Thursday NBA Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The Thursday night TNT card is a small one, with only two games to choose from. The early matchup isn't lacking star power, when the Cavs host the Lakers. The late tip involves the suddenly-hot Nuggets battling the up-and-down Clippers.
Lakers (32-9 SU, 18-22-1 ATS) at Cavs (32-11 SU, 20-22-1 ATS)
Whenver Kobe Bryant and LeBron James hook up on the basketball court, the nation's eyes will be fixated on the game. The Cavs ran out the Champs on Christmas Day, 102-87 as five-point underdogs at Staples Center. That victory by Cleveland avenged a season sweep by Los Angeles last season, with the Lakers winning each meeting by double-digits.
The Cavs' blowout of the Lakers on December 25 was punctuated by 53.5% shooting from the floor, including 28 points from Mo Williams and 26 from James. The Lakers were limited to just 36.5% from the field, but Bryant pumped in a game-high 35 points.
Cleveland finished a 3-2 West Coast trip with both losses coming by a combined three points. The Cavs returned to Quicken Loans Arena and held off the Raptors, 108-100, but failed to cover as ten-point home favorites on Tuesday.
The Lakers begin a season-long eight-game road trip with this contest, as L.A. is riding a three-game winning streak. Phil Jackson's club is off a six-point victory over the Magic on Monday night, but the Lakers are 1-4 SU the last five on the road. Los Angeles owns a dreadful 1-7 ATS road mark against teams currently above .500, but the Cavs will be the first over .500 team the Lakers will face from the Eastern Conference away from Staples Center.
Seven of the last nine meetings have been covered by the underdog, including each of the last four in Cleveland. The Cavs are riding a 2-6 ATS run at the "Q," but only two of those games came as a favorite of less than nine points (1-1).
Clippers (18-22 SU, 19-20-1 ATS) at Nuggets (26-14 SU, 18-20-2 ATS)
The other Los Angeles basketball team (sorry Clippers) plays the second end of a back-to-back in the altitude of Denver, battling the Northwest-leading Nuggets. George Karl's team will also play with no rest, coming off Wednesday's game at Golden State.
The Clippers have been a surprise to bettors as of late, going 9-2 ATS the last 11 games. However, four of those games were played without center Chris Kaman, who was out with a back injury. If we tighten that number to the games in which Kaman played, the Clips are 7-0 ATS and 6-1 SU.
The Nuggets have also dealt with injuries lately, but both Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony are back in business, as Denver is riding a three-game winning streak. Denver is just 3-6-1 ATS the last ten as a home favorite following a 5-1 ATS start at the Pepsi Center.
The theory about road teams going into Denver with no rest and struggling is true and the numbers back it up this season. The Nuggets are 8-1 SU and 5-3-1 ATS at home against teams with no rest. But what about Denver heading home on the second of a back-to-back? The Nuggets are 1-1 SU/ATS in this spot, beating the Bulls by 19, while losing to the Sixers by three. The loss to Philadelphia does have a built-in excuse (or two) as both Billups and Anthony missed the game due to injury.
The Nuggets will try to avenge a 106-99 setback at Staples Center back on November 20 as nine-point favorites. Denver squandered a 12-point lead in that loss, allowing Rasual Butler to come off the Clippers bench to score 27 points.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:
The Pacers are healthy again, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have turned the corner. Indiana is 2-15 ATS this season as an underdog of 6 ½ points or less, meaning they play to or down to the competition. However, the Pacers have been pointspread gold when receiving at least nine points, going 5-1 ATS in that situation.
The Celtics' window to another championship may be closing with age and injuries being a major factor. Boston has especially struggled in one role this season - facing teams off a loss. The C's are a league-worst 3-12 ATS when playing teams that lost their last game, including a 1-8 ATS mark at home following Monday's setback to the Mavericks.
The Raptors continue to be inconsistent, owning a 21-21 record heading into Wednesday's matchup at Milwaukee. Toronto owns a 1-7 SU/ATS record on the road with no rest, losing four of those games by at least 19 points.
vegasinsider.com
Thursday's Best NBA Bet
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets (-10, 210)
With Chris Kaman’s return to the starting lineup, the Clip-Joint boast a formidable tandem down low which includes big man Marcus Camby.
