Atlanta (24-16, 21-19 ATS) at Chicago (18-24 SU and ATS)
The Hawks will attempt to sweep the season series from the Bulls when they journey to Chicago after a brief stop at home yesterday.
Atlanta came off a three-game road trip Monday and held off the Raptors 87-84, falling short as a 7½-point home favorite. The Hawks have followed a 10-2 run by going 2-5 in their last seven, and they’ve also followed a 13-4 ATS hot streak by going 2-7 ATS in their last nine. Lastly, they’re 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five on the highway.
The Bulls made a quick trip to Madison Square Garden on Monday, losing 102-98 to the Knicks as a two-point road underdog. Chicago, which has been held under 100 points in nine of its last 11 outings, has split its last eight games, with a pair of two-game winning streaks and a pair of two-game losing skids, and it has failed to cover in 10 of its last 14 contests. The Bulls tonight are playing their eighth home game in their last 10, and they’re just 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS in the previous seven.
Atlanta has won three straight meetings against the Bulls, including a 113-108 victory as a four-point road underdog on Nov. 11 and a 129-117 rout as a nine-point home chalk on Dec. 27. Despite those two spread-covers, the Hawks are still just 5-12 ATS in the last 17 meetings overall and 2-6 ATS in their last eight trips to the United Center. Also, the favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight clashes.
The Hawks are on ATS runs of 4-0 against the Central Division, 6-1 as an underdog, 4-1 as a road pup and 6-1 when playing on back-to-back days, but they’re just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 on Tuesday and 0-5 ATS in their last five against the Eastern Conference. Chicago carries nothing but negative ATS trends, including 2-6 at home, 3-8 as a favorite, 1-4 on Tuesday, 1-6 against winning teams and 1-6 versus the Southeast Division.
For Atlanta, the over is on runs of 8-3 overall, 6-1-1 against the Central Division, 5-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-1 against losing teams, and the Bulls have topped the total in five of their last seven against the Southeast Division, five of their last seven when playing on no rest, six of their last eight on Tuesday and 10 of their last 13 when favored by less than five points. However, the under is 8-3-1 in the Hawks’ last 12 on the road and 5-2 in the Bulls’ last seven at home.
Finally, the over is 4-1 in the last five Bulls-Hawks clashes overall, but four of the last five series battles at the United Center have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
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NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Sacramento at Denver (9 p.m. EST). The struggling Kings visit the Northwest Division-leading Nuggets, who have won seven of their last nine at home.
STARS
Monday
— Chris Paul, Hornets, capped a 27-point performance with an off-balance 3-pointer as time expired to give New Orleans a 103-100 victory over Indiana
— Greg Oden, Trail Blazers, had a career-high 24 points and added 15 rebounds in Portland’s 102-85 win over Milwaukee.
— Allen Iverson, Pistons, scored 27 points to help Detroit end its longest losing streak in five seasons at five games with an 87-79 win over Memphis.
— Yao Ming, Rockets, scored 31 points to help Houston beat Denver 115-113.
— Tim Duncan, Spurs, scored 17 points and blocked Raymond Felton’s potential tying shot in the frantic final seconds of San Antonio’s 86-84 win over Charlotte.
MARQUEE MATCHUP
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James tussled to a virtual standoff, but Bryant’s supporting cast was far more effective in the Lakers’ 105-88 win over the Cavaliers. Pau Gasol led Los Angeles with 22 points and 12 rebounds and Andrew Bynum and Sasha Vujacic each scored 14. Bryant had 20 points and 12 assists despite dislocating a finger, while James had 23 points and nine rebounds.
BAD NEWS COMES IN 3s
For the second time in a week, Danny Granger had a big performance trumped by a buzzer-beating shot. On Monday in New Orleans, Chris Paul capped a 27-point performance with a fadeaway 3-pointer as time expired, lifting the hobbled New Orleans Hornets to a 103-100 victory. On Jan. 12 at Golden State, Granger scored 15 of his career high-tying 42 points in a wild fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer that put the Pacers up 117-116 with 23.8 seconds left, but Jamal Crawford hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 11.3 seconds left to give the Warriors a 120-117 lead.
SNAPPED
Allen Iverson scored 27 points to help Detroit end its longest losing streak in five seasons, bringing a five-game skid to an end with an 87-79 win over Memphis.
‘C’ CHANGE
Rajon Rondo scored 23 points in the first three quarters, Ray Allen scored 20 before sitting out the fourth and Boston cruised to a 104-87 win over Phoenix that was the Celtics’ fifth in a row since a 2-7 slump.
REMEMBER ME?
