Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors
The Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
The Rockets dominated the third quarter and came away with a 96-91 victory over the 76ers on Friday. The Rockets covered the slight 2.5-point spread, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 193.5.
Carl Landry had 20 points for the Rockets, and Aaron Brooks added 19 points in that win.
The Raptors were defeated 111-89 by the Hawks last time out, as 3.5-point underdogs. The combined score went UNDER the posted total of 210.
Hedo Turkoglu had 12 points with seven rebounds and eight assists in the loss.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 13-9 SU, 14-8 ATS
Toronto: 10-15 SU, 10-15 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 9-1
After a win are 3-7
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 1-9
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Houston home to Detroit, Tuesday, December 15
Toronto at Miami, Tuesday, December 15
New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
The New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Philips Arena.
The Nets were reeled in 107-91 by the Pacers on Friday as a 4-point underdog. The combined score went as a PUSH against the posted total of 198.
Brook Lopez tossed in 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Hawks soared to a third straight victory by defeating the Raptors 111-89 on Friday. The Hawks covered the 3.5-point spread, while the combined score went UNDER the posted total of 210.
Joe Johnson poured in 20 points, while Jamal Crawford and Maurice Evans added 15 points apiece in the win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 2-21 SU, 7-15-1 ATS
Atlanta: 16-6 SU, 16-6 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Jersey's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New Jersey's last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
New Jersey at Cleveland, Tuesday, December 15
Atlanta home to Memphis, Wednesday, December 16
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The Grizzlies were defeated 102-94 by the Thunder on Friday, as 2-point favorites at home. That game's 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 197.5.
Mike Conley had 20 points for the Grizzlies, and O.J. Mayo added 18 in the loss.
The Heat were toppled 106-93 by the Mavericks last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. That game's 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Dwyane Wade poured in a game-high 28 points to go with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Team records:
Memphis: 9-13 SU, 10-12 ATS
Miami: 11-10 SU, 10-11 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 9-1
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 12 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Miami's last 12 games when playing Memphis
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Boston, Monday, December 14
Miami home to Toronto, Tuesday, December 15
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Ford Center.
LeBron James dropped a game-high 33 points and grabbed seven rebounds with seven assists to lead the Cavaliers over the Trail Blazers 104-99 on Friday. The Cavaliers failed to cover the 10-point spread, while the 203 points sailed OVER the posted total of 186.
Anderson Varejao added 22 points, while Mo Williams and Shaquille O'Neal had 14 apiece in that win.
The Thunder roared back in the fourth quarter for a 102-94 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday, as 2-point underdogs. The 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 197.5.
Kevin Durant netted 32 points and hauled down 10 rebound for a double-double in leading the way.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 16-7 SU, 11-12 ATS
Oklahoma City: 12-9 SU, 13-8 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 1-9
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Cleveland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Cleveland home to New Jersey, Tuesday, December 15
Oklahoma City at Denver, Monday, December 14
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
The Spurs scored 32 points in the fourth quarter and roared past the Bobcats 104-85 on Friday. The Spurs covered the 7.5-point spread, and the 189 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Eric Gordon scored 21 points for Los Angeles in its 97-86 loss to Orlando on Tuesday night.
Orlando covered as 7-point road favorites, while the game played UNDER the 191.5-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 11-9 SU, 9-10-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 9-12 SU, 7-14 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 8-2
After playing Charlotte are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home
Next up:
San Antonio at Phoenix, Tuesday, December 15
LA Clippers home to Washington, Monday, December 14
Trend Report - Sunday
By Ed Meyer
Spurs @ Clippers - The Spurs are 10-0 ATS (5.1 ppg) since January 30, 1998 as a road favorite with at most one day of rest after a win in which they controlled at least 60% of the available rebounds. The Spurs are 0-9 ATS (-9.9 ppg) since April 25, 2006 after a game in which they shot at least 10 percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Spurs are 0-7 ATS (-7.6 ppg) since January 29, 2005 with at most one day of rest after a double digit win in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times. The Spurs are 0-6 ATS (-11.1 ppg) since January 15, 2007 after a win in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four. The Spurs are 0-6 ATS (-10.0 ppg) since May 26, 2007 after a win at home in which Tony Parker had at least 5 turnovers. The League is 8-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since November 29, 2008 at home after a home loss in which they had at least 10 shots blocked. The Clippers are 6-0 ATS (8.0 ppg) since December 19, 1995 at home with two or more days of rest after a double digit home loss in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Clippers are 0-6 ATS (-9.0 ppg) since March 02, 2009 as a dog after a game at home in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.