But the unheralded tertiary member of L.A.’s frontcourt is third-year player out of Boston College, Craig Smith.
At 6-7, 250-pounds, Smith looks like an defensive lineman, but has the offensive prowess and footwork of some of the best power forwards in the league.
Smith posted 18 points and four rebounds in 18 minutes of action in Monday’s 106-95 win over the Nets.
"I was just trying to be a playmaker, whether it's scoring or trying to find someone else to score," Smith told reporters after the game.
The Clippers bench is averaging 32.7 ppg during the last three games and Smith is a big reason for that prolific contribution. The Rhino has registered 17.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg while averaging just over 22 minutes of play during the team's last three outings.
L.A.’s current starting lineup of Eric Gordon, Baron Davis, Kaman, Rasual Butler and Camby is 8-1 this season. All systems are a go for Thursday night’s bout versus the Nuggets and with Smith coming off the bench, double digits for the Clippers is just too many points to pass.
The Clips defeated Denver in L.A., 106-99, as 9-point pups in the teams’ only meeting so far this season. The Nuggets are 1-3 straight up in their last four back-to-back situations and 0-3-1 ATS in that span.
Pick: Clippers
NBA Doubleheader On TNT
By RICKY DIMON
Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers (-3.5, 195.5)
Milestone man
Cleveland center Shaquille O’Neal became the fifth player in NBA history to score 28,000 career points in a 108-100 home victory over the Toronto Raptors Tuesday. Shaq joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in this elite club.
“I'm happy being No. 5,” Shaq explained. “There are some great names in front of me and some great names behind me, but it's something I don't get too giddy about. I've always been a player that only gets happy about the big picture.”
For now, the big picture involves getting wins for the Cleveland Cavs and the big man has been doing just that.
At 37 years old, Shaq (10.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg) is obviously in the final stages of his career, but he is still producing for the Cavaliers (32-11, 20-22-1 ATS). He has scored in double-figures in 12 of his last 13 games and he has made 25 of his last 38 free-throw attempts (66 percent).
Kobe or not Kobe
While both the Cavs and the Lakers are led by superstars, neither is a one-man team. Los Angeles has been proving that by winning even when Kobe Bryant (28.3 ppg, 4.5 apg) has an off night. Bryant, battling recent back spasms, has scored more than 16 points in just one of his last five outings.
The Lakers, however, compiled an impressive 4-1 record (3-1-1 ATS) in that five-game span. They benefited from a timely return by Paul Gasol, who missed six games with a knee injury before taking the court last Friday. Gasol (17.0 ppg, 11.2 rpg) scored 20 points in a win over the Clippers before adding 17 and 10 boards in a 98-92 victory over Orlando Monday.
Prior engagement
The Cavs were 6-point home favorites against Los Angeles on Christmas Day and they handled the Lakers 102-87. Bryant had 35 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but it was not enough to overcome Cleveland, which got 28 points from Mo Williams and 26 from LeBron James.
Trends
The Lakers are 3-1-1 in their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents. However, they are 1-4 ATS in their last five road contests and 1-4 ATS in their last five visits to teams with winning home records.
The Cavs are 0-3-1 in their last four games overall and 0-6-1 ATS in their last eight outings following an SU win. They are also 2-6 ATS in their last eight home dates.
The under is 4-1 in L.A.’s last five overall. The over, however, is 4-1 in Cleveland’s last five games. Neither the Lakers (19-21-1 O/U) nor the Cavs (19-22-2) have been particularly strong over/under plays this season.
Head-to-head, the under is 5-0 in the last five meetings between the two teams and 5-0 in their last five at Cleveland. The Cavs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven against the Lakers.
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets (-10, 210)
Melo-dramatic
The NBA announced Tuesday that Carmelo Anthony was the Western Conference Player of the Week for January 11-17. Anthony averaged 29.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, three assists and two steals per game in victories over Minnesota, Orlando, and Utah.
Anthony (30.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is currently leading the Nuggets on a hot streak during which they have won five of their last six games (2-2-2 ATS). Denver (26-14, 18-20-2 ATS) had a two-game lead atop the Northwest Division heading into a trip to Golden State Wednesday night.
