What bettors need to know: Mavericks at Cavaliers
By Ben Burns.
Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers (-8.5, 191.5)
Home Tax
Obviously, anytime Cleveland is at home, you have to look at LeBron’s boys first.
Not only are the Cavs a ridiculous 34-1 straight up at home, but they are also 24-11 against the spread at the Q.
The Cavs’ home dominance is obvious to oddmakers, too. They are making bettors pay a heftier price to play the Cavs at home. It’s added value to the underdog visitors.
Cleveland has covered only once in its last six home games. That one cover came in Friday’s 22-point victory over Minnesota.
Hurtin’ Bodies
The Cavs get a shot at the banged-up Mavericks, who were without Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Devean George and Jerry Stackhouse in Friday’s loss to Denver.
Kidd says his sore back will be ready to go Sunday. That’s good news for Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, who says Kidd’s ability to play is by far the most important factor for the Mavs.
"It's pretty obvious what Jason Kidd means to our team," Carlisle told the Dallas Morning News after the loss to Nuggets. "We don't give up 56 percent [shooting] if he's on the floor. It's as simple as that. Kidd has such a great impact on our team, it's just unreal."
Howard, who missed the last 11 games with an ankle injury, is expected to return, if not Sunday, sometime this week.
Be careful not to over-value Howard’s impact. Although he scores 18 points a game, the Mavericks have gone 7-4 against the spread without him.
Stackhouse and George are not expected to play.
Cleveland also has some injury concerns. All-Star point guard Mo Williams sprained his right pinky in the fourth quarter and was unable to play. X-rays were negative and Williams said he would be ready to go Sunday.
LeBron James also could be a little sore Sunday. He collapsed at mid-court after Minnesota’s Jason Collins close-lined him on a drive in the third quarter. James called the flagrant foul borderline dirty, but finished the game.
This and that
All five Cavalier starters scored in double digits against Minnesota for the second game in a row, as Cleveland notched its 11 straight victory.
To make things more difficult for the Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki has struggled against the Cavs. Nowitzki has been held under 20 points in his last three games against Cleveland. He had just eight points in 19-point loss at home to the Cavaliers in November.
With 10 games remaining, Cleveland is in good shape to claim home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavs own a five-game edge over Orlando and Boston for the top seed in the East.
But their lead over the Lakers for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs is only one.
The Mavericks are the more desperate team. They are clinging to the final playoff berth in the West, leading the Suns by just three games.
Dallas has been an excellent bet coming off a loss. The Mavs have covered seven of their last eight following a straight up loss.
Sunday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Bulls at Raptors**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Toronto as a two-point home ‘chalk’ over Chicago, with the total set at 209. This game is scheduled to tipoff at 3:35 p.m. ET.
-Chicago (36-38 SU, 38-35 ATS) is playing on back-to-back days after beating Indiana Saturday as an 8 ½-point home favorite, 112-106. The combined 218 points went ‘over’ the 213-point closing total.
-The Bulls were outrebounded, 47-40, but prevailed by shooting 51 percent (44-of-87) from the field and 47 percent (7-of-15) from 3-point land. Guard Ben Gordon stepped up with 25 points and five assists, while John Salmons contributed 22.
-Chicago is 12-26 SU and 18-19 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 20-18. The Bulls have been losing those games by an average score of 104-99.
-Toronto (27-45 SU, 27-42 ATS) has strung together three straight wins SU and ATS after cruising past Oklahoma City Friday as a five-point home favorite, 112-96. The combined 208 points eclipsed the 200 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest.
-The Raptors outrebounded the Thunder, 54-37, while shooting a solid 51 percent (48-of-95) from the field and 44 percent (8-of-18) from behind the arc. Power forward Chris Bosh led the offense with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shawn Marion added 20 and 11.
-Toronto has struggled to a 16-20 SU and 14-21 ATS home record, with the ‘over’ going 19-16. Those games have had an average score of 100-100.
-The Raptors had dropped back-to-back outings to Chicago SU and ATS before prevailing January 23 as a two-point road underdog, 114-94. The combined 208 points soared past the 197-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest in this series.
