Inside the Paint - Sunday
By Chris David
Utah at Toronto: Nobody in the league is hotter than Utah right now. Jerry Sloan’s team has won 10 straight (7-3 ATS), but eight of those victories have come in Salt Lake City. We mention the eight wins, because the Jazz are 11-17 SU and 13-15 ATS on the road. All signs point to another Utah victory here, especially against a struggling Toronto club. The Raptors have dropped four in a row, both SU and ATS. Gamblers have been burned taking Toronto at home this year, watching the squad post a 12-17 SU and 10-18 ATS ledger. Utah has won seven straight against Toronto, including a 114-87 blowout win on Dec. 5. Even though the total is listed above 200 points for this contest, the ‘under’ has cashed in five straight. This game starts at 12:30 p.m. EDT, which makes the home ‘dog look a little attractive. This will be the first of a five-game trip for the Jazz and playing a morning battle in the first one is always hard.
Orlando at Boston: The Celtics proved that their still the team to beat on Friday when they stopped the Cavaliers 105-94. Boston can earn even more respect today when Orlando comes to Beantown. The Celtics already ripped Orlando by double digits in their two meetings this year, yet the books have shortened up the price on this game due to the inactive status of Boston’s Kevin Garnett. The Magic have been beasts (21-9 SU, 20-9 ATS) on the road this year for bettors. Still, it’s hard to fade a Boston club that has outscored opponents by 11 PPG (105-94) at home this year. Those numbers have produced a 26-5 SU and 17-14 ATS mark at home for the Celtics.
Phoenix at San Antonio: Shaquille O’Neal is great for the game and will go down as one of the best centers of all-time. However, his antics and mouth are tiresome and it’s showing on the court. The Suns are mired in a three-game skid (1-2 ATS) and are quietly getting closer to being eliminated in the Western playoff race. Phoenix did own a winning road record (15-17 SU, 12-19 ATS) prior to the three consecutive setbacks. San Antonio has already defeated Phoenix twice this season, both victories coming on the road too. Despite losing Manu Ginobili, the Spurs have posted a respectable 6-3 SU and 4-5 ATS ledger. This game will be televised nationally at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC.
New York at New Jersey: The “Hudson Battle” between the Knicks and Nets resumes on Sunday. New York dropped New Jersey 121-109 on Dec. 10 as an eight-point road underdog in the only meeting this year. The Knicks have covered four of the last five in this series, including the win this season. New York is 7-21 SU on the road, but a solid 16-12 versus the number. New Jersey is one of the few teams in the league to have more wins on the road (14) than at home (13). The Nets are 3-3 in their last six games, but Lawrence Frank’s team has covered all six during this span. New Jersey is a short favorite and most would expect a good effort at home here before the team embarks on a four-game road trip to the West. Plus, the Knicks will be playing their second game in two nights and are just 4-7 SU in back-to-back spots.
Memphis at Houston: The Rockets are the biggest favorite on Sunday’s board and deservingly so. Houston is 7-3 both SU and ATS in its last 10 games, and that includes quality wins over Dallas, Cleveland, Portland and Phoenix. The Rockets are a team to watch in the playoffs, even though they lost Tracy McGrady. They’re 7-3 without the All-Star and seem to play more team basketball. Point guard Aaron Brooks, the former Oregon standout, is legit and has proven his worth. Memphis is 2-8 SU and 6-4 ATS in its last 10 games, and is recently coming off a 118-95 win over the Clippers on Wednesday. The Grizzlies are 2-13 SU and 6-9 ATS in back-to-back games and face that scenario tonight after playing Philadelphia on Saturday. Revenge could be on the Rockets’ mind tonight, considering they’re 0-2 both SU and ATS to Memphis this season.
