NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Friday, April 3
Cleveland at Orlando (8 p.m. EDT). Two of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference meet, with Orlando having now fallen behind Boston for the No. 2 seed behind the Cavaliers.
STARS
Wednesday
— Monta Ellis, Warriors, scored a career-high 42 points as Golden State outlasted Sacramento 143-141 in overtime.
— Kobe Bryant, Lakers, made his first seven shots and scored 30 points as Los Angeles beat Milwaukee 104-98.
— Steve Nash, Suns, had 25 points and 17 assists to lead Phoenix over Houston 114-109.
— Chris Paul, Hornets, had 30 points and 14 assists in New Orleans’ 104-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
— Devin Harris, Nets, had 19 points and 11 assists as New Jersey snapped a five-game losing streak by beating Detroit 111-98.
— Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, scored 30 points as Dallas edged Miami 98-96.
— Shawn Marion, Raptors, had 17 points and 15 rebounds in Toronto’s 99-95 victory in Orlando.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Kevin Martin scored a career-high 50 points for Sacramento, but the Kings lost 143-141 in overtime to Golden State. … Milwaukee’s Ramon Sessions had his first career triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds in the Bucks’ 104-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. … Caron Butler had 31 points, while Antawn Jamison had 28 points and 10 rebounds in Washington’s 112-107 loss in Memphis. … Dwight Howard had 30 points and nine rebounds, but Orlando was knocked off 99-95 at home by Toronto. … Gerald Wallace had 20 points and 10 rebounds as Charlotte lost 111-109 to Boston in double-overtime.
ALLEN’S ANSWER
Less than a minute after shooting an airball on an open 3-point attempt, Ray Allen was surprised to find himself open again in the closing seconds of the second overtime against Charlotte. Allen nailed that attempt with 2.1 seconds left, giving the Celtics a 111-109 victory over Charlotte. Allen finished with 22 points, while Paul Pierce scored 32.
THE COUCH OVER THE BENCH
Detroit’s Allen Iverson, frustrated with his playing time since returning from a back injury, said he would rather retire than be a full-time reserve next season. After playing only 18 minutes Tuesday in a loss to Cleveland, Iverson was on the floor for 17 Wednesday in a 111-98 loss in New Jersey. “I’d rather retire before I do this again,” Iverson said. “I can’t be effective playing this way. I’m not used to it. It’s tough for me both mentally and physically. If I’m able to go out there, I should be able to get it done and I can’t right now. It’s my fault. I have to be able to overcome the adversity and do what I have to do. I just have to find a way to get it done. Not being 100 percent makes it harder and you can see that I’m not 100 percent.”
HEY, HAYWOOD!
Washington’s Brendan Haywood played in his first game this season after surgery on his right wrist last October. The 7-foot center played 24 minutes and had two points, missing five of his six shots from the field, in the Wizards’ 112-107 loss in Memphis.
SPEAKING
“It’s totally different from what we’re used to here. Our record is not good and we’re not playing well. I can’t compare this to anything else. We just have to find a way to win and it’s just not happening. We have to come out and win games.”—Detroit’s Richard Hamilton after the Pistons’ 111-98 loss in New Jersey, their eighth defeat in 11 games.
Thursday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
The NBA regular season is quickly coming to a close, with just three games on Thursday’s schedule. Cleveland continues to put its stranglehold on the Eastern Conference’s top seed compliments of its current winning streak. The Cavaliers enter Thursday’s matchups with lowly Washington riding a 13-game winning streak, and have not suffered a loss since a March 6 game at Boston.
Thursday’s nightcap between Utah and Denver involve a pair of playoff teams in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, then the second-seeded Nuggets and seventh-seeded Jazz would meet in the opening round of the playoffs. However, there is still plenty of time for seedings to change before the end of the season.
Now let’s take a closer at the Cleveland-Washington and Utah-Denver matchups.