“He's been more focused and more demanding of himself,” coach George Karl said of Anthony. “He's in the best shape I've ever seen and he's playing the best basketball I've ever seen. The whole thing for 'Melo now is, can he do it over 82 games?”
Kaman island
The Clippers were on a four-game surge before Chris Kaman went down with a sore back starting on January 12. Kaman missed four games and Los Angeles lost all four, including a 40-point drubbing against the Lakers.
Kaman returned Monday and, to no surprise, the Clippers promptly returned to their winning ways with a 106-95 home victory over New Jersey. The 7-foot center poured in 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
“He showed his value a little bit by being out,” coach Mike Dunleavy told reporters. “He brings that stability to our game that we can get it either through a post-up or a pick-and-roll with him.”
Prior engagement
The Clippers were 9-point home underdogs against Denver on November 20, but they dismissed the Nuggets 106-99 thanks in part to 27 points from backup shooting guard Rasual Butler. Al Thornton added 18 points while Kaman provided 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Anthony led all scorers with 37 points, but Los Angeles limited Chauncey Billups (18.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg) to a season-low five points on 1-of-5 shooting.
Trends
The Clippers (18-22, 19-20-21 ATS) were 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games heading into a Wednesday night home contest against the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles is 4-6 (4-5-1 ATS) in the second game when it has to play on back-to-back days so far this season. Ironically, Denver has the exact same record both SU (4-6) and ATS (4-5-1) in the latter of back-to-game games.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the over was 5-0 in the Clippers last five games overall. Los Angeles and Denver also have identical over/under records this season, and both have been relatively strong under plays (18-22 O/U).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The fans at Quicken Loans Arena will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers when they take their seats on Thursday.
Shannon Brown drained 22 points off the bench to lead the Lakers past the Magic 98-92 on Monday night.
Los Angeles couldn't cover as 6.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 200.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
LeBron James had 28 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds to lead the Cavaliers over the Raptors 108-100 on Tuesday night.
Cleveland couldn't cover as 10-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 205-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Cleveland has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 32-9 SU, 18-23 ATS
Cleveland: 32-11 SU, 20-22-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 10-0
Before playing Oklahoma City are 9-1
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Cleveland is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
Cleveland is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
Next up:
LA Lakers at New York, Friday, January 22
Cleveland home to Oklahoma City, Saturday, January 23
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Pepsi Center.
The Clippers came on strong in the second quarter, as they rushed past the Bulls 104-97 on Wednesday. The Clippers covered the 3.5-point spread, while the 201 points made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Baron Davis led the way with 23 points and six assists, while Chris Kaman added 20 in the win.
The Nuggets came out on top in the overtime session and defeated the Warriors 123-118 on Wednesday. The Nuggets failed to cover the 6-point spread, while the teams played OVER the posted total of 230.
Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets with 37 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 23 points in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Denver has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 19-22 SU, 20-21 ATS
Denver: 27-14 SU, 18-21-2 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Denver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the LA Clippers last 17 games when playing Denver
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Denver
LA Clippers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Denver is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
LA Clippers at Washington, Sunday, January 24
Denver home to New Orleans, Saturday, January 23
L.A. Lakers (32-9, 18-22-1 ATS) at Cleveland (32-11, 20-22-1 ATS)
The NBA’s marquee players will square off for the second time in a month when Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers into Quicken Loans Arena for a matchup with LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
James and the Cavs dominated the first meeting on Christmas Day, scoring a 102-87 victory in Los Angeles as a six-point underdog. James finished with 26 points and nine assists, but it was the red-hot shooting of guard Mo Williams that proved to be the difference as he went 8-for-13 (3-for-3 from three-point land) and poured in 28 points. Cleveland shot 53.5 percent from the floor and held the Lakers to 36.5 percent shooting, with Bryant going 11 of 33 from the field for 35 points.
Cleveland has won seven of the last 10 meetings SU and ATS, but Los Angeles went to Quicken Loans Arena last year and prevailed 101-91 as a five-point road underdog, snapping the Cavs’ 23-game home winning streak to start the 2008-09 season. The underdog has cashed in five of the last six series clashes, and the SU winner has covered in each of the last seven meetings.
The Lakers, who bring a three-game winning streak (2-1 ATS) into this contest, open an eight-game, 12-day road trip tonight. They are just 9-6 (5-10 ATS) on the highway this season, including 1-4 SU and ATS in the last five. L.A. averages four points less per game on the road (99.7) than it does overall (103.5).
Cleveland has won four of five overall (1-3-1 ATS), including Tuesday’s 108-100 victory over Toronto, coming up just short as a 10-point home favorite. James finished just one rebound shy of a triple-double with 28 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. The Cavs are 15-3 at home this season but have cashed in just six of those 18 contests.
Los Angeles is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five when playing on two days of rest and 1-4 ATS in its last five against a team with a winning home record, but the Lakers are otherwise on ATS streaks of 33-16-2 as a road ‘dog, 4-0 on Thursday and 3-1-1 against the Eastern Conference. Cleveland is on ATS streaks of 7-0 as a home chalk of less than five points and 15-6 at home against teams with winning road records, but the Cavs are on pointspread slides of 2-6 at home, 1-4 as a favorite, 2-6 as a home chalk and 0-6-1 after a straight-up win.
The Lakers are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 4-1 overall, 19-7-1 against Eastern Conference teams, 25-10 after getting two days off, 6-0 as underdogs, 4-1 after a straight-up win and 4-0 against winning teams. Cleveland has stayed below the total in seven of 10 after a straight-up win, but otherwise it is on “over” streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-0 as a chalk and 6-2 on Thursday.
Finally, the under has been the play in five straight clashes in this rivalry, and the last five played in Cleveland have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
NBA RoundUp For 1/21
By Dan Bebe
Lakers @ Cavs - Cavs by 3.5 with a total of 195.5. This should be some kind of game! The Lakers got flat-out embarrassed on their court on Christmas Day, so you know they're going to come with a wild intensity in this one. The question is, is that going to be enough? This TNT match is going to bring out the best in both of these clubs, so I don't think there's any true advantage. Most of you don't need to be reminded how the recent games between these teams have gone, but we'll recap both this season and last, in an effort to really dig deep when there are only 2 games on the card. Chronologically, the Lakers played host to the Cavs January 19, last year, and as a 5-point favorite, beat Cleveland by 17, 105-88, coasting Under the posted total in that game of 203. A shade under a month later, the Cavs welcomed LA to town, themselves a 5-point favorite, and got beat 101-91, again staying well below the total of 205.5. Fast forward to Christmas Day of this year, and imagine for a moment foam fingers not raining down upon the Staples Center wood -- the Cavs were a 6-point underdog and won 102-87, another Under, as the total was set at 194. What have we been able to determine? Well, looking at this game, oddsmakers seem to feel that Cleveland went from being a shade worse than the Lakers to being roughly a half-point better, or at worst, their equals. This is a ton of respect to the Cavs, and they've earned it, playing some outstanding basketball over the last month. Cleveland is 12-3 since December 21st, and they haven't lost by more than 3 points in that entire stretch. The way I see it, if the Lakers win, it's going to be a very close game, and if the Cavs win, we could see almost anything. Unfortunately, and I'm willing to admit this, I didn't see the Lakers-Cavs Christmas game, because that could have provided a nice preview of what to expect. I'd say the clear motivational edge is going to go to LA. The Lakers have shown that they do not take kindly to getting shown up on their home court, getting huge revenge wins against Dallas and Houston pretty recently. The Lakers are 4-2 this year when avenging a loss, and 2-0 ATS when avenging a home loss, so those numbers back up the claim above. Still, this game is far from a no-brainer -- if you don't think Lebron is going to go absolutely nuts on TNT, you haven't been watching Lebron. I lean slightly to LA, but man if this one isn't close to swinging back the other way. I do find it interesting that this total is in the mid-190's, considering how the previous game was played. The Lakers have been playing to the Under lately, Cleveland to the Over, so we'll see which team has the greater impact on the outcome. I am tempted to lean Over, but only if the public takes one look at the 189 score from the previous meeting and makes a move on the Under. In all honesty, this 195.5 is probably pretty close to the true line.