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City: The 76ers have dropped two straight and will be playing their second game in two nights. Philadelphia has struggled to a 5-10 SU and 6-9 ATS record in these situations. Fortunately for the 76ers, they have won five straight (4-0-1 ATS) against the Thunder and have covered eight of the last 10 encounters. Also, Oklahoma City might be without its two best players, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, for this matchup. Durant has missed three in a row for OKC, but the team has won all three games. The ‘under’ has gone 3-0 during this stretch. The Thunder are 36-23 ATS on the season, including 18-12 at home.
Denver at Sacramento: The late-night chaser game could be fun to watch, considering both teams run ‘n gun but might be better off passing at the ticket counter. All signs point to Denver, who has won six of the last seven against Sacramento including both battles this year. The Nuggets captured 118-99 and 118-85 victories over the Kings. Both contests went ‘under’. The Kings’ offense has been limited without point guard Beno Udrih (foot) in the lineup. ARCO Arena was once a tough out for opponents, yet that hasn’t been the case this year (9-21 SU, 11-19 ATS).
vegasinsider.com
What bettors need to know: Phoenix at San Antonio
By MATT SEVERANCE
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-7, 225)
Season series
The Suns beat the Spurs on opening night of the season but have lost two in a row to San Antonio since. Phoenix has lost the first three games on its current four-game road trip and four in a row on the road overall (1-3 ATS). It's the Suns' first three-game skid since January and they’ve allowed an average of nearly 121 points in the stretch. The Suns haven't allowed less than 100 since Feb. 8 at Detroit (the total has gone over in nine of the 13 games since that Pistons outing).
San Antonio enters off a 100-78 win over Washington on Friday in which Tim Duncan scored a season-low five points, but he didn't play at all in the fourth quarter (and just more than 18 minutes overall) because he was needed.
The Spurs have topped 100 points in just one of the three games against Phoenix this season, although these two have yet to play since Alvin Gentry took over as Phoenix coach and reinstalled the running style for the Suns.
After San Antonio scored 114 in a 10-point win over Phoenix on Jan. 29, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said: "We're scoring way too many points. We shouldn't be having this much fun."
That quote probably has made its way to the Phoenix locker room.
The underdog, by the way, has covered in eight of the past 11 meetings in this series.
Who is missing?
Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire is out for the season with news coming down late this week that he won't be able to return for the playoffs because of his injured eye. Stoudemire led Phoenix in scoring in each of the three previous meetings with San Antonio this year.
San Antonio won't have Manu Ginobili, who hasn't played since Feb. 11 with an injured ankle. He is expected to return by the middle of the month. Ginobili averaged 20.5 points and 6.5 assists in two games against Phoenix this year, missing the lone Spurs loss to the Suns. He was 18-for-18 from the foul line in the last meeting with Phoenix. The Spurs are 11-10 ATS without him this season, but 6-3 ATS during this recent absence.
Newly acquired forward Drew Gooden didn't play in San Antonio's win Friday against the Wizards and is not expected to suit up against Phoenix. Popovich said he wants to give Gooden about a week to make sure Gooden's troublesome groin injury was healed.
“We want to make sure he’s in shape and solid that way,” Popovich said to reporters.
Suns sticking with lineup
Matt Barnes has been very solid since being inserted into the Suns' starting lineup at power forward with Stoudemire out. Barnes had 17 points and nine rebounds in Friday's loss to the Rockets. Gentry put Barnes at power forward, moved Grant Hill to small forward and Leandro Barbosa back to a sixth-man role after a 26-point loss to the Lakers on Feb. 26. While Phoenix is just 2-3 since then, Barnes has averaged 17 points and 6.6 rebounds in those five games.
Gentry told the Arizona Republic that he will stick with that lineup from here on out, but mainly because of Hill.
"Grant needs to be out on the (open) floor," Gentry said. "He struggled at the four for us because he's not used to setting drags and stuff. We have to try to keep him at the three.”
Hill, incidentally, had one of the worst games of his career Friday in Houston, going scoreless with just one assist in 25 minutes.
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
The Magic escaped an upset, downing the Nets 105-102 at Amway Arena Friday.
New Jersey covered as a 9.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 201.5-point total.
The Celtics reminded the Cavaliers that they are still the team to beat with a 105-94 win at TD Banknorth Garden Friday.
Boston won as a 1.5-point home favorite while the final score played over the 185.5-point total.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 45-16 SU, 38-22-1 ATS
Boston: 49-14 SU, 34-29 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Orlando is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games at home
Boston is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Orlando
Boston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Orlando
Boston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next up:
Orlando at Detroit, Monday, March 9
Boston at Miami, Wednesday, March 11
Utah Jazz vs. Toronto Raptors
The Jazz knocked off the Nuggets 97-91 at EnergySolutions Arena Friday.
Denver covered as a 9.5-point road underdog while the final score played under the 209-point total.
The Raptors dropped a 108-102 loss to the Heat at the Air Canada Centre Friday.
Miami covered as a 1-point road favorite while the final score played over the 202.5-point total.
Current streak:
Utah has won 10 straight games.
Toronto has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 39-23 SU, 33-29 ATS
Toronto: 23-40 SU, 23-37-3 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Toronto is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Utah at Indiana, Tuesday, March 10
Toronto at Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 11
Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Suns couldn't keep up with the Rockets, losing 116-112 at the Toyota Center Friday.
Phoenix covered as a 6.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 226-point total.
The Spurs handled the Wizards easily, winning 100-78 at the AT&T Center Friday.
San Antonio covered as a 12.5-point home favorite while the final score played under the 186-point total.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 34-28 SU, 25-36-1 ATS
San Antonio: 41-20 SU, 31-28-2 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Houston are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 9-1
Before playing Charlotte are 7-2
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 12 games
Phoenix is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
San Antonio is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix home to Dallas, Tuesday, March 10
San Antonio home to Charlotte, Tuesday, March 10
New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets
The Knicks were upset 114-105 by the Bobcats last time out, as 3.5-point favorites at home. That game's 219 points sailed OVER the posted total of 206.5.
Al Harrington collected netted 24 points and Nate Robinson added 20.
The Nets nearly upset the Magic, losing 105-102 at Amway Arena Friday.
New Jersey covered as a 9.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 201.5-point total.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 25-36 SU, 34-27 ATS
New Jersey: 27-35 SU, 34-28 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 15 of New York's last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Jersey's last 10 games
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New York at Milwaukee, Tuesday, March 10
New Jersey at Golden State, Wednesday, March 11
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Andre Miller went for 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to help the 76ers in a 110-105 victory over the Grizzlies on Saturday. The 76ers failed to cover the 5.5-point spread, while the 215 points sailed OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Andre Iguodala tossed in a team-high 24 points, and Louis Williams had 18 points off the bench.
The Thunder were defeated 108-90 by the Hornets last time out, as 13-point road underdogs. That game's 198 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.
Russell Westbrook tossed in 24 points with seven rebounds in the loss.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 30-30 SU, 28-30-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 16-46 SU, 36-25-1 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 2-8
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Philadelphia is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Oklahoma City is 14-4-1 ATS in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Toronto, Wednesday, March 11
Oklahoma City at Sacramento, Tuesday, March 10
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets
The Grizzlies were defeated 110-105 by the 76ers last time out, as 5.5-point underdogs. That game's 215 points sailed OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Mike Conley collected a game-high 31 points, and Marc Gasol added 30 points in a losing effort.
The Rockets survived a shootout with the Suns, winning 116-112 at the Toyota Center Friday.
Phoenix covered as a 6.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 226-point total.
Team records:
Memphis: 16-45 SU, 25-35-1 ATS
Houston: 40-23 SU, 30-32-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Memphis's last 18 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at Minnesota, Wednesday, March 11
Houston at Denver, Monday, March 9
Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings
The Nuggets were handled by the Jazz 97-91 at EnergySolutions Arena Friday.
