Game Of The Day: San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns
By Covers.com
Home cookin’
The surprising Phoenix Suns, after starting the season 14-3, have lost five of seven and five straight road games. However, the Suns have the perfect cure to their road woes by returning to the friendly confines of US Airways Center where they are an NBA best 8-0 at home and have won 17 straight dating back to last season.
Others will point out that Phoenix has just one home win over a team with a winning record this season.
“It is really important for us to try to keep this thing going at home,” Suns coach Alvin Gentry told the Arizona Republic after beating Orlando at home last week.
Despite a 16-8 record, there is cause for concern in the Suns locker room because of their recent inability to close out games. The Suns blew a 17-point lead in a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday and scored just 39 points in the second half. Prior to that loss, the Suns had not lost a game in which the led by at least eight points.
“We were a little tired and a little stagnant when we were up 17 and let them back in the game,” Steve Nash told the Arizona Republic. “We lost our sharpness. We spaced out for a little bit. Maybe that's due to fatigue.”
Tonight, the Suns will face a Spurs team that has struggled defensively and continues to have bouts of inconsistency.
Limiting Duncan
During his entire 13-year career, Tim Duncan has been the model of consistency, averaging more than 21 points per game for his career. However, it is the number of minutes that he has been playing that has Spurs coach Gregg Popovich concerned.
Popovich told the San Antonio Express News that he plans on limiting Duncan’s minutes to 32 minutes per game in hopes of resting the star center and his knees for later in the season.
“If we want him for the playoffs, I can't play him 38, 39 minutes a game. It won't work,” Popovich said.
Duncan’s minutes have consistently decreased since he averaged a career high 40.6 minutes per game in 2001-02. Duncan is averaging a career low 32 minutes per game this season.
Richardson may sit
Suns guard Jason Richardson may miss tonight’s game against the Spurs after spraining his right hand against Denver on Saturday night. An X-ray on the hand was negative and Richardson did not practice on Monday. Richardson may play if the swelling on his hand subsides. Richardson injured his hand in the first quarter in Denver but returned to play 16 more minutes.
If Richardson does sit, look for Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic to see their minutes increased against the Spurs. Richardson will be re-evaluated during Tuesday’s shoot around.
Road trip
Despite this being the Spurs 25th game of the year, this three-game road trip is the Spurs longest road trip of the year thus far. Manu Ginobili told reporters that the team is looking forward to the road trip.
“It's something that keeps the team together, and we need it, because we need to get to know the new guys better,” Manu Ginobili said. “So we're going to have some meals, talk and get to know one another better. It's going to be important.”
Sunday’s 115-90 win over the Clippers was just the Spurs second road victory of the season.
Trends
Phoenix has played under the total in eight straight games. Meanwhile, the over is 4-0 in San Antonio's last four games with Popvich's club averaging 109.5 points per game over the stretch.
The Spurs are 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings against the Suns, but 1-6 ATS this season as road underdogs.
The under is 11-1-2 in Phoenix's last 14 games.
New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The New Jersey Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Nets lost to Atlanta 130-107 as a 13-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (197).
Devin Harris led New Jersey with 23 points and nine assists and Brook Lopez delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cavaliers defeated Oklahoma City 102-89 as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (191).
LeBron James scored a game-high 44 points for Cleveland and Mo Williams added 22 points in the win.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Cleveland has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 2-22 SU, 7-16-1 ATS
Cleveland: 17-7 SU, 12-12 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 7-3
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Jersey's last 11 games when playing Cleveland
New Jersey is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Jersey's last 13 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games when playing New Jersey
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to Utah, Wednesday, December 16
Cleveland at Philadelphia, Wednesday, December 16
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The fans at Time Warner Cable Arena will be treated to a game between the New York Knicks and the Charlotte Bobcats when they take their seats on Tuesday.
New York held New Orleans to 34 points in the second half as the Knicks came back for a 113-96 victory over the Hornets on Friday. The Knicks won the game as 6.5-point underdogs, while the 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.
Chris Duhon had 22 points and dished out nine assists for the Knicks, while Al Harrington collected a game-high 28 points in that win.
The Bobcats were defeated 98-97 by the Mavericks on Saturday, as 7.5-point underdogs. The game's 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 188.5.
