here. Still, the Warriors have lost 4 in a row, and they've been looking like a terrible, undermanned squad, and that's exactly why we would love to stay ahead of the curve. Truth be told, with the Warriors starting a 3-game road trip, I don't really believe either team is in a GOOD spot in this one. The Thunder are in the middle of a homestand, typically a time that I like to back a team, but not a team that has never faced this type of monster spread. The final reason that I don't really have a strong feeling about either the side or total in this game is the information we're getting from the last meeting. The Warriors are technically on revenge, though it was at 16-point loss here in Oklahoma City as a 7-point dog. And oddsmakers have adjusted the spread accordingly. Also, the total in that game was just 192, THIRTY points under the posted mark, and oddsmakers have set the total in this one 8 points lower, so the lines are working their way towards the results from the last game. This tells me that that the power rankings predict this game will go a lot like the last one, and I just don't like that at all. No leans here.

Suns @ Rockets - Houston by 3.5 with a total of 219. Double revenge for the Rockets here, including a home loss to the Suns back in November...you know, when Phoenix was decent. More recently, the Suns beat the Rockets by 8 in Phoenix. Also, we've seen the totals bouncing back and forth between 216 and 228, and I'm thinking this total is spot on. If there's any value in this game, it's not in the total, so let's break down the side. I don't think oddsmakers truly believe the Rockets are a better team than the Suns, so we're seeing, likely, a larger-than-3 home court advantage for Houston, and also a preadjustment for the double-revenge. So, unless you strongly feel the Rockets are going to come to play, there isn't a ton of line value on the Houston side. There is the possibility of a letdown for the Suns, though. They finally snapped their TNT disaster skid on Thursday night with that emotional home win over the Mavericks, but lost in the big victory is the fact that Amare Stoudemire is starting to check out on the Suns. His size is a huge reason the Suns can run an effective offense against the Rockets, since we all know how much trouble bigger guys give Houston. This game is just making me wring my hands, and that's a good sign that the line is probably pretty accurate. It's tough to know if Phoenix will respond to that Dallas win with a letdown or with a surge of momentum, and it's tough to know if the Rockets finally getting a SU win will propel them to another. This should be a fun game to watch, and a terribly stressful game to wager on. I hate to say it, but I have no real leans in this one, either. Maybe just a teeny, tiny bit to the Rockets, thanks to the double-revenge, but there's about a 15% chance this game makes any kind of card for me, premium or personal.

NBA Televised Sunday Betting is Back
Doug Upstone

Its a sure sign the football season is nearly complete, when guys in the semi-short pants from professional basketball are on TV to close out the weekend. For many NBA bettors, they have toiled for some time with the daily grind of crunching numbers and attempting to determine if their methodology will work. The NBA offers two quality contests for your viewing pleasure, with the first contest possibly missing key players and the later contest an old school showdown with glorious past.

Denver at San Antonio 1:00E ABC

The Nuggets are uncertain if Carmelo Anthonys gimpy ankle will allow him to go, after missing Fridays contest in Oklahoma City. Additionally, Denver is still sorting out the behavior antics of J.R. Smith from eight days ago on the bench. Smith was nearly suspended but V.P. of player personnel Rex Chapman; finally deciding against it, in hopes coach George Karl wont have any more problems with him forward.

Its been no problem on the actual court for Denver (31-15, 21-24-1 ATS), having won eight of nine with 4-4-1 ATS mark. The Nuggets surge has been led by guard Chauncey Billups who is averaging a career-high 19.2 points in addition to 5.9 assists. Denver is 25-11 ATS playing against a team with a winning record in the half of the season over the last two years.

While Anthonys status is up in the air for Denver, no such luck for San Antonio, with Tony Parker sidelined with an ankle sprain. The Spurs (27-18, 23-21-1 ATS) arent exactly hitting on all cylinders, having lost five of last eight and covering just three spreads. The most damning aspect of the slump is they have not been able to take advantage of six game home stand (2-3 SU & ATS), since after today they take to the road for eight games on Rodeo Trip. The Spurs will have to shoot a high percentage with less firepower in the backcourt and are 20-9 ATS when they make 48 to 51 percent of their shots in a game since last season.