Chris Duhon scored with 31.2 seconds left to help the New York Knicks beat his former team with a 102-98 win over Chicago. Duhon, questionable with back spasms before the game, drove around two defenders to put the Knicks up 99-98. He then hit two free throws with 22.8 seconds remaining to extend the lead to three after Bulls rookie Derrick Rose missed on a drive. It was Rose’s arrival as the No. 1 overall draft pick that all but guaranteed Duhon’s departure after four seasons in Chicago, and he signed with the Knicks in the offseason.
SPEAKING
“Go home, knock out the foundation in your house and hold up the wall. When it’s about to fall on you, that’s what it’s like guarding Shaq.”—Boston’s Kevin Garnett after the Celtics beat Phoenix 104-87 on Monday.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls
The Hawks scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to come back and defeat the struggling Raptors 87-84 on Monday. The Hawks failed to cover the 7.5-point spread, and the 171 points went UNDER the posted total of 196.
Josh Smith tossed in 22 points to go with 14 rebounds in a double-double performance. Joe Johnson added a game-high 28 points in that win.
The Bulls fell 102-98 to the Knicks last time out, as 2-point road underdogs. That game's 200 points went UNDER the posted total of 208.5.
Luol Deng netted 20 points with 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 24-16 SU, 21-19 ATS
Chicago: 18-24 SU, 18-24 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 0-10
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 8-2
After playing New York are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games on the road
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chicago is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Milwaukee, Friday, January 23
Chicago home to Toronto, Friday, January 23
Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Pacers lost to New Orleans 103-100 as a 6.5-point underdog on Monday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208).
Danny Granger scored a game-high 30 points for the Pacers, while Troy Murphy had 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Spurs outscored the Bobcats 23-16 in the fourth quarter to earn an 86-84 victory on Monday. The Spurs failed to cover the 5-point spread in the contest, and the team's played UNDER the posted total of 178.
Tim Duncan had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Tony Parker dished out 10 assists in that win.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 15-26 SU, 22-18-1 ATS
San Antonio: 27-13 SU, 18-21-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 6-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Indiana's last 12 games when playing San Antonio
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Antonio's last 12 games when playing Indiana
San Antonio is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Indiana home to Houston, Friday, January 23
San Antonio home to New Jersey, Friday, January 23
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets
The Kings were defeated 129-122 by the Bucks as a 1-point favorite on Friday. That game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 206.
John Salmons shot 7-for-9 from the field with 24 points, and Kenyon Martin also had 24 in the loss.
The Nuggets lost to Houston 115-113 as a 2.5-point underdog on Monday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (192.5).
J.R. Smith led Denver with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Nene Hilario chipped in with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Current streak:
Denver has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 10-31 SU, 19-22 ATS
Denver: 27-15 SU, 23-18-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Denver most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Houston are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Denver's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento home to Washington, Wednesday, January 21
Denver home to Utah, Sunday, January 25
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz
The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers 94-86 as a 6.5-point favorite on Monday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (194).
Al Jefferson scored 20 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for Minnesota, while Craig Smith also netted 20 points in the win.
Deron Williams had 30 points and nine assists in the Jazz' 115-108 loss to the Mavericks last time out, as 5-point underdogs. That game's 223 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.
Current streak:
Minnesota has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 13-26 SU, 19-19-1 ATS
Utah: 24-17 SU, 22-19 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Utah's last 10 games
Next up:
Minnesota home to New Orleans, Friday, January 23
Utah at Houston, Wednesday, January 21
ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
INDIANA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
MINNESOTA vs. UTAH
Minnesota is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
SACRAMENTO vs. DENVER
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Denver's last 18 games at home
Tips and Trends
Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets
Kings: Sacramento is just 3-17 away from home this season but has had trouble winning regardless of location lately. The Kings have dropped 13 of 16 overall after falling at home to Milwaukee last Friday, 129-122. They had snapped their 12-game road losing streak at Golden State two days earlier. “For some odd reason we have a bad start when are at home - I don’t know exactly why,” Sacramento rookie forward Jason Thompson said. “I think the guys are so comfortable with being here that they may not do the little things we do on the road.”
Road team is 8-0-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 4-1 in Sacramento's last 5 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 107 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
Nuggets (-9.5, O/U 217.5): Denver has gone 3-3 in six games without injured star Carmelo Anthony, with all of the games coming against winning teams. The Nuggets lost a tough one on Tuesday at Houston 115-113 as Kenyon Martin missed two free throws that would have tied the game. “We had great effort,” Denver head coach George Karl said. “There are losses that are good losses. Tonight was a good loss. We did a lot of things well.” J.R. Smith had his best game filling in for Anthony against the Rockets with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting.
Nuggets are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
The OVER is 10-3 in Denver's last 13 games overall.