Nets @ Hawks - The Nets are 8-0 ATS (7.8 ppg) since March 19, 2008 when the ball was stolen from them at least ten times in each of their last two games. The Nets are 0-8 ATS (-11.5 ppg) since December 15, 2006 when they stole the ball from their opponent at least ten times in each of their last two games. The Nets are 0-8 ATS (-5.8 ppg) since March 07, 2004 as a road dog with at least one day of rest after a game on the road in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Hawks are 6-0 ATS (6.8 ppg) since January 17, 2004 as a home favorite when they allowed fewer than 90 points for two straight games. The Hawks are 0-6 ATS (-12.7 ppg) since January 29, 2001 after a double digit road win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.
Grizzlies @ Heat - The Grizzlies are 0-7-1 ATS (-7.0 ppg) since November 03, 2007 with at least one day of rest off a home loss in which they led at the end of the third quarter. The Grizzlies are 6-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since January 10, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a home loss in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Heat are 7-0-1 ATS (8.1 ppg) since April 15, 2003 off a loss as a home dog in which they never led. The Heat are 7-0 ATS (16.3 ppg) since October 31, 2008 with at least a day of rest after a loss in which Udonis Haslem shot better than 66% from the field. The Heat are 0-7 ATS (-9.8 ppg) since January 26, 2006 as a home favorite when they had at least ten fewer assists in their previous game than in the game before. The Heat are 6-0 ATS (10.7 ppg) since March 21, 2003 as a favorite with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Heat are 5-0-1 ATS (3.2 ppg) since December 12, 2003 at home versus the Grizzlies.
Rockets @ Raptors - The Rockets are 12-0-1 ATS (10.7 ppg) since December 06, 1995 with at most one day of rest off a win in which they trailed by double digits at the end of the first quarter. The Rockets are 0-8 ATS (-6.7 ppg) since November 03, 2007 as a favorite with at most one day of rest off a road win in which they trailed by 10+ points. The Raptors are 0-8 ATS (-4.6 ppg) since February 04, 2009 as a dog when they lost and failed to covered as an underdog in each of their last two games. The Raptors are 0-7 ATS (-6.0 ppg) since January 04, 2008 as a dog with at least one day of rest after a game in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line.
Cavaliers @ Thunder - The Cavaliers are 0-8 ATS (-7.8 ppg) since January 19, 2009 with at least a day of rest after a win at home in which LeBron James took more than 20 shots. The Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS (-6.8 ppg) since December 28, 2008 with at least one day of rest off a win as a home favorite in which they trailed by 10+ points. The Thunder are 0-7 ATS (-13.0 ppg) since January 18, 2009 after a win in which Jeff Green played more than 40 minutes. The Thunder are 0-6 ATS (-13.4 ppg) since January 18, 2009 at home after a win in which Kevin Durant scored at least 30 points.
NBA RoundUp for 12/13
By Dan Bebe
Raptors/Rockets - Raptors getting 1.5 points at home with a total of 203.5. This is an interesting one, and I always like trying to get an edge on game with almost no spread. Here, we have the Rockets, maybe the biggest overachievers in the NBA, at 13-9 on the season and really without any stars on the club, taking on the Raptors, one of the league's true underachievers. Toronto is 10-15, and is coming off getting spanked in Milwaukee, then at home by the Hawks. The Raptors are also 10-15 ATS, which has meant this team's been a solid fade so far, and even moreso recently, as Toronto has gone 2-8 ATS over their last 10 games. The Rockets have covered 5 of their last 6 games, truly impressing me in the process. If the season ended right now, Rick Adelman should be getting huge consideration for coach of the year. But this isn't helpful for handicapping. The most important thing we need to know going into this one is who is going to play. Toronto was without Jose Calderon in their last game, and the offense loses a ton of its rhythm without him. I will not, in good conscience, place a wager on this game until we know who is and who is not playing. It's just not worth it. If we can find out a bit more, and if Toronto is healthy, this might be a nice bounceback spot for them, coming off another embarrassing defeat to the Hawks. I like Toronto and the Over, but only if we can get a fully healthy lineup out there, and first indications are that we cannot.
Hawks/Nets - Atlanta by 12.5 at home with a total of 198.5. This is a pretty hefty spread, and in situations like this I try to find reasons to take the underdog, but this game might be another pass. Atlanta has won, and covered, 3 straight games, including a pair of merciless beatings of the Bulls and Raptors. So, we've seen Atlanta handle large spreads, not good for our efforts to find reasons to back the dog. Atlanta's next game isn't until the 16th, when they host Memphis, so this isn't a look-ahead spot either. The more we dig into this game, the more it looks like one we should be skipping. New Jersey remains a dismal 2-21 on the season, and an unpleasant if not quite equally pathetic 7-16 ATS. They have been smashed in each of their last 2 games, one against the Warriors at home, then the next in Indiana. They play in Atlanta tonight, then in Cleveland on Tuesday, so the road doesn't get much easier, and word on the street is that Devin Harris is dealing with an injured finger. Unfortunately, given all this information, I lean to Atlanta, but barely enough to notice, and I also lean to the Under, since I'm not sure the Nets can break 90.