Sportbet.com has San Antonio as favorite. The Spurs are just 2-7 ATS on Sunday assignments and 8-1-1 UNDER on this day of the week. Denver comes in 4-11 ATS in last 15 contests with a days rest and is 23-7 UNDER as the visiting team if the home team has a .600 or better record on their court. The road team has covered the last five meetings between this Western Conference clubs.

L.A. Lakers at Boston 3:30E ABC

Possibly Bostons midseason lull isnt a cause for concern, with 6-10 (5-11 ATS) record since Dec. 27 and this veteran squad will turn it on once the scent of playoff basketball is in the air, yet watching them play you still wonder where the Celtics (29-15, 18-26 ATS) are headed. Ray Allen seems to be aging game to game, lacking the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. In NBA language that is called catch and shot player and not many elite teams have this type of guy in the starting lineup.

All was thought to be well with Kevin Garnett back, one problem he looks slow, like his long aging and increasing injured legs are starting to fail him, particularly on defense. Guard Rajon Rondo needs Google search to find the basket with as wayward as jump shot has been. Boston is also suffering from a lack of cohesiveness with Garnett and others taking turns missing game. Boston is 13-7 at home with sickly 6-14 ATS record.

The Lakers (36-11, 22-24-1 ATS) probably feel like their home was foreclosed on, playing their seventh road game in a row, all in the Eastern Time zone. The purple-clad team from L.A. is 4-2 SU and ATS thus far, with three wins in a row and starts heading back west tomorrow, with a stop in Memphis to conclude the road trip, against one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Los Angeles however is just 1-6 ATS if the opponent has a winning home record. The Lakers will attempt to thwart Bostons interior defense, by shooting well from the perimeter and they are 31-14 ATS when they make 39 to 45 percent of their three point attempts. Los Angeles has covered six of last seven Sunday contests and is 4-1 OVER since falling at Cleveland. Boston 0-8 against the number taking on Pacific Division squads and is 20-7 OVER off a SU loss. The underdog Lakers have covered once in previous five visits in Bean-Town.

Sunday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers

The Sunday NBA card involves nine games, including several afternoon affairs. The 3:30 PM tip-off from Boston reunites two of the league's oldest rivals, when the Celtics host the Lakers.

Lakers (36-11 SU, 22-24-1 ATS) at Celtics (29-15 SU, 18-26 ATS)

The Lakers continue an eight-game East Coast swing, with L.A. winning four of its first six following Friday's victory at Philadelphia. The Celtics, meanwhile, try to bounce back after consecutive losses at Orlando and Atlanta.

Los Angeles has passed all the easy tests on this trip, beating New York, Washington, Indiana, and Philadelphia each by at least eight points. The Lakers stubbed their toe up in Toronto, falling 106-105 as four-point favorites. The trip began with a six-point setback at Cleveland, a game in which the Lakers held firm control before a late Cavalier rally.

Boston can't cover a spread to save themselves as this point, losing six of seven ATS. Since the return of Kevin Garnett to the lineup, the C's are 1-3 ATS, with the lone cover coming in the 96-94 loss at Orlando on Thursday as 3 ½-point 'dogs. In fact, the Celtics are 0-5 ATS the last five at TD Banknorth Garden, including a 2-3 SU mark in this stretch.

The Lakers swept the season series from the Celtics last season, topped off by a 110-109 overtime victory in Beantown last February as seven-point 'dogs. The C's eliminated the Lakers in the NBA Finals two seasons ago in six games, but many people forget that Boston covered all six times.

L.A. Clippers (20-26 SU, 22-23-1 ATS) at Cleveland (37-11 SU, 24-23-1 ATS)

The Clippers looked like they were turning things around, but then we remembered that they were the Clippers. Los Angeles dropped consecutive games to the league's two biggest doormats, New Jersey and Minnesota, as the Clips travel to Cleveland this evening.

The Clips were actually playing decent for a while, going 12-5 ATS since December 27, including covers against the Celtics twice, Lakers, Blazers, Grizzlies, and Cavs. All-Star snub Chris Kaman has been a big part of this resurrection, as the Clips are 10-2 ATS in this stretch with their healthy center in the lineup. However, Kaman missed Friday's loss at Minnesota, and is listed as 'questionable' for tonight.

The Cavs, meanwhile, continue to stay hot, winners of seven straight, and 17 of 20. To show you how amazing this run is for Cleveland, the three losses have come by a combined six points to Charlotte, Denver, and Utah. However, the Cavs are 2-5 ATS the last seven when laying at least eight points.

The Clippers look to avenge a 102-101 home loss to the Cavs suffered two weeks ago at Staples Center. Los Angeles squandered a 13-point lead in the second half, as LeBron James pumped in 32 points for the victorious Cavs. Cleveland backers did not cash in, as the Clips brought home the cash as 7 ½-point home 'dogs.

Magic (31-16 SU, 23-23-1 ATS) at Pistons (15-30 SU, 19-25-1 ATS)

Orlando is turning the corner and is slowly returning to elite status in the Eastern Conference with five wins in its last six games. The Magic is coming off a nice little sweep of the Celtics and Hawks at home, pushing their home winning streak to five.

Stan Van Gundy's club travels to the Motor City to take on the offensively-inept Pistons. Detroit tallied only 65 points in Friday's 27-point home loss to Miami. Amazingly, that was not a season-low for points, as Detroit put up just 64 in an ugly road defeat at Toronto right before Christmas.

The Pistons have seen highs and lows this season to go along with new faces and plenty of injuries. Detroit won five straight games to start December, then proceeded to drop 13 straight. John Kuester's team magically won three of four, but is now returning to old habit, losing four straight. As home 'dogs this season, the Pistons have beaten the Celtics, Nuggets, and Magic.

Orlando was a superb road team last season, but this season, the magic is lost on the road for this club. Despite a 13-12 SU mark away from Central Florida, the Magic is 3-10 SU the last 13 on the road, and 3-9-1 ATS. Also, Orlando is trying to clean up an ugly 3-7 ATS mark the previous ten as road 'chalk.'

Suns (27-21 SU, 24-24 ATS) at Rockets (25-21 SU, 22-24 ATS)

For some reason, the teams in Texas have problems covering at home. Dallas is riding a 16-game ATS skid as home favorites. San Antonio had dropped three straight at home prior to consecutive wins over Atlanta and Memphis. And Houston can't buy a cover at the Toyota Center, hosting the Suns this evening.

The Rockets are 0-7 ATS the last seven at home, coming off Friday's non-cover in a 104-100 victory over the Blazers. Interestingly, Houston had covered seven straight in its backyard before this skid. Rick Adelman's team is turning into 'fade' material as a favorite as well, failing to cover seven in a row when laying points.

The Suns haven't proved to be much better, going 3-7 SU/ATS the last ten games, while dropping five straight away from the Valley. Call it age, or the Amar'e Stoudemire trade rumors, but the Suns have faded fast following a strong start out of the gate. Phoenix is coming off a solid 112-106 victory over Dallas on Thursday night, ending a four-game ATS slide.