**Spurs at Hornets**
-LVSC opened New Orleans as a one-point home favorite over San Antonio, with the total listed at 179. This Southwest Division contest is slated to start at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-San Antonio (48-24 SU, 33-35 ATS) is riding a three-game SU winning streak while covering its last two outings. The Spurs are coming off Friday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers as a 12-point home ‘chalk,’ 111-98. The combined 209 points soared past the 192 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash the third consecutive contest.
-San Antonio outrebounded the Clippers, 39-35, while shooting 56 percent (46-of-82) from the field and 42 percent (10-of-24) from behind the arc. Six players reached double digits in scoring, led by guard Tony Parker’s 18 points and six assists.
-The Spurs maintain a dependable 22-13 SU and 19-15 ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 20-15. San Antonio has been winning those games by an average score of 96-94.
-New Orleans (44-27 SU, 31-39 ATS) is currently mired in a two-game SU and ATS losing skid after Friday’s setback to New York as a 4 ½-point road favorite, 103-93. The combined 196 points failed to topple the 205 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the eighth consecutive contest.
-The Hornets shot 43 percent (37-of-86) from the field in the victory. Power forward David West led all scorers with 29 points along with seven rebounds, while point guard Chris Paul added 22 and 10 assists.
-New Orleans is 26-11 SU at home, but just 17-19 ATS. The Hornets have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 96-91, helping the ‘under’ go 23-13.
-San Antonio is 3-1 SU and ATS the previous four meetings with New Orleans after winning the last encounter Jan. 31 as a seven-point home ‘chalk,’ 106-93. The combined 199 points went ‘over’ the 184-point closing total, ending a string of five straight ‘under’ outings in this series.
-San Antonio center Fabricio Oberto (heart) is expected to miss this matchup versus the Hornets. New Orleans forward Peja Stojakovic is ‘questionable’ for this contest, while center Tyson Chandler is ‘out’ and forward James Posey is facing a possible suspension.
**Suns at Kings**
-LVSC lists Phoenix as a 5 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over Sacramento, with the total set at 239. This Pacific Division matchup is scheduled to start at 9:05 p.m. ET.
-Phoenix is playing for the second time in as many nights after Saturday’s overtime setback to Utah as a four-point road underdog, 104-99. The combined 203 points never seriously threatened the 230-point closing total despite going an extra stanza.
-Point guard Steve Nash paced the offense with 20 points, while Grant Hill added 19 and center Shaquille O'Neal contributed 16 and 10 rebounds. The Suns now find themselves 3 1/2 games behind Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
-Phoenix is 16-19 SU and 13-20 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 22-12. The Suns have been losing their road games by an average score of 108-106.
-Sacramento (15-56 SU, 33-38 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU and ATS its last five games after getting roughed up by Memphis Friday as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 113-95. The combined 208 points landed directly on the closing total.
-The Kings were outrebounded, 36-25, while shooting 47 percent (31-of-66) from the field and 31 percent (5-of-16) from 3-point land. Kevin Martin led the charge with 31 points in the setback, while Jason Thompson added 17 and eight rebounds.
-Sacramento has struggled to a 10-25 SU and 13-22 ATS home ledger, with the ‘over’ going 18-16. The Kings have been losing those games by an average score of 108-102.
-Phoenix is 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS the previous 10 meetings with Sacramento after routing the Kings February 2 as a 15-point home favorite, 129-81. The combined 210 points failed to eclipse the 222 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the last three games in this series.
vegasinsider.com
Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Mavericks were defeated 103-101 by the Nuggets last time out, as 3.5-point favorites. The 204 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
LeBron James went for a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds in leading the Cavaliers to a 107-85 win over the Timberwolves on Friday. The Cavaliers covered the 14-point spread, while the combined 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Mo Williams netted 22 points for the Cavaliers, and Delonte West added 13 points in the win.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 11 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 43-29 SU, 35-37 ATS
Cleveland: 59-13 SU, 43-29 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Dallas's last 14 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Dallas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Minnesota, Tuesday, March 31
Cleveland home to Detroit, Tuesday, March 31
New Jersey Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Nets were defeated 103-95 by the Lakers last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 204.
Vince Carter led the Nets with 20 points, and Devin Harris had 13 points and 14 assists in the loss.
The Timberwolves lost 107-85 to the Cavaliers last time out, as 14-point underdogs. That game's combined 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.5.
Kevin Love and Randy Foye had 18 points apiece in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 30-42 SU, 37-34-1 ATS
Minnesota: 20-53 SU, 32-39-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 1-9
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games on the road
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Minnesota is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota's last 16 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Milwaukee, Monday, March 30
Minnesota home to Dallas, Tuesday, March 31
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Pau Gasol dropped a game-high 36 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for a double-double, and the Lakers defeated the Nets 103-95 on Friday. That game's 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 204.
Lamar Odom had 12 points to go with 11 rebounds in a double-double.
The Hawks were stopped 99-93 by the Celtics last time out, as a pick'em. The 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Josh Smith went for a double-double, pouring in 22 points with 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 5 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 58-14 SU, 37-34-1 ATS
Atlanta: 42-31 SU, 40-32-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 6-3
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Charlotte, Tuesday, March 31
Atlanta at Philadelphia, Tuesday, March 31
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors
Ben Gordon dropped 25 points and hauled in five boards to help the Bulls defeat the Pacers 112-106 on Saturday. The Bulls failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, but the 218 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.
John Salmons netted 22 points, and Tyrus Thomas added 18 points with eight rebounds in that win.
Chris Bosh netted 21 points and hauled down 13 boards for a double-double on Friday, as the Raptors defeated the Thunder 112-96. The Raptors covered the 5-point spread, and the combined score made it OVER the night's posted total of 200.5.
Shawn Marion added 20 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win, and Roko Ukic dished out 10 assists off the bench.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 4 straight games.
Toronto has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 36-38 SU, 38-35-1 ATS
Toronto: 27-45 SU, 27-42-3 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 2-8
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Chicago is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Chicago is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Toronto's last 14 games
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at Indiana, Tuesday, March 31
Toronto at Orlando, Wednesday, April 1
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
The 76ers were defeated 100-95 by the Bobcats last time out, as 4.5-point favorites. That game's 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.
Andre Iguodala collected 25 points and Thaddeus Young added 21 in a losing effort.
The Pistons managed to hold off a last second rally as they snuck out a 98-96 win over the Wizards last time out. The Pistons failed to cover the 4-point spread, but the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Richard Hamilton led the way with a game-high 31 points, while Kwame Brown and Antonio McDyess grabbed 11 rebounds in the win.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 37-34 SU, 32-37-2 ATS
Detroit: 35-37 SU, 30-42 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Washington are 9-1
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 11 games
Detroit is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Atlanta, Tuesday, March 31
Detroit at Cleveland, Tuesday, March 31
Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers
Antawn Jamison had 21 points and five rebounds in the Wizards 98-96 loss to the Pistons on Saturday. The Wizards were 4-point underdogs in that game, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Gilbert Arenas had 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Danny Granger scored a game-high 32 points and Brandon Rush had 29 in the Pacers 112-106 loss to the Bulls last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs. That game's 218 points made it OVER the posted total of 213.
Team records:
Washington: 17-57 SU, 28-44-2 ATS
Indiana: 30-43 SU, 38-33-2 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games
Indiana is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
Next up:
Washington at Memphis, Wednesday, April 1
Indiana home to Chicago, Tuesday, March 31
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics
The Thunder were tore apart 112-96 by the Raptors last time out, as 5-point road underdogs. That game's combined score made it OVER the night's posted total of 200.5.
Nick Collison shot 9-for-12 from the field with 21 points and seven rebounds in that loss.
The Celtics nearly blew a 16 point lead entering the fourth quarter, but held on for a 99-93 victory over the Hawks on Friday. The Celtics won the game as a pick'em, and the 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Ray Allen tossed in 22 points, while Paul Pierce netted 21 and Glen Davis added 19 in the win.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 20-52 SU, 41-30-1 ATS
Boston: 55-19 SU, 38-36 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Charlotte are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Oklahoma City is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Oklahoma City is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City at San Antonio, Tuesday, March 31
Boston home to Charlotte, Wednesday, April 1
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics
The Thunder were tore apart 112-96 by the Raptors last time out, as 5-point road underdogs. That game's combined score made it OVER the night's posted total of 200.5.
Nick Collison shot 9-for-12 from the field with 21 points and seven rebounds in that loss.
The Celtics nearly blew a 16 point lead entering the fourth quarter, but held on for a 99-93 victory over the Hawks on Friday. The Celtics won the game as a pick'em, and the 192 points made it OVER the posted total of 185.
Ray Allen tossed in 22 points, while Paul Pierce netted 21 and Glen Davis added 19 in the win.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 20-52 SU, 41-30-1 ATS
Boston: 55-19 SU, 38-36 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Charlotte are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Oklahoma City is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Oklahoma City is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City at San Antonio, Tuesday, March 31
Boston home to Charlotte, Wednesday, April 1
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Hornets
Seven players reached double figures as the Spurs ran past the Clippers 111-98 on Friday. The Spurs covered the 12-point spread, and the 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 193.
Tony Parker netted 18 points, while Manu Ginobili and Drew Gooden each had 14 in that win.
The Hornets fell 103-93 to the Knicks last time out, as 4.5-point favorites. That game's 196 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
David West tossed in a game-high 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 48-24 SU, 36-34-2 ATS
New Orleans: 44-27 SU, 30-39-2 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing New Orleans
San Antonio is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31
New Orleans at Sacramento, Tuesday, March 31
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings
The Suns forced overtime but it was ther Jazz who came out in front with a 104-99 OT victory on Saturday. The Suns were 9-point underdogs in that game, while the 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 230.
Grant Hill collected 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Kevin Martin tossed in a game-high 31 points in the Kings 113-95 loss to the Grizzlies last time out. The Kings were favored by 3-points in that game, while the combined score went as a PUSH against the posted total of 208.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 40-33 SU, 31-41-1 ATS
Sacramento: 15-56 SU, 33-38 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 8-2
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 6-4
After playing Memphis are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Next up:
Phoenix home to Houston, Wednesday, April 1
Sacramento home to New Orleans, Tuesday, March 31
DALLAS (43 - 29) at CLEVELAND (59 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after allowing 85 points or less this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 214-169 ATS (+28.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 115-82 ATS (+24.8 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (58 - 14) at ATLANTA (42 - 31)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 41-31 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 94-78 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 4-1 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (35 - 38) at TORONTO (27 - 45)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (30 - 42) at MINNESOTA (20 - 53)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-40 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 55-70 ATS (-22.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-62 ATS (-32.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA (37 - 34) at DETROIT (34 - 37)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-7 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 9-6 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (17 - 56) at INDIANA (30 - 42)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 52) at BOSTON (55 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 105-76 ATS (+21.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 81-65 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 40-30 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 30-57 ATS (-32.7 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (48 - 24) at NEW ORLEANS (44 - 27)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 67-51 ATS (+10.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 221-175 ATS (+28.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 31-39 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-8 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 11-6 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (40 - 32) at SACRAMENTO (15 - 56)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 30-41 ATS (-15.1 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 192-236 ATS (-67.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS vs. CLEVELAND
Dallas is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Dallas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
CHICAGO vs. TORONTO
Chicago is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Toronto is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
Toronto is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
LA LAKERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
NEW JERSEY vs. MINNESOTA
New Jersey is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games at home
Minnesota is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games at home
PHILADELPHIA vs. DETROIT
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. BOSTON
Oklahoma City is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
Washington is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Indiana is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW ORLEANS
San Antonio is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home
PHOENIX vs. SACRAMENTO
Phoenix is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won last eleven games, covered two of last eight.
-- Lakers won last five games, covered last four.
-- Bulls won seven of their last eight games. Toronto won, covered their last three games.
-- Philadelphia won three of its last four games.
-- Celtics won five of their last six games.
-- Spurs won their last three games, by 1-10-13 points.
Cold Teams
-- Mavericks lost three of their last four road games.
-- Hawks lost three of their last four games.
-- Minnesota lost last seven games, covered one of last five. Nets lost last three games, by 8-11-8 points.
-- Pistons lost six of their last eight games.
-- Pacers lost six of their last eight games. Wizards lost six of last seven.
-- Thunder lost six of their last eight games.
-- Hornets lost last two games, covered two of last seven.
-- Suns lost six of their last seven road games. Kings lost seven of their last eight games overall.
Totals
-- Five of last seven Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games went over the total; five of Lakers' last six games stayed under.
-- Under is 12-4 in last sixteen Minnesota games.
-- Three of last four Chicago road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Oklahoma City games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight New Orleans games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten Phoenix road games.
Back-to Back
-- Nets are 9-6 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Bulls covered six of last seven if they played the day/night before.
-- Pistons are 3-8 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Indiana is 6-10 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Suns are 5-2 vs spread if playing second night in row on the road.
DALLAS at CLEVELAND
DALLAS: 6-17 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less
CLEVELAND: 11-2 ATS at home off a DD win
LA LAKERS at ATLANTA
LA LAKERS: 8-0 ATS AWAY when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points
ATLANTA: 11-26 ATS after 3+ consecutive overs
CHICAGO at TORONTO
CHICAGO: 8-0 OVER after playing 3 consecutive games as favorite
TORONTO: 4-14 ATS off 2+ consecutive home wins
NEW JERSEY at MINNESOTA
NEW JERSEY: 16-6 ATS after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7
MINNESOTA: 4-14 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
PHILADELPHIA at DETROIT
PHILADELPHIA: 4-12 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games
DETROIT: 11-3 ATS revenging SU loss as a home favorite of 7+
WASHINGTON at INDIANA,
WASHINGTON: 16-4 ATS after a loss by 3 points or less
INDIANA: 20-8 ATS off a road loss
OKLAHOMA CITY at BOSTON
OKLAHOMA CITY: 18-8 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5
BOSTON: 1-9 ATS at home in the second half of the season
SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS
SAN ANTONIO: 21-10 ATS after 2+ consecutive overs
NEW ORLEANS: 4-12 ATS after 3+ consecutive unders
PHOENIX at SACRAMENTO
PHOENIX: 13-3 ATS AWAY on Sunday
SACRAMENTO: 2-12 ATS as a home underdog of 6 points or less
Sunday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Dallas vs. Cleveland
Cleveland beat this team by 19 on the road earlier this year; Dallas has revenge and comes off a loss to Denver while Clevleand covers once again against Minnesota. Dallas has played in the under in 3 of 4 games while Cleveland has played the under in 3 straight contests. No lean, just staying away.
Lakers vs. Atlanta
As you know, I'm a Hawks fan and with over 75% of the pub on the Lakers, I would jump at the chance to take the Hawks +3.5. But the Hawks have struggled of late against the better teams including the Spurs and Celtics which makes me wary as the Lakers can cover as big public favs (see the bulls game for example). The Lakers beat Atlanta by 13 earlier this year. The Lakers have played in 3 straight unders and 6 of 7 Unders. Atlanta has played in 4 straight overs.
New Jersey vs. Minnesota
I'm surprised that the public is not giving Minny more love at home. More than 75% are on New Jersey here. NJ beat this team by nearly 30 last time out as -7 point chalk, Minny returns home from a tough road trip as this team has lost their last 7 but did beat Charlotte and Memphis at home recently. Nets come off a tough loss to the Lakers. NJ has played the under in 5 straight games while Minny has played the under in 7 of 10 games.
Chicago vs. Toronto
Toronto is playing much better right now having defeated the Bucks, Thunder and Clippers all at home scoring 100, 112 and 115. Chicago has won 7 of their last 8 as well and 2 of those games were on the road at OKC and Washington. I would like to lean on the hot raps at home, but they crushed chicago last time out 114 to 94 (totaled 208). The total is at that for this game. It's tough to lean on the raps when the bulls have such revenge - no lean on the total although if chicago is an active dog, it is likely to go over.
Philadelphia vs. Detroit
Detroit barely beat the Wiz last night, but of course, it was the first game that some of their injured players were coming back. Philly beat this team by 5 on the road earlier this year and comes off a home loss to Charlotte. Hamilton came back to score 31 points last night, I lean on the Pistons here despite being on the road with some revenge.
Injuries:
Dallas: Kidd is Probable and Howard is OUT.
Cleveland: Williams is Probable.
Lakers: Bryant is Probable.
Detroit: Hamilton is Back. Wallace is Questionable and Iverson is OUT.
Washington: Arenas is expected to "rest"...awww...poor baby...biggest waste of cash...Butler is probable, Dixon and Songaila are both game-time decisions.
Indiana: Murphy and Dunleavy are both OUT.
Boston: Garnett is doubtful and Rondo is Probable.
New Orleans: Stojakavich is Doubtful, Chandler is OUT and Posey faces possible suspension.
Sacramento: Nocioni has returned.