NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Nov. 20
Detroit at Boston (8 p.m. EST). Kevin Garnett returns from a one-game suspension for the NBA champion Celtics. Detroit beat Cleveland on Wednesday night.
STARS
Wednesday
— Al Jefferson, Timberwolves, scored six of his 25 points in the final 3 1/2 minutes to help Minnesota snap an eight-game losing streak with a 102-96 win over Philadelphia.
— Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks. Terry scored 31 points, and Nowitzki added 24 points and 12 rebounds in Dallas’ 96-86 victory over Houston.
— Cuttino Mobley and Chris Kaman, Clippers. Mobley scored 12 of his season-high 23 points during a 23-4 third-quarter run and had a career-high seven steals, and Kaman scored a season-high 25 points and added 14 rebounds in Los Angeles’ 108-88 victory over Oklahoma City.
— Andrea Bargnani and Jermaine O’Neal, Raptors. Bargnani scored a season-high 25 points, and O’Neal had 16 points and 17 rebounds in Toronto’s 101-95 win over Miami.
— John Salmons, Kings, scored 29 points in Sacramento’s 105-96 win over New Orleans.
— C.J. Miles, Jazz, scored a season-high 25 points in Utah’s 105-94 victory over Milwaukee.
SUPERSTAR
Dwyane Wade had season highs of 40 points and 11 assists, and added a career-best five blocks in Miami’s 101-95 loss to Toronto on Wednesday night. Since blocks became an official stat, the only other player to have a 40-10-5 effort was Alvan Adams of the Phoenix Suns, who had 47 points, 12 assists and five blocks against Buffalo on Feb. 22, 1977, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
STARTS
Greg Oden had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in his home debut for Portland in the Trail Blazers’ 116-74 victory over Chicago on Wednesday night. Sidelined all of last season by a knee injury after being drafted first overall, Oden entered the game to a standing ovation with 4:28 left in the first quarter — and dunked 21 seconds later. The 7-footer had his third double-double in four games after missing six of Portland’s first seven because of a foot injury.
STATUS
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets’ loss to Dallas on Wednesday night because of a a sore left foot, an injury the six-time All-Star said wasn’t serious. Dallas guard Josh Howard missed the game because of a left ankle injury. … Atlanta center Al Horford was held out against Washington because of a sprained right ankle.
SPEAKING
“That’s how I play. I’ve done it all my career. I don’t mind taking the big shots. I like that pressure.”—former New Orleans guard Bobby Jackson after scoring all eight of his points in the final 5:10 to help the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings beat the Hornets 105-96 on Wednesday night.
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics
Rasheed Wallace tossed in 21 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double on Wednesday, as the Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 96-89 last time out. The Pistons covered the 2.5-point spread, while the 185 points went UNDER the posted total of 190.
Allan Iverson scored a team-high 23 points, and Richard Hamilton added 15 in the win.
Boston couldn't cover as 11-point home favorites in its 110-101 win over the Knicks on Tuesday night. The teams played over the 205-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 8-3 SU, 6-5 ATS
Boston: 10-2 SU, 5-7 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 11 games when playing Boston
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games on the road
Boston is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games when playing Detroit
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Minnesota, Sunday, November 23
Boston at Minnesota, Friday, November 21
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
Pau Gasol dropped 34 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Lakers over the Bulls 116-109 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles couldn't cover as 12-point home favorites as the game played over the 197.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 30 points and eight rebounds in its 109-97 loss to Utah on Monday night.
Utah covered as 1-point home underdogs as the teams played over the 196-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS
Phoenix: 8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 8-2
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games
LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Phoenix
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Phoenix is 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Phoenix is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Denver, Friday, November 21
Phoenix home to Portland, Saturday, November 22
DETROIT (7 - 3) at BOSTON (10 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 72-47 ATS (+20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-39 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-42 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-72 ATS (-36.2 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-6 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-7 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (8 - 1) at PHOENIX (8 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 307-249 ATS (+33.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 63-47 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 9-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-5 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT vs. BOSTON
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Detroit is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
LA LAKERS vs. PHOENIX
LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games
Phoenix is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Phoenix is 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Hot Teams
-- Pistons won four of their last five games. Celtics won seven of their last eight contests.
-- Lakers won eight of their first nine games (4-0 on the road).
Cold Teams
-- Suns split their last four games, covered one of last five.
Totals
-- Over is 4-2-1 in Detroit's road games.
-- Five of last six Laker games went over the total.
Detroit (8-3, 6-5 ATS) at Boston (10-2, 5-7 ATS)
The defending NBA champion Celtics take on the Pistons, who will return to the TD Banknorth Garden for the first time since last season’s Eastern Conference finals.
Boston, minus Kevin Garnett who was serving a league-imposed one-game suspension, held off New York 110-101 Tuesday night to narrowly cover as an eight-point chalk, halting a four-game ATS slide. The Celtics, who are shooting 44.7 percent from the field for the season, were well above that against the Knicks, hitting a 53.2 percent clip (42 of 79).
Detroit claimed a 96-89 victory over Cleveland as a 2½-point favorite last night, moving to 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games. The Pistons, who are shooting 44.8 percent from the field on the season, hit at a 50.7 percent clip against the Cavs, paced by 23 points from the recently acquired Allen Iverson. Detroit trailed by two after three quarters, but outscored the Cavs by nine in the final frame.
Boston dropped Detroit 88-76 earlier this month as a one-point road pup, giving the road team a 5-1 ATS mark in the last six meetings of this rivalry, dating to last season’s playoff series. The Pistons are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to the Garden.
The Celtics are on ATS skids of 1-4 overall, 1-4 at home and 5-12 against the Central Division, but they are on pointspread runs of 11-3 against winning teams and 7-3 after a spread-cover. The Pistons are on ATS streaks of 6-0 on the road against teams with a winning home mark and 7-2 overall on the road.
The under for Boston is on a 9-2 run against winning teams, and for Detroit, the under is also 9-2 in its last 11 against winning teams and is on a 13-4 tear playing on the second of back-to-back nights. And in this rivalry, the under is on runs of 9-2 overall and 6-2 in Boston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
L.A. Lakers (8-1, 6-3 ATS) at Phoenix (8-4, 6-6 ATS)
The red-hot Lakers head to the desert southwest for their first meeting of the season against the rival Suns.
Los Angeles fended off Chicago 116-109 Tuesday night, failing to cash as a healthy 13-point favorite, their second straight non-cover after a four-game ATS surge. Pau Gasol carried the Lakers with a season-high 34 points. Los Angeles currently sports the league’s third-best offensive attack (104.9 ppg) and third-best defense (91.3 ppg), holding opponents to 41.5 percent shooting overall (second) and 33.2 percent from 3-point range.
Phoenix lost to Utah 109-97 Monday night catching two points on the road, dropping to 1-4 ATS in its last five contests. The Suns got killed on the boards, getting outrebounded 47-26 for the game and outscored by 21 points over the last three quarters. That said, Phoenix still leads the league in field-goal percentage, at 49.9 percent.
Los Angeles is on a 4-1 ATS run (3-2 SU) in this Pacific Division rivalry, but the two teams haven’t met since last February, when L.A. outgunned the Suns 130-124 getting 3½ points on the road. The Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven trips to Phoenix, and the road team is on a 5-1 ATS uptick in this rivalry.
The Lakers are on ATS streaks of 4-1 after a SU win, 20-7-1 against the Western Conference and 24-11-1 on the road. The Suns are on a 1-4 ATS slide, but they sport positive ATS trends of 7-2 playing on two days’ rest, 10-3 after a non-cover and 7-3 after a SU loss.