Heat/Grizzlies - Heat by 7 at home with a total of 199. I can't help but wonder what the Heat are doing laying 7 points to anyone, anywhere. This team is not much better than the Grizzlies, if at all, and Memphis has been playing excellent basketball. Let's see if we can't figure out what the oddsmakers have up their sleeves. Miami is coming off a 13-point loss at home to the Dallas Mavericks, so they will be fired up to get a win in front of their home crowd. That being said, the Heat are a rather mundane 6-6 at home, unable to really put the pieces together a few games in a row, and hovering near the .500 mark all season after a quick start. This game with the Grizzlies is the second of a 6-game homestand for Miami, which means it is indeed a better spot for them than the last game with Dallas. The players are settling in to their own homes with family obligations, and I think we see a solid effort from the Heat in this one. But, curbing our enthusiasm, Miami has just ONE win since November 12 of more than 7 points, that being in Sacramento when they kicked off their road trip to the west coast. Beating anyone by 8 seems to be awfully difficult for this team, but it's possible. Memphis has been one of the home/road split-teams thus far this year, going a very respectable 6-4 on their home court, and a pathetic 3-9 on the road. They did win their last road game in Minnesota, but prior to that had lost by large sums in Utah and against the Clippers. Of course, before that they won a nice one in Portland. This Memphis team is far too inconsistent to pick a side in this one. The total is no good, either, as the Heat have been playing Overs and the Grizz have been playing Unders. Memphis has had a tendency to relax on defense on the road, so I'd lean Over, but this is another game that doesn't have my attention just yet.
Thunder/Cavaliers - Cleveland laying 3.5 on the road with a total of 191. This line smells a little like a trap. Cleveland hasn't been playing that well lately, which makes Oklahoma look excellent at first glance. The Cavs have failed to cover their last 3 games in a row, 2 of them outright losses in Memphis and Houston. It took a 54% shooting performance for Cleveland to beat Portland, so their defense is struggling a tad, and a few banged up players might be the reason behind it. Mo Williams is playing through an injury, as is Anderson Varejao, and if even 1 of the 5 guys on the floor isn't rotating properly, the entire defense will suffer. I think this is a particularly bad spot for the Cavs, and while I think Lebron will put together another solid game, I'm not sure this is a game we'll see the entire team get up for. It's a Sunday early-evening game, and while I am fully aware weird things happen on Sundays, let's keep a close eye on this line. The Thunder have gone 5-2 SU and ATS over their last 7 games, including 2 straight wins and covers (vs. GS and at Mem). They have also played to 2 straight Unders, which I actually don't like. I feel the Over has some value with the Thunder starting to click offensively, and the Cavs with a guy named James that can overcome most defenses on his own. I lean to the Thunder and just slightly to the Over.
Clippers/Spurs - The Spurs are laying 6 points on the road with a total of 187. Not the world's most succulent Sunday card, now that we're on the last game of it. Good thing there's football. The Spurs are coming off back-to-back home wins over the Kings and the Bobcats, but have covered just 1 of their last 6 games, going 1-4-1 ATS in that stretch. They have regressed a tad defensively after a nice run to end November, but offensively, San Antonio is holding up just fine. They've shot over 50% in each of their last 2 games, but have allowed their opponents to shoot over 50% in 2 of the last 3, as well. We've seen 3 straight games fly Over the total, and the poor defense and good shooting are the obvious reasons why. Today, the Spurs face the bricklaying LA Clippers, who have shot 40% and 35% in their last 2 games, and have gone Under the total in 8 of their last 9 games. The Clippers slow, plodding offense is definitely the reason this total is so low. I will admit when there's a team that I'm just not getting a great read on, and the Clippers are one of those teams. I'm quite hesitant to lean to either side, though the Spurs' road woes make me move just slightly to the Clippers -- San Antonio is 10-4 at home and just 1-5 on the road, so laying 6 points is a recipe for disaster. The total of 187 has a nice shot of getting cleared, but the Clippers could slow things down enough to try to win this one in a defensive struggle.
Fantasy Advice
Erick Dampier - Contract year. That's all that needs to be said. The dude is healthy again, and rebounding like he wants to be able to afford food for his family next season, including back to back 17/18 rebound performances.