Gerald Wallace turned in a double-double performance for the Bobcats with 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Current streak:
New York has won 4 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 8-15 SU, 12-11 ATS
Charlotte: 9-13 SU, 13-9 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games on the road
New York is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games at home
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at Chicago, Thursday, December 17
Charlotte at Indiana, Wednesday, December 16
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat
The Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Chris Bosh tossed in 27 points on Sunday afternoon to lead the Raptors to a 101-88 win over the Rockets.
The Raptors won that game as a pick'em at home, while the combined score fell UNDER the day's posted total (203).
Miami lost to Memphis 118-90 as a 6.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (197).
Dwyane Wade led Miami with 25 points and Dorell Wright netted 16 points.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 11-15 SU, 11-15 ATS
Miami: 11-11 SU, 10-12 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Miami is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Toronto at Orlando, Wednesday, December 16
Miami home to Orlando, Thursday, December 17
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at United Center.
The Lakers were defeated 94-79 by the Jazz last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 173 points went UNDER the posted total of 203.
Pau Gasol had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers.
The Bulls were defeated 106-80 by the Celtics on Saturday as a 10-point underdog. That game's 186 points fell UNDER the posted total of 186.5.
Derrick Rose netted 19 points with five rebounds.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-4 SU, 10-12 ATS
Chicago: 8-14 SU, 5-15-2 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Utah are 8-2
After a loss are 9-1
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chicago
LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
Chicago is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Milwaukee, Wednesday, December 16
Chicago home to New York, Thursday, December 17
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets
The fans at Toyota Center will be treated to a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Rodney Stuckey poured in 29 points and dished out seven assists to lead the Pistons over the Warriors 104-95 on Saturday. The Pistons covered the 5.5-point spread, while the game's 199 points went UNDER the posted total of 205.5.
Charlie Villanueva shot 9-for-14 from the field with 24 points and eight rebounds.
Carl Landry poured in a team-high 25 points off the bench in the Rockets' 101-88 loss to the Raptors on Sunday afternoon.
The Raptors won that game as a pick'em at home, while the combined score fell UNDER the day's posted total (203).
Current streak:
Detroit has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 11-12 SU, 14-8-1 ATS
Houston: 13-10 SU, 14-9 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Houston is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit at New Orleans, Wednesday, December 16
Houston at Denver, Wednesday, December 16
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
The San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at US Airways Center.
The Spurs defeated the Clippers 115-90 as a 5.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (188.5).
Tim Duncan scored a game-high 21 points for San Antonio while Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili each netted 17 points in the win.
The Suns were defeated 105-99 by the Nuggets last time out, as a 9.5-point underdog. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 225.
Steve Nash netted 28 points and dished out seven assists in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 12-9 SU, 10-10-1 ATS
Phoenix: 16-8 SU, 14-9-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Golden State are 9-1
After playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
San Antonio is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Golden State, Wednesday, December 16
Phoenix at Portland, Thursday, December 17
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The fans at Rose Garden will be treated to a game between the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Jason Thompson scored 23 points and hauled down 12 boards for a double-double as the Kings defeated the Timberwolves 120-100 on Saturday. The Kings covered the 7-point spread, and the 220 points sailed OVER the posted total of 206.
Tyreke Evans netted 18 points, and Beno Udrih chipped in with 16 points in that win.
The Trail Blazers were defeated 108-101 by the Bucks on Saturday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The 209 points sailed OVER the posted total of 190.5.
LaMarcus Aldridge netted a game-high 31 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Portland has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 10-12 SU, 15-6-1 ATS
Portland: 14-11 SU, 12-13 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Portland
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Sacramento is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Portland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games
Next up:
Sacramento home to Washington, Wednesday, December 16
Portland home to Phoenix, Thursday, December 17
Detroit (11-12, 14-8-1 ATS) at Houston (13-10, 14-9 ATS)
The Pistons take a season-best five-game SU and ATS winning streak into the Toyota Center, where they kickoff a three-game Southwest Division road trip with a contest against the Rockets.
Detroit has followed up a seven-game losing skid by winning six of its last seven (6-0-1 ATS), including the last five in a row. After three straight narrow victories over Washington, Philadelphia and Denver by a total of 10 points, the Pistons finally got a comfