NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Sunday, Nov. 16
Dallas at New York (6 p.m. EST). New York (6-3) is off to its best start since also opening 6-3 in 1998-99. Dallas (2-7) has lost five straight.
STARS
Friday
— Shaquille O’Neal, Suns, tied a season high with 29 points and had 13 rebounds and six assists in short-handed Phoenix’s 97-95 overtime victory at Sacramento.
— Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson, Pistons. Wallace had 25 points and 13 rebounds and Iverson added 25 points in Detroit’s 106-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Tim Duncan, Spurs, scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks’ layup with a second left in San Antonio’s 77-75 victory over Houston.
— Devin Harris, Nets, scored 30 points in New Jersey’s 115-108 victory over Atlanta after missing three games because of a sprained left ankle.
— Thaddeus Young, 76ers, had 25 points and 10 rebounds in Philadelphia’s 94-92 victory at Indiana.
— Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, Knicks, each scored 29 points, combining for 10 in the final 4 minutes, in New York’s 116-106 victory over Oklahoma City.
— Rashard Lewis, Magic, scored 23 points, including the tying and go-ahead points on free throws with 10.9 seconds left, in Orlando’s 102-100 victory over Dallas.
SUSPENDED
The NBA suspended Phoenix’s Steve Nash and Matt Barnes and Houston’s Rafer Alston on Friday for their roles in a fight during the Rockets’ victory in Phoenix on Wednesday night. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O’Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000.
STATS
Denver beat Boston 94-85 on Friday night to improve to 4-1 since acquiring Chauncey Billups from Detroit. Billups had 18 points. … Utah has lost three of its last four games after opening 5-0. … Atlanta has lost two straight after a 6-0 start.
STATUS
Portland center Greg Oden had 11 points in his second game back from a sprained foot, an 87-82 loss in New Orleans. … New York rookie Danilo Gallinari received another cortisone shot for his ailing back and will have an “extended period of rest” while seeking additional opinions on treatment. … Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa returned to Brazil following his mother’s death. … Denver center Steven Hunter was expected to miss at least 12 weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
SPEAKING
“What can you say about Tim Duncan that hasn’t already been said. He provides the leadership on this team. He is the center of the program.”—San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich after Duncan scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks’ layup with a second left in San Antonio’s 77-75 victory over Houston on Friday night.
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors
Dwyane Wade tossed in 24 points on Friday, as the Heat defeated the Wizards 97-77. The Heat covered the 6.5-point spread, while the 174 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.5.
Michael Beasley had 19 points and six rebounds for the Heat. Udonis Haslem added 13 points with 13 rebounds in the win.
The Raptors were upset 106-96 by the 76ers last time out, as 5.5-point favorites at home. The combined 202 points sailed OVER the posted total of 185.
Chris Bosh netted a game-high 30 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 5-4 SU, 4-4-1 ATS
Toronto: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 2-8
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 2-8
Before playing Orlando are 2-8
After playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Next up:
Miami at Washington, Tuesday, November 18
Toronto at Orlando, Tuesday, November 18
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Magic saved it all for the end and dominated the fourth quarter to earn a 102-100 victory over the Mavericks on Friday, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 202 points made it OVER the posted total of 199.
Rashard Lewis tossed in 23 points and hauled down nine boards to lead the Magic. Jameer Nelson chipped in with 21 points in the win.
Raymond Felton dropped 23 points in helping the Bobcats upset the Jazz 104-96 on Friday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 200 points sailed OVER the posted total of 179.
Gerald Wallace netted 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Bobcats.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS
Charlotte: 3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 2-6
After playing Utah are 2-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Orlando's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Next up:
Orlando home to Toronto, Tuesday, November 18
Charlotte home to Dallas, Tuesday, November 18
Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks
The Mavericks were upset 102-100 by the Magic last time out, as 1.5-point favorites. The 202 points made it OVER the posted total of 199.
Josh Howard scored 25 points with nine rebounds in the loss.
Zach Randolph tossed in 29 points with 19 rebounds as the Knicks defeated the Thunder 116-106 on Friday. The Knicks covered the 8.5-point spread, and the game's combined 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 209.5.
Jamal Crawford also had 29 points for the Thunder, and David Lee had 18 off the bench.
Current streak:
Dallas has lost 5 straight games.
New York has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 2-7 SU, 2-7 ATS
New York: 6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 9-1
Before playing Charlotte are 5-3
After playing Orlando are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 1-9
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Charlotte, Tuesday, November 18
New York at Boston, Tuesday, November 18
Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
Rasheed Wallace dropped 25 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double on Friday, as the Pistons upset the Lakers 106-95. The Pistons won that game as a 10-point underdog, while the 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 195.
Allen Iverson also netted a team-high 25 points, and Tayshaun Prince chipped in with 18 points in the victory.
The Suns blew a fourth-quarter lead, but came away with a 97-95 victory over the Kings in overtime on Friday. The Suns failed to cover the 3.5-point spread, and the 1892 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 204.
Shaquille O'Neal led the Suns with 29 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 7-2 SU, 5-4 ATS
Phoenix: 7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 9-1
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 9-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Detroit is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Detroit is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Phoenix is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Detroit home to Cleveland, Wednesday, November 19
Phoenix at Utah, Monday, November 17
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
The Timberwolves lost 88-83 to the Trail Blazers last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 171 points went UNDER the posted total of 193.5.
Al Jefferson had 26 points and six rebounds in a losing effort for the Timberwolves.
The Nuggets dominated the fourth quarter with 30 points to come back and defeat the Celtics 94-85 on Friday. The Nuggets won the game as a 10-point underdog, while the 178 points fell UNDER the posted total of 197.
Carmelo Anthony led the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 1-7 SU, 3-5 ATS
Denver: 5-4 SU, 7-2 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
Denver most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games at home
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, November 19
Denver home to Milwaukee, Tuesday, November 18
San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings
The Spurs roared back in the fourth quarter and came out on top with a 77-75 win over the Rockets on Friday. The Spurs won that game as a 5.5-point underdog, while the 152 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 173.
Tim Duncan netted 22 points to lead the Spurs, and George Hill chipped in with 17 in the win.
The Kings roared back to force overtime, but fell 97-95 to the Suns on Friday. The Kings were 3.5-point underdogs in that game, while the 192 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 204.
John Salmons shot 9-for-15 from the field with 21 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Team records:
San Antonio: 3-5 SU, 2-6 ATS
Sacramento: 4-6 SU, 6-4 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Houston are 9-1
After a win are 3-7
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
San Antonio is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Sacramento is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Sacramento's last 16 games at home
Sacramento is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at LA Clippers, Monday, November 17
Sacramento at Memphis, Tuesday, November 18
MIAMI (5 - 4) at TORONTO (4 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 37-52 ATS (-20.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (6 - 3) at CHARLOTTE (3 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 14-32 ATS (-21.2 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
ORLANDO is 61-38 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS (2 - 7) at NEW YORK (6 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 40-53 ATS (-18.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 193-137 ATS (+42.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
NEW YORK is 36-57 ATS (-26.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (7 - 2) at PHOENIX (7 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 306-248 ATS (+33.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
DETROIT is 62-46 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-41 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (1 - 7) at DENVER (5 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 73-95 ATS (-31.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 4-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (3 - 5) at SACRAMENTO (4 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games in November games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 103-71 ATS (+24.9 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 133-100 ATS (+23.0 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI vs. TORONTO
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Charlotte is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
DALLAS vs. NEW YORK
Dallas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
DETROIT vs. PHOENIX
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Phoenix is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games at home
SAN ANTONIO vs. SACRAMENTO
San Antonio is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
San Antonio is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Sacramento is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio
Miami at Toronto
Miami: 1-10 ATS as road underdog of 6 points or less
Toronto: 17-5 Under after having lost 4 of L5
Orlando at Charlotte
Orlando: 19-5 ATS in November
Charlotte: 5-1 Under after playing as an underdog
Dallas at New York
Dallas: 14-8 ATS vs. New York
New York: 2-12 ATS after leading previous game by 20+ at the half
Detroit at Phoenix
Detroit: 5-15 ATS off a SU win as an underdog
Phoenix: 17-5 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6
Minnesota at Denver
Minnesota: 13-26 ATS when playing 6 or less games in 14 days
Denver: 17-3 ATS off BB road games
San Antonio at Sacramento
San Antonio: 2-12 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less
Sacramento: 11-2 ATS at home in November
NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By Indiancowboy
Note about yesterday's results for my upkeeping: The Hawks just seem to have trouble with the Nets as it seems they are coming back down to earth a bit after their fast start. GS and Maggatte gets it done on the road at the Clippers. Philly pounds the Thunder as it as although this team was down by 4 at the break, they get blown out in the second half. Cleveland manages to surge and it get done against Utah as once again the public dog of 66% gets buried. Portland once again gets it done over Minny despite it being a revenge game for Minny. Bulls and Rockets cover with ease as let me say something here: The New Orleans Hornets are not the threat they were in the past. This team is just not as good as they were last year. Furthermore, one of the biggest sleepers this year in the NBA is the Milwaukee Bucks, keep an eye on this team as they have done wonders for home covers this year.
Miami vs. Toronto
This line has come down a bit. It opened up at Tor -6 and has come down to -5. The total has come down slightly as well a 1/2 a point. Remember, Miami comes off a 20 point blowout win over the Wiz while the Raps just lost to the Sixers at home. Raptors on a bounce-back is typically a solid play so lean on the Raps.
Orlando vs. Charlotte
Charlotte showed a lot in their win over Utah. This team is 3-5. I remember last year when Jordan wrote to all of his season ticket holders asking them to hold on for one more season as he turns it around - enter Larry Brown. But, we'll see where this team stands after the first half, probably just under .500. Orland comes off that big win over Dallas on the road. Although I want to take the Bobcats here, I just don't trust their shooting for 48 mins. Note, Richardson is out for this game.
Dallas vs. New York
Dallas comes off a brutal loss to the Magic at home. This team is in serious trouble. I have talked about this over and over how bad this team is. Frankly, this game can go either way. Note, the public is split on this game. I would actually lean on the Knicks at home, but I can see it one way or the other as the Mavs just have struggled to close out games this year. Heck, they were up DD against the Magic at home and they lost that game outright.
Detroit vs. Phoenix
I know the Pistons are rocking on this road trip right now. And, to be really honest with you, I'm surprised that this Pistons team has meshed as well as it has. But, that is why Dumars gets paid the big bucks I guess. By the way, I think Joe Dumars is one of the most effective managers in all of the NBA and frankly, I would put him as one of the top 3 administrators in the league currently. The guy knows his stuff - period. Detroit has won at Sacramento, the Lakers and Golden State. I can see this going either way, but despite having Barbosa out for this game, I lean on Phoenix a bit at home. But at this point, the Pistons continue to prove every one wrong - however, on this day, they are favored by the public 56%.