**Cavaliers at Wizards**
-There is no overnight line or total on this contest due to a couple of key injuries. TNT will provide coverage of this matchup beginning at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Washington guard Gilbert Arenas (knee) and guard Juan Dixon (ankle) are ‘doubtful’ versus the Cavs, while center Darius Songaila (neck) is ‘probable.’
-Cleveland (61-13 straight up, 44-30 against the spread) is riding an impressive 13-game winning streak after knocking off Central Division rival Detroit Tuesday as a 9 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 79-73. The combined 152 points never seriously threatened the 180-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the past five contests.
-The Cavs were outrebounded by the Pistons, 53-43, while shooting 39 percent (32-of-83) from the field and 20 percent (3-of-15) from behind the arc. Things were so bad for Cleveland’s offense that the team scored just 12, 17 and 18 points in three separate quarters. LeBron James led all scorers with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Delonte West added 12 and six assists.
-The Cavs are 25-12 SU and 20-17 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 21-16. Cleveland has been winning those affairs by an average score of 98-93.
-Washington (17-58 SU, 29-45 ATS) is playing for the second time in as many nights after its Wednesday-night matchup at Memphis. The Wizards have dropped their last two games SU heading into that contest.
-Washington is a dismal 12-26 SU and 15-23 ATS on its home court, with the ‘over’ going 20-17. The Wizards have been dropping those affairs by an average score of 102-97.
-Cleveland had beaten Washington in back-to-back outings SU before losing January 4 as a nine-point road favorite, 80-77. The combined 157 points failed to eclipse the 189 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 the past four games in this series. The Wizards are also 3-1 ATS the last four matchups with the Cavs.
**Jazz at Nuggets**
-LVSC installed Denver as a four-point home ‘chalk’ over Utah, with the total set at 207 ½. TNT starts its coverage of this contest at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Utah (46-28 SU, 37-37 ATS) was riding a modest two-game SU winning streak before falling to Portland Tuesday as a six-point road underdog, 125-104. The combined 229 points soared ‘over’ the 192 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-1 the previous four outings.
-The Jazz were outrebounded by the Blazers, 35-28, while shooting 49 percent (37-of-75) from the field. Forward Carlos Boozer paced the offense with 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting, while point guard Deron Williams added 16 and eight assists.
-Utah sports a 14-22 SU and 16-20 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 19-15. The Jazz have been dropping those games by an average score of 105-102.
-Denver (49-26 SU, 41-33 ATS) puts its four-game SU winning streak on the line in this contest. The Nuggets continued their wining ways with Tuesday’s victory over New York as a 12 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 111-104. The combined 215 points failed to topple the 221 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 4-1 the previous five outings. Denver had covered four games in a row before facing the Knicks.
-The Nuggets were outrebounded, 45-40, but prevailed by shooting a blistering 55 percent (46-of-84) from the field. Forward Carmelo Anthony stepped up with 29 points, while center Nene contributed 18 and 12 rebounds.
-Denver owns a solid 29-8 SU and 21-15 ATS home ledger, with the ‘over’ going 19-17. The Nuggets have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 107-100.
-Utah is 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS the previous six meetings with Denver after prevailing March 6 as a nine-point home favorite, 97-91. The combined 188 points never seriously threatened the 210-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-0-1 the past four games in this series. The Nuggets have covered the last three games with the Jazz.
vegasinsider.com
What bettors need to know: TNT NBA double header
By DAVE CAREY
Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards
Head to Head
Thursday night’s game is the third of four meetings between the teams, with the under hitting in both the previous games. Cleveland won the first matchup, 93-89 in Ohio on Christmas Day, failing to cover the 15.5-point spread. About two weeks later, the Wizards posted an 80-77 home win over Cleveland when LeBron James was called for a travel with seconds left, prompting the “crab dribble” controversy.
"'Crab dribble' is when you, uh, travel," Wizards guard Caron Butler said. "That's the hottest thing on the market right now."
Everybody beats the Wiz
To say it’s been a tough year for the Wizards (17-58 SU, 28-45-2 ATS) would be like saying the stock market has just slipped a bit the past few months.
But a team that has persevered through injuries finally is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as mercurial star Gilbert Arenas is back in the lineup. After returning last week from knee surgery, Arenas sat out against the Pacers and was expected to miss last night’s game against the Grizzlies to get ready for the primetime contest against the Cavaliers (60-13 SU, 45-28 ATS).
The Wizards are 2-8 straight up in their past 10 games but 5-5 against the spread.
“He's the guy that's going to take us to the promised land and we need for him to be healthy,” Wizards forward Antwan Jamison told reporters of his teammate who has a 28 minute per game limit while he returns from injury.
“I hope this is the first step as far as that happening. It's been a difficult year, but we hope that it makes us better, especially the young guys. We're due for some good fortune and some good news. We've got a window [to win a championship] and I think the window is still open."
Meantime, MVP favorite LeBron James (28.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 7.4 apg) and All-Star sidekick Mo Williams (18.1 ppg, 4.0 apg) have led the Cavaliers to 12 straight wins, but the team is just 5-7 ATS during the streak.
Who’s talking about playoffs?
A heated rivalry between the two teams has lost its luster with injuries to the Wizards, especially as TNT and ESPN banked on several primetime games between the teams to draw huge ratings.
But as Arenas returns and is expected to play tonight, the same tempers that flared during last spring’s first-round series should also return.
"They're playing some of the best basketball in the league. They may have the very best player in the league, arguably," Washington interim coach Ed Tapscott said. "We really need to bring a lot of fire. ... Anytime you have a nationally televised game, you want to show well."
In the team’s most recent meeting, Cleveland coach Mike Brown was ejected, James talked smack with an injured DeShawn Stevenson on the Wizards bench and a fan held a poster of James that showed the All-Star with a blue tear on his cheek and "Crybaby" written in place of "Cavaliers" on his white headband and blue shirt. And that was when the Wizards entered the game with a 6-25 record.
TRENDS
Wizards are 7-1 SU in their past eight home games against Cavaliers
Wizards are 1-16 SU in the second of back-to-back games and 4-13 ATS
Cavaliers are 4-6 ATS in past 10 road games
Cavaliers are 6-4 ATS in past 10 games against sub-.500 teams
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets (-4, 209)
Head to Head
Thursday night’s meeting is the fourth and final between the pair of teams battling for the top spot in the Northwest division. Utah won both of its meetings against Denver in Salt Lake City this season: a 98-94 win to open the year and the team’s most recent meeting, a 97-91 win by Jerry Sloan’s squad. Sandwiched between the meetings was a 117-97 win by the Nuggets in Denver.
Will the Jazz get back in tune?
Utah (46-28 SU, 37-37 ATS) entered March like a lion, riding a 12-game winning streak, including wins over Boston, Los Angeles and Houston. But about midway through the month the Jazz began to skid and are playing more like lambs entering April.
The Jazz are 5-5 in their past 10 but just 2-8 ATS and have hit the under six times during that span. Utah has one of the top offenses in the league, averaging 103.4 points per game (seventh most) and shooting 47.7 percent from the field (third-best), but its streaky accuracy from 3-point range (34.9 percent, sixth-lowest) makes it prone to long dry spells from beyond the arc.
"We played really well at times and we played really poorly at times," Utah's Kyle Korver told reporters. "We can't have those lapses."
Denver’s defense: the league’s best kept secret.
When I say the words “Denver Nuggets,” you don’t think defense. And that’s just the way Denver wants it.
The team known for fast break offense, alley-oop passes and high-scoring, no-defense shootouts actually is one of the top defensive teams in the league. Denver is 18th in the league in average points allowed (100.6), but fourth in field-goal defense, holding opponents to just 44 percent from the floor.