Key Injuries - F Carmelo Anthony (hand) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 117
Hot Teams
-- Pacers covered six of their last seven games. Spurs won seven of their last nine contests.
-- Nuggets won three of last four games, covered seven of last nine.
-- Minnesota won seven of its last eight games. Utah won six of seven.
Cold Teams
-- Hawks covered two of their last nne games. Bulls lost five of their last seven games.
-- Kings lost seven of last nine games, but are 7-2 vs spread in the nine.
Totals
-- Last three Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-2 in last thirteen Denver games.
-- Last four Minnesota road games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Hawks are 5-1-1 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Pacers are 4-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Nuggets are 3-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 3-2 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
Inside the Paint - Tuesday
By Chris David
Tuesday’s pro basketball action slows down the tempo a bit with just four games slated on the hardwood after a dozen played yesterday. Oddsmakers are expecting tonight’s quartet of contests to feature some high-scoring affairs, and it’s hard to argue against the opening numbers.
All four totals have opened at 200-plus points and while some handicappers would attribute the high numbers to solid offensive attacks, VegasInsider.com expert Matt Moore looks at defense, or lack thereof.
“Unlike the college game, every team in the NBA has the ability to score. Some franchises might slow it down and others may not have the explosive talent to light it up nightly, but professional ball players have the ability score,” said Moore.
“The one thing that I’ve noticed in basketball is that you can’t teach defense no matter how much you stress it. You’re either a good defensive team or a bad defensive team and there are a handful of squads in the league that pay no mind on the defensive side of the ball.”
Golden State (112.3) has been the worst team in the league when it comes to points allowed, but it’s not alone. Sacramento (107.4), Indiana (107) and New York (106.4) are right behind the Warriors.
Moore added, “As most would expect, none of the teams are playoff contenders, yet they do provide value to total players. The numbers are often high, but you can make serious money on ‘over’ wagers if you pick your spots correctly.”
The ‘over’ has been golden for Golden State (25-16) and Indiana (28-12) but not as great for Sacramento (20-19-2) and New York (15-24). The Knicks are the only one of the four to see the ‘under’ cash more often than the ‘over’ which could be attributed to the line and talent.
Mike D’Antoni’s team has only seen one game with an ‘over/under’ listed below 200 points and the team traded away its two best scorers, Zach Randolph (22 PPG) and Jamal Crawford (20.2 PPG). As the oddsmakers continue to adjust, watch the Knicks slowly see their total even out as the season progresses.
Let’s take a closer look at tonight’s totals (opening numbers from Las Vegas Sports Consultants):
Hawks at Bulls (201.5): Four of the last five in this series has gone ‘over’, including both regular season battles this year. Atlanta blasted Chicago 129-117 on Dec. 27at home in an old fashioned shootout. Both teams shot lights out from the field and the combined 246 easily eclipsed the closing number of 193 ½ points. The Hawks also downed the Bulls 113-108 on Nov. 11 at United Center, which also went ‘over’ the total (187). The books have adjusted the number based on the first two meetings, plus the Hawks’ defense continues to slip without the services of Al Horford in the middle. Even though the Bulls lost the first two battles, rookie point guard Derrick Rose torched the Hawks for 26 and 27 points. The pace should be there and if the shots fall, then most would expect another shootout on tap.
Pacers at Spurs (209): The Spurs knocked the Pacers for 108 and 116 points in the regular season last year, which translated into a 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS record. The ‘over’ went 2-0. You can tell things have changed in the style of each team just by looking at the numbers. The total for those matchups last year was 194 ½ and 197 ½ points, now the number has jumped considerably. We talked about Indiana its porous defense above, but this team can certainly counter with its offense. The Pacers have notched triple digits in 13 straight, which has helped the ‘over’ go 12-1 during this stretch. Normally, most would consider the Spurs as a defensive club (94.2 PPG) but the unit hasn’t been that stout this year. San Antonio has watched the ‘over’ go 11-10 at home this year, including three in a row.
Timberwolves at Jazz (204): Utah defeated Minnesota 99-96 on Dec. 9 and the combined 195 points fell ‘under’ the closing total of 197, which was the lowest ‘over/under’ posted in the previous five meetings. Numbers have ranged from 200 to 211 ½ points and tonight’s matchup is right in the middle. The Wolves are allowing 101.8 PPG on the year and the Jazz (98.6 PPG) haven’t been your typical Jerry Sloan team that we’ve seen in past seasons. Utah has allowed 108.3 PPG in its last four, helping the ‘over’ go 3-1. The Timberwolves will be losing an hour of sleep on this contest after playing the Clippers at Staples Center on Monday. The Jazz should have their legs since their last outing came on Saturday. Four of the last six in this series has gone ‘over’ the total.