The over for Los Angeles is on runs of 5-1 overall and 5-1 against winning teams, and the over for Phoenix is on streaks of 4-1 playing on two days’ rest and 4-1 against winning teams. Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in five of the last six meetings and is on a 4-0 run in Phoenix.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
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NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By IndianCowboy
Quick notes on yesterday: I do this because at times I'm able to find value based on what happened in previous days for upcoming games. It also allows me to see newer trends that are coming to the open. Washington shows up big at Atlanta and covers easily, game goes under. Detroit gets it done over Cleveland and yet another under hits there. Toronto gets it done on the road as once again, they are as solid as it comes on bounce-backs. Dallas goes on the road to win at Houston to show that this team still has some bite and might be turning it around. Remember, they won big at Charlotte the day before. Minny finally wins outright at home and I guess I should have figured given the line they would be an active dog and the game would go over - I was on the under. How about Sacramento going on the road to New Orleans and winning outright as 13.5 dogs - New Orleans is not that good this year folks. They just aren't as they lack depth and frankly, I question their drive as last year they played with a chip on their shoulder. This year it seems they are running through the motions. Denver has far too much offense for San Antonio who is still Parker-Less and game goes under and Clippers get it done easily over the Thunder with a big third quarter - games goes over similar to when two bad teams get together - they usually go over the posted total. I can't believe that Utah covered against Milwaukee with a 31-18 fourth quarter as the Bucks went from being up 2 points going into the 4th quarter catching 10.5 points only to lose by 11. Wow. Portland absolutely clobbers Chicago in the Rose Garden - I expect a bounce-back for Chicago in their next game and it is obvious, Portland is good and even better at home.
Detroit vs. Boston
I'm passing on the NBA today. But, here is my deal with these two games. For one, 61% is on Detroit catching the points here at Boston. Usually I fade the public dog, but time and time again we have seen this not to be the case. The Hawks were favored by 66% as were the Nuggets by 66% and they were both dogs that the public was all over - they both covered as well easily with Denver winning outright at Boston. Hence, I am staying away and will simply be a fan but I would not be surprised to see a Boston cover esp. since Denver comes off a win at Cleveland - but no thanks.
Lakers vs. Phoenix
I have learned not to bet against the Lakers. This team will absolutely blow your mind some nights and then sit at home others. This team beat Phoenix earlier so Phoenix does have revenge and are playing better ball - note, no Barbosa who is out for personal reasons. But, Matt Barnes is filling in quite well and Phoenix does have a sound bench. I don't want to go against Phoenix at home with revenge nor do I want to bet against the Lakers. no thanks.
Inside the Paint - Thursday
By Chris David
Thursday’s card features two quality tilts on the hardwood, starting with a playoff rematch between the Pistons and Celtics from Boston and followed by a Pacific Division battle between the Lakers and Suns in the desert. Both games will be televised nationally on TNT, with the first game tipping at 8:05 p.m. EST.
Before we delve into the skinny on these matchups, let’s switch gears on a handicapping theory that you may or may not know. Baseball, hockey and basketball all have long seasons and teams often go through streaks and skids, which is expected. One key to making money on these clubs is determining when to play or fade a particular club, especially when they’re on an up or down swing.
It’s certainly not set in stone, but I’ve been told NEVER to do the following:
Bet on a team that has lost three or more games in a row
or
Bet against a team that has won three ore more games in a row
It’s a very simple approach and while you might toss it to the birds, remember that playing the “due to lose” or “due to win” factor can bust your bankroll very quickly.
A perfect example of a recent no-play team that has garnered early public action due to its hot start is Atlanta. The Hawks opened the year 5-0 both straight up and against the spread. Mike Woodson’s team lost its first game of the year on Nov. 12 in a 103-102 thriller at Boston, but they did cover the number. Hence, the Hawks (+11) would’ve been a “No-Play” since they won more than three in a row.