The team’s up-tempo attack results in more possessions than an average game and thus more points are scored, however teams aren’t getting the same easy baskets they are used to in the Mile High City. The Nuggets are 27-5 this season when holding an opponent under 100 points.
Denver (49-26 SU, 40-34-1 ATS) keeps its intensity up on the defensive end by employing a deep bench, with 10 players on the floor for at least 14 minutes per game.
"I'm not saying we're going to be a defensive team," Denver coach George Karl told reporters. "But we don’t have many corrections."
TRENDS
Jazz are 1-5 SU in their past five road games and 1-5 ATS
Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their past five games as an underdog
Nuggets are 6-4 ATS in its past 10 games overall
Nuggets are 6-0 their past six home games but just 3-3 ATS
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Ramon Sessions had a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists in the Bucks 104-98 loss to the Lakers last time out, as 7-point underdogs. That game's 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.
Andre Iguodala had 19 points and eight assists, as the 76ers ran past the Hawks 98-85 on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia covered as 3-point home favorites as the teams played under the 193-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 32-44 SU, 38-36-2 ATS
Philadelphia: 38-35 SU, 33-38-2 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 2-8
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 12 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Memphis, Saturday, April 4
Philadelphia home to Detroit, Saturday, April 4
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
LeBron James had 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Cavaliers past the Pistons 79-73 on Tuesday night.
Cleveland couldn't cover as 10-point home favorites as the game played under the 178.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
The Wizards fell 112-107 to the Grizzlies last time out, as 3-point underdogs. The combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 201.5.
Caron Butler dropped a game-high 31 points for the Wizards, and Antawn Jamison had 28 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 13 straight games.
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 61-13 SU, 44-30 ATS
Washington: 17-59 SU, 28-45-3 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Orlando are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 8-2
After a win are 10-0
Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland at Orlando, Friday, April 3
Washington home to Miami, Saturday, April 4
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
Carlos Boozer scored 20 points to lead Utah in its 124-105 loss to Portland on Tuesday night.
Portland cashed as 5.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 194-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Carmelo Anthony poured in 29 points to lead the Nuggets over the Knicks 111-104 on Tuesday night.
Denver couldn't cover as 11.5-point favorites as the teams played under the 221-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Denver has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 46-28 SU, 37-37 ATS
Denver: 49-26 SU, 41-33-1 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Portland are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
Denver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Denver
Utah is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
Utah home to Minnesota, Friday, April 3
Denver home to LA Clippers, Saturday, April 4
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
CLEVELAND vs. WASHINGTON
Cleveland is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Cleveland
UTAH vs. DENVER
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Hot Teams
-- 76ers won five of their last six home games.
-- Cavaliers won their last thirteen games (3-7 vs spread in last ten).
-- Jazz won five of their last seven games. Nuggets won four in row, nine of last ten games.
Cold Teams
-- Bucks lost six of their last seven gamess.
-- Wizards lost eight of their last nine games.
Totals
-- Seven of last nine Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Denver games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Bucks are 4-6 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Cavaliers are 1-3 vs spread when playing first of two consecutive nights on the road.
-- Jazz are 6-3 vs spread if they play again the next night.
MILWAUKEE (32 - 44) at PHILADELPHIA (38 - 35)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (61 - 13) at WASHINGTON (17 - 59)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 10-8 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 13-6 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
UTAH (46 - 28) at DENVER (49 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DENVER is 41-33 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-5 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 8-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE at PHILADELPHIA
MILWAUKEE: 14-3 Under Away vs. Atlantic Division
PHILADELPHIA: 23-13 Under off SU win
CLEVELAND at WASHINGTON
CLEVELAND: 3-0 ATS after scoring 85 points or less
WASHINGTON: 4-17 ATS off BB Overs
UTAH at DENVER
UTAH: 4-13 ATS Away off an Over
DENVER: 7-0 ATS off home ATS loss/SU win