Denver covered as a 9.5-point road underdog while the final score played under the 209-point total.
Kevin Martin dropped 21 points for Sacramento in its 117-109 loss to Indiana on Tuesday night.
Indiana cashed in as 2.5-point road underdogs as the game played over the 214-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 40-23 SU, 35-27-1 ATS
Sacramento: 13-49 SU, 29-33 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Denver's last 18 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games on the road
Sacramento is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Sacramento's last 18 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Next up:
Denver home to Houston, Monday, March 9
Sacramento home to Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 10
ORLANDO vs. BOSTON
Orlando is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Boston
Orlando is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
UTAH vs. TORONTO
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Utah is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 12 games
San Antonio is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
San Antonio is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
NEW YORK vs. NEW JERSEY
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
MEMPHIS vs. HOUSTON
Memphis is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Memphis's last 25 games when playing Houston
Houston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
PHILADELPHIA vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Philadelphia is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
DENVER vs. SACRAMENTO
Denver is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Denver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Sacramento is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Sacramento is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Denver
Tips and Trends
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs
Suns: Phoenix has lost the first three games of a four-game road trip that ends in San Antonio on Sunday. The Suns have been able to push the pace despite the losses but have not finished those games strong enough to turn them into wins, including a 116-112 setback at Houston on Friday. “We got the pace of the game where we wanted it - up-tempo,” Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry said. “Houston likes to play that way too. We seem to be snake bitten with the way things have gone at the end of games lately.”
Underdog is 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The OVER is 9-3 in Phoenix's last 12 games overall.
Key Injuries - C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 106
Spurs (-6.5, O/U 219): San Antonio ended a skid of three losses in four games with an easy 100-78 win over Washington on Friday. Tony Parker scored 19 points in 24 minutes to lead the Spurs and has averaged 26.4 points in the last seven games. “At this time of year when you get a game like this, when every once in a while your starters can rest, it’s usually a good thing,” San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich said. “So that worked out for us.”
Spurs are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Pacific Division.
The OVER is 8-2 in San Antonio's last 10 games vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT.
F Drew Gooden (groin) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 113
UTAH vs. TORONTO
TORONTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots this season. The average score was TORONTO 96.1, OPPONENT 108.1 - (Rating = 2*)
ORLANDO vs. BOSTON
ORLANDO is 24-5 ATS (+18.5 Units) revenging a same season loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ORLANDO 105.2, OPPONENT 96.8 - (Rating = 4*)
PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
PHOENIX is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots this season. The average score was PHOENIX 100.7, OPPONENT 109.6 - (Rating = 2*)
PHILADELPHIA vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
PHILADELPHIA is 19-6 UNDER (+12.4 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ PPG over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 100.8, OPPONENT 97.6 - (Rating = 2*)
NBA Notes Sunday
by GoodFella
Orlando @ Boston
-This is the 3rd meeting between these teams this season, as Boston has won both games. Boston won at Boston 17-88 as 8.5 pt favorites on Dec. 1st & they won at Orlando 90-80 as 4.5 pt dogs on Jan. 22nd. So Orlando has double revenge going for them today-