After Paul Pierce and the Celtics nipped the Hawks, Woodson and company suffered four straight setbacks prior to last night’s 91-87 win at home against Washington. However, Atlanta failed to cover as a 7 ½-point home favorite.
I think, um, hope you get the point. Enough tutoring, let’s break down the televised double-header.
**Detroit at Boston**
It took a couple games to get on track, but it appears the Allen Iverson experiment in Detroit (8-3 SU, 6-5 ATS) might be coming together quicker than some expected. The Pistons dropped their first two games with AI in the lineup, including an 88-76 home loss to Boston on Nov. 9.
Detroit immediately embarked on a four-game road trip after the back-to-back setbacks and responded with a bang. The Pistons went 3-1 both SU and ATS and made a loud statement on Nov. 14 at Stapes Center by handing the Lakers (106-95) their first loss off season.
Most experts fade teams in their first home game after a long trip, especially with travel playing a toll and fatigue. The public decided to fade the Pistons too on Wednesday, but they were burned. Detroit rallied past Cleveland for a 96-89 victory from Auburn Hills, which ended the Cavaliers’ eight-game winning streak. Iverson added 23 points in the win, while Rasheed Wallace scored 21 points.
The Pistons will have a chance to avenge the aforementioned loss to Boston (10-2 SU, 5-7 ATS) on Thursday when the club heads to TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics improved to 6-1 at home on Tuesday after defeating New York 110-101 as an eight-point favorite. The home cover was just the second (2-5 ATS) victory against the number for the Celtics.
Doc Rivers’ team has been playing well despite turning the ball over a league-high 16.8 times per game. Boston makes up for its carelessness with defense. The unit is ranked second in PPG (91.3) allowed and first in field goal percentage (39.9).
In last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, Boston defeated Detroit in six games during its championship run. The Celtics covered three of the four victories and won just two of three at home during the series. The ‘under’ went 4-2, with totals ranging from 173 to 176.
The first regular season meeting this year had a high number of 186 and the combined 164 points never threatened. Tonight, the total is hovering between 182 and 183.
**L.A. Lakers at Phoenix**
Thursday’s card concludes from US Airways Center and if new Phoenix (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) head coach Terry Porter wants to claim the division, then he’ll need to stop the best team in perhaps all of basketball, the L.A. Lakers (8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS).
The Suns have started out well under their new leader, considering the team has been plagued by injuries, suspensions and learning a new style. This writer believes it’s a matter of time before Porter takes off the handcuffs and starts to let them play, especially when you look at the numbers. Phoenix has scored less than 100 PPG in all four of its losses, which means their either shooting poorly or slowing it down a tad too much.
The Lakers (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) are the only team left in the NBA that hasn’t lost on the road. Phil Jackson’s club has stepped up the defensive intensity away from home as well, holding opponents to 90 PPG. The ‘under’ has gone 3-1.
While the defense has been good on the road, it hasn’t been lately for the Lakers, especially in their last two games. The club gave 109 to Chicago and 106 to Detroit, which resulted in two straight non-covers. The ‘over’ has gone 2-0.
Shaquille O’Neal will have another chance to get back at his former team but lately it seems like the big fella is regretting the career path he chose. O'Neal said Wednesday he and Bryant could have won "probably eight" championships together and that they "never had a bad relationship."
Tonight, O’Neal will go toe-to-toe with the Lakers’ young center Andrew Bynum. Even though they only played against each other once, this YouTube clip should tell you what’s on the line tonight.
The Suns have gone 3-2 SU at home but only 2-3 ATS at home.
L.A. won and covered three of four against Phoenix last season, including both trips to the desert. The ‘over’ went 3-1 but if you follow the NBA, you’re obviously aware that the tempo should be much slower tonight.
Case in point is the line set by the books. The totals last year ranged from 215 to 225. Tonight, the line jumped to as high as 207 but has now settled at 204.
The Suns will still be without the duties of Leandro Barbosa, who joined his family back in Brazil after his mother died.
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