Clippers @ Nuggets - Denver by 10 with a total of 210. Here's an angle that will make your head spin. BOTH teams are playing a back-to-back, and BOTH teams are coming from games on the west coast. So who is going to be more tired? I'd have to think Clippers, since the Nuggets have a little more experience with the sickly altitude than do the visiting Clippers, but then, the Nuggets were unable to finish their game with the Warriors in regulation, so we're really up a creek on the fatigue notes in this one. The Clippers continue to be a surging home team, and a struggling road club, picking up another ATS victory on their court against the Bulls last night, they're 7th straight ATS win at home! That moved the Clips to a respectable 13-9 on their own court SU, and above .500 ATS on the season. But we can throw all that out the window with this potential wind-sucker in Denver. The Clippers are 5-13 on the road, 8-10 ATS, and losers of 2 of 3 ATS on their recent 3-game trip. The Clippers are just not the same team at home versus on the road, as evidenced by the shooting percentage, lately. Watching them play, you can tell that they rely pretty heavily on jumpshots, with the exception of Chris Kaman, and I'd be willing to wager when the legs go, those stop falling. Conversely, the Nuggets will be just as tired, if not moreso, but they're significantly better at getting to the hoop and converting free throws. Can they win by 10 when both teams are going to be so sluggish? Both clubs are coming into this game off a win, so there's no real difference in momentum, though the Clippers played more consistently all game long. I'm inclined to attribute that to being the home team. I'm hoping the TNT cameras bring out a better effort from Carmelo tonight than he put forth against the Warriors, though Chauncey Billups was noticeably fatigued even by the end of last night's game with all the energy he had to use. In terms of back-to-back numbers, though they're mostly garbage in this particular case because of the altitude and late travel, the Clippers haven't been that bad. The other team from LA is 4-6 without rest, 4-5-1 ATS. And as if we needed one more reason to pass on this one, the Nuggets are 4-6 SU, 4-5-1 ATS on back-to-backs, as well. I suppose I have to lean Nuggets because of the altitude and late-night travel, but I don't much care for the side in this one. I think the Under's got some legs, though - can either team really hit their outside shots without much sleep and with the travel issue? I guess the concern is that the Clippers have played to 6 straight Overs and the Nuggets have hit 3 straight Overs. This is a tough one, and I'm most inclined to pass, but as noted, this is a gun-to-my-head Denver and Under pairing.
Best of the Best
By SportsPic
It may be a light schedule in the NBA Thursday but it's sure a heavy weight matchup in Cleveland when Eastern Conference leading Cavaliers (32-11, 20-22-1 ATS) host Western Conference leading Los Angeles Lakers (32-9, 18-22-1 ATS) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland kicking off it's current mini three game home stand with a 108-110 win over Raptors on Tuesday are now 15-3 SU on home hardwood with a cash draining 6-12 ATS mark at the betting window. King James and his Cavaliers on the winning side of a 102-87 Christmas Day clash at the Staples Center as 6-point dogs have been pegged 3.5 point favorites for this encounter. Cavaliers 13-1 (5-9 ATS) last fourteen on home hardwood have won 4-of-5 (3-2 ATS) as host in this series with all five matchups playing 'Under' posted totals. Meanwhile, Kobe and Company who've been beneficiaries of twenty-six home games (13-12-1 ATS) so far embark on a grueling eight-game road swing trying to improve a 9-6 (5-10 ATS) record on the highway.
Trend Report - Thursday
By Ed Meyer
Lakers at Cavaliers – The Lakers are 12-0 ATS (12.8 ppg) since April 14, 2009 when facing a team they lost to in their previous same-season match-up. The Lakers are 0-8-2 ATS (-6.5 ppg) since December 07, 1999 after a home win against the Magic. The Lakers are 5-0-1 ATS (6.7 ppg) since November 06, 2009 after a game in which they had at least five fewer turnovers than their season-to-date average. The Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since November 15, 2008 at home with at most one day of rest after a home win in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS (-6.1 ppg) since November 21, 2009 with at most one day of rest after a win in which they made fewer baskets than their opponent.
Clippers at Nuggets – The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS (19.2 ppg) since April 19, 2009 before playing the Hornets. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS (-5.4 ppg) since November 27, 2009 when playing the first game of at least a three game home stand. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS (-16.6 ppg) since February 23, 2009 when both they and their opponent have no rest.