Kings at Nuggets (214.5): The Kings haven’t played since Friday, which is probably a good thing considering how bad they’ve been defensively. Sacramento has given up 123 PPG in its last five games, which has watched the ‘over’ go 4-1 during this stretch. The Nuggets’ offense has been up and down all season but more down lately, largely due to the absence of Carmelo Anthony. With or without ‘Melo, Denver has seen the ‘over’ go 23-18 on the season and 13-9 at Pepsi Center. One key factor in hitting ‘over’ wagers is getting points when the clock is stopped, which is what the Kings do. Sacramento has been averaging 25.2 free throw attempts per game and the club has taken advantage of the freebies by hitting 80 percent. Two of the previous three meetings between these teams in Colorado have gone ‘over’ the number.
vegasinsider.com
NBA Hot and Cold Bets - Week 12
By Matt Fargo
The NBA is now in full swing and our eight-month marathon of the pro basketball season is close to half over. Matt Fargo will be looking into Hot and Cold NBA bets throughout the season and he takes a look at four games that you will want to pay attention to.
NBA Cold Bets
Tuesday – Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls 8:35 PM ET
The Hawks looked as though they may have been poised to make a run at Orlando but they have fallen on some hard times. After putting together a 9-1 run to end December, Atlanta has completely gone in the opposite direction, having lost six of its last nine games (2-7 ATS) following its win against Toronto on Monday. Just like that, the Hawks are now 8.5 games behind Orlando meaning that division is likely over especially after getting swept in a home-and-home series with the Magic two weeks ago. This team is ice cold right now and looks to be playing with no confidence especially with Marvin Williams and Al Horford on the shelf. Chicago is certainly no prize but it has been at least playing better at home, going 10-6 (7-9 ATS) over its last 16 games at the United Center. The Bulls are 13-8 (10-11 ATS) overall at home and they will be in double revenge mode here as they have lost both meetings to the Hawks this season, one at home and one in Atlanta, making it three straight setbacks against them dating back to last season.
VegasInsider.com
Tuesday's Research
By Indiancowboy
Indiana vs. San Antonio
These two teams have not met this year. Don't look now but the Pacers have covered 4 in a row and 5 of their last 6. They have also played the 'over' in 5 of their last 6 as well. In fact, they had their 'over' streak snapped at 5 in their last game against the Hornets - which in all honesty should have gone over if it wasn't for an unbelievably low scoring 3rd quarter for the Pacers. SA comes off a nice win at Charlotte but failed to cover. Is it that hard to believe that a Pacer team that beat the Suns outright on the road and was a Chris Paul Buzzer beater away from going to OT with the Hornets, can't be game against the Spurs? A lean on the Pacers but on thanks, don't want to go against the Spurs at home.
Sacramento vs. Denver
You have several dynamics working here. For starters, Denver beat this team 118-85 earlier this season in December at ARCO. Well, Sacramento is healthier now with Martin. But, Denver comes off a controversial loss to the Rockets on the road by a bucket. Sacramento also comes off a tough loss to the Bucks at home and note that the Kings have lost back to back covers since the return of Martin.
Milwaukee (L)
@ Golden State (Outright W)
Orlando (L)
Dallas (Outright W)
Miami (L)
@ Chicago (W)
@ NJ (L)
@ Indiana (W)
@ Detroit (W)
@ L.A. Clippers (L)
As you can see, this team has been much better with Martin in bouncing back in ball games and such is the case here. Plus, the Kings have revenge from an ugly, ugly loss at ARCO. But, it's tough to against the Nuggets at home especially when scoring can get out of hand in Denver. But, I'm usually a sucker for points, a lean on the Kings here to get inside the number.
Minnesota vs. Utah
Utah barely beat this team last time around 99-96 on the road. You remember that game? It was a key game that McHale was finally coaching the Twolves in. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, it was the first home game that Coach Kevin coached in and this team fell inside the closing number of 4 for the home cover. You already know how I feel about the Twolves right now. I love them. After all, they are 8-1-1 ATS over their last 10. They have been on a rampage getting revenge on teams from defeating the Suns Outright on the road to defeating the likes of the Bulls outright on the road. Heck, this team who once had single digit wins forevr, now sits at 13 wins. Yes, the Twolves have won 8 of their last 10 SU. That's right, over the last 10 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 8-2. Go figure. With Al Jefferson, Gomes, Foye and Smith and Telfair dishing out assists (9 in the last game against the Clippers), this team is certainly reaching for its potential. But, I've always had a general rule of not wagering against a Jerry Sloan team coming off a SU loss. After all, the Jazz are solid at home and have not lost back to back games in quite some time. So, a lean on the hot Twolves with revenge, but I just don't want to go against the Jazz at home off a loss.