Phoenix has owned Houston this season, going 2-0 SU/ATS. The Suns knocked off the Rockets at the Toyota Center, 111-105 in mid-November, cashing as 2 ½-point 'dogs. Phoenix downed Houston in a back-and-forth affair at home, 118-110 earlier this month, covering late as 4 ½-point favorites.

vegasinsider.com

Trend Report - Sunday
By Ed Meyer

Clippers at Cavaliers – The Clippers are 7-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since April 12, 2003 on the road after a game on the road in which they shot less than 60% from the free-throw line. The Clippers are 0-7 ATS (-6.9 ppg) since March 21, 1998 after a double digit loss in which they shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than a 25% of them. The Clippers are 0-7 ATS (-11.2 ppg) since December 28, 2008 when seeking revenge for a 1-3 point loss. The Cavaliers are 8-0-1 ATS (8.3 ppg) since February 24, 2002 with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they controlled at least 60% of the available rebounds. The Cavaliers are 8-0 ATS (6.9 ppg) since March 18, 1999 at home after a win in which they had at least 10 fewer personal fouls than their opponent. The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS (5.0 ppg) since February 13, 2005 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which they blocked at least 10 shots.

Lakers at Celtics – The Lakers are 0-7 ATS (-8.5 ppg) since December 22, 2002 after playing on the road against the Seventysixers. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-4.4 ppg) since December 06, 2006 with at most one day of rest after a road loss in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line.

Sixers at Nets – The Nets are 0-11 ATS (-7.5 ppg) since April 16, 2003 as a dog after a home loss in which their DPS was minus 15 points or less. The Nets are 0-8 ATS (-4.1 ppg) since February 21, 1997 as a dog after a loss in which their DPA was minus 15 points or less.

Magic at Pistons – The Magic are 10-0 ATS (8.5 ppg) since November 27, 2006 on the road with at most one day of rest after a double digit home win in which they allowed less than 40% from the field. The Pistons are 0-7 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since January 23, 2009 at home after a game at home in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line.

Pacers at Raptors – The Pacers are 0-8 ATS (-5.0 ppg) since March 17, 1999 on the road after a game at home in which they had at least 10 more personal fouls than their opponent. The Pacers are 7-0 ATS (10.6 ppg) since June 01, 2004 on the road with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than a 25% of them. The Raptors are 0-8 ATS (-9.6 ppg) since December 03, 1997 with two or more days of rest after a game on the road in which they committed at least twenty turnovers. The Raptors are 0-8 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since November 23, 2008 when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which they led at the half. The Raptors are 6-0 ATS (8.8 ppg) since December 02, 2003 with two or more days of rest after a game on the road in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted.

Suns at Rockets – The Suns are 0-9 ATS (-12.1 ppg) since February 06, 2002 with two or more days of rest off a win in which they trailed at the end of the third quarter. The Suns are 0-7 ATS (-17.7 ppg) since December 01, 2009 after a win in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Rockets are 6-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since December 06, 1995 at home with at most one day of rest off a win in which they trailed by double digits at the end of the first quarter.

Nuggets at Spurs – The Nuggets are 0-8 ATS (-9.0 ppg) since February 01, 1997 when facing a team they beat in their previous same-season match-up and they have a revenge game at home tomorrow. The Nuggets are 7-0 ATS (5.3 ppg) since February 05, 2007 with at least one day of rest after a loss in which they committed at least twenty turnovers. The Spurs are 7-0 ATS (8.8 ppg) since November 23, 2007 at home with at least one day of rest after a win in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

Warriors at Thunder – The Warriors are 0-5 ATS (-12.5 ppg) since March 10, 2000 on the road after a double digit home loss in which they shot less than 60% from the free-throw line. The Thunder are 0-5 ATS (-10.4 ppg) since March 24, 2009 after a win in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.

Knicks at Timberwolves – The Knicks are 0-7 ATS (-10.0 ppg) since March 26, 2001 on the road when facing a non-conference team they beat as a home favorite by double digits in their first match-up of the season. The Timberwolves are 0-10 ATS (-11.8 ppg) since April 09, 2008 at home with at most one day of rest after a game in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Timberwolves are 0-8 ATS (-8.8 ppg) since April 12, 1999 after a game at home in which their opponent shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than 25% of them.