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers
Lakers: There is little doubt that the Lakers are going to play their best basketball today, as they have revenge from their loss on Christmas Day to Cleveland. The Lakers have the overall best record in the NBA at 32-9 SU. Despite having the best record, the Lakers are a losing proposition ATS, going 18-22-1 on the season. The Lakers are 9-6 SU and 5-10 ATS on the road this season. The Lakers are playing their 1st game of an 8 game road trip. Los Angeles is 1-3 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this year. G Kobe Bryant is struggling with nagging injuries right now, and it's evident in his offensive game. Bryant averages nearly 29 PPG on the season, good for 4th in the league. However, Bryant has been held to 16 PTS or fewer in 4 of his past 5 games. The Lakers have turned their focus to the defensive end, where they are allowing 96.4 PPG this season. The Lakers lead the NBA in opposing field goal percentage at 43.5%.
Lakers are 3-7 ATS last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 6-0 last 6 games as a road underdog.
Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (stomach) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92
Cavaliers (-3.5, O/U 193.5): Cleveland comes into tonight with the 2nd best overall record in the NBA. The Cavaliers are 32-11 SU, yet only have an ATS record of 20-22-1. The Cavs are 15-3 SU and 6-12 ATS at home this season. Cleveland is 5-7 this year when listed as a favorite less than 6 PTS. Today represents the smallest favorite ATS line the Cavs have faced at home this season. As always, when you talk about the Cavs, it starts with F LeBron James. James is 2nd in the NBA in scoring at 29.6 PPG. James also averages nearly 8 APG, which also leads the team. C Shaquille O'Neal is rounding into shape, and as a result Cleveland is getting him more involved on the offensive end. Starting with the Christmas day game with his former team, O'Neal has scored in double digits in 12 of his last 13 games. Cleveland is 4th in the NBA in PTS allowed at 94.6 PPG, but have allowed 3 of their past 4 opponents to score more than 100 PTS.
Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS last 7 games as a home favorite up to 4.5 points.
Under is 5-0 last 5 vs. a team with a winning SU record.
Key Injuries - G Mo Williams (shoulder) is probable.
F Jamario Moon (abdominal) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 95 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets
Clippers: Over their past 10 games, Los Angeles is 6-4 SU. When fully healthy, this roster can compete with the best in the NBA. The Clippers are 19-22 SU and 20-20-1 ATS this season. The Clippers are 10-2 ATS in all their games after Christmas this season. The Clippers have lost 7 straight road games entering tonight, and are 5-13 SU and 8-10 ATS on the road this season. Los Angeles is 1-2 ATS as a double digit underdog this season. C Chris Kaman leads the Clippers in scoring at 20.4 PPG this season. Kaman has been remarkably consistent, as he's scored more than 20 PTS in 14 of his past 15 games. G Eric Gordon is 2nd on the team in scoring at 17 PPG, and is coming off a season low 6 points in his last game. The Clippers have been outscored by nearly 17 PPG in their last 7 road games. The Clippers need to play better defense tonight, as they are 2-16 SU when allowing more than 100 PTS this season.
Clippers are 9-2 ATS last 11 games overall.
Over is 6-0 last 6 games as a road underdog.
Key Injuries - F Al Thornton (ankle) is questionable.
F Craig Smith (wrist) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 104 (Side of the Day)
Nuggets (-10, O/U 210): Fresh on the mind of Denver tonight will be their earlier season SU loss to the Clippers as 9 point favorites. Denver is playing well right now, having won 6 of their past 7 games SU and scoring at least 99 PTS in each game. Overall, the Nuggets are 27-14 SU which is the 6th best record in the NBA. A big reason for their success is their 18-3 SU home record. Only the Lakers have a better home record than Denver does. Denver is 11-9-1 ATS at home this season, and are 3-5 ATS as a double digit favorite this season. The Nuggets are 2nd in the NBA in scoring at 107.7 PPG. F Carmelo Anthony leads not only the Nuggets but the entire NBA in scoring at 29.8 PPG. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week had 37 PTS in his previous matchup with the Clippers. PG Chauncey Billups is 2nd on the team in scoring, at nearly 19 PPG. Billups had a season low 5 PTS against the Clippers in their last meeting.
Nuggets are 0-8-1 ATS last 9 games vs. a team with a losing SU record.
Over is 4-1 last 5 games as a home favorite.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 108