-Boston has won 3 of their L/4 & are coming off a big home win over Cleveland on Friday night, but Boston is just 3-7 ATS their L/10 games following a SU win-
-Orlando has won 3 straight & 4 of their L/5 games & they are coming off a 3 ot home win over New Jersey on Friday night. Orlando is 10-2 ATS as underdogs this season & they are 5-2 ATS L/7 road games vs a team with a home win% of .600 or higher.-
-Boston is 1-5 ATS L/6 home games & they are also 1-7 ATS L/8 games on 1 day of rest-
Phoenix @ San Antonio
-These teams have met 3 times this season, with the Spurs winning 2 of the 3 games. Phoenix won at SA 103-98 as 1 pt dogs on Oct. 29th & San Antonio won at PHX 91-90 as 3 pt dogs & SA won at PHX again 114-104 as 1.5 pt dogs on Jan. 29th.-
-San Antonio is just 2-3 SU their L/5 games, & they are coming off a 22 pt blowout home win over the Wizards on Friday. San Antonio is 4-0 ATS L/4 games vs teams with a losing road record & the Spurs are also 8-3 ATS L/11 games vs a team with a winning SU record-
-Phoenix has lost 3 straight games, all on their current 4 game road trip that comes to a end after today's Spurs game. Phoenix is coming off a 4 pt loss at Houston on Friday, & today is their 4th road game in 6 days.-
-Phoenix is 1-4 ATS L/5 road games vs a team with a home win% of .600 or higher & PHX is also 3-8 ATS L/11 games vs teams with a win% above .600-
New York @ New Jersey
-This is just the 2nd meeting between these teams this season, as New York beat New Jersey 121-109 at New Jersey as 7.5 pt dogs back on Dec. 10th, so NJ has revenge on their mind tonight-
-New York is just 1-4 SU their L/5 games & are coming off a 9 pt home loss to the Bobcats last night. NY is 5-2 ATS L/7 games on zero days rest & the Knicks are 4-5 ATS as a road dog of .5 to 4.5 this season-
-New Jersey has lost 3 of their L/4 games, but they covered the spread in all 3 losses (losses to New Orleans, Boston, & Orlando) including a 3 pt loss at Orlano on Friday night.-
-NJ is 4-1 ATS L/5 home games vs a team with a losing record & NJ is also 6-0 ATS L/6 games as a favorite of .5 to 4.5-
Philadelphia @ Oklahoma City
-Philly won the only meeting between these two teams, with a 110-85 beatdown at Philly as 10.5 pt favs back on Nov. 15th, so Oklahoma City should be pretty up for this game tonight-
-Philly is coming off a 5 pt win at Memphis last night & the 76ers are just a half game behind Detroit for the 6th seed in the race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, but Philly is just 2-8 ATS their L/10 games overall-
-Oklahoma City had a 3 game winning streak snapped by the Hornets last night, as NO blew them out 108-90 at New Orleans. Oklahoma City is 10-1 ATS L/11 games following a ATS loss & they are also 15-3-1 ATS thier L/19 home games & 12-2-1 ATS L/15 games vs the Eastern Conference-
-Philly is 2-6-2 ATS L/10 games vs a team with a losing record & Philly is 1-6 ATS L/7 games after scoring 100 or more pts in their previous game.-
NBA Quick Thoughts
By Indiancowboy
NBA Injuries to be aware of today and Television games: :
Sacramento: Martin is OUT and Udrich is doubtful.
OKC: Durant is OUT. Green is Questionable. Thabo is Questionable.
Memphis: Conley is Probable. Gay is Questionable.
The Suns vs. Spurs game is on ABC.
Utah vs. Toronto
Just be wary of this game. You have the Jazz favored by 66% of the public and Miami off a tough loss to the Heat at home. If Toronto is likely to be game, which they probably are, a lean on the over. Toronto has revenge from a 30 point loss earlier this year.
Philadelphia vs. OKC
I was actually leaning on OKC after the loss at NO except with no Thabo as well probably, this team's scoring does decrease significantly. A small lean on the under here as the side depends on if Green or Thabo suit up for OKC.
Memphis vs. Houston
Memphis beat this team by 11 this year, so this is a huge revenge game for Houston. I hate laying the points typically, but Houston has had no problems covering the spread for the most part without McGrady as if this team enjoys playing without McGrady (covering 7 of their last 10) and not missing a cover in quite some time.
Denver vs. Sacramento
Denver off a loss, Sac has no Udrich or Martin today, this could get ugly for Sacramento but over 72% of the public on Denver here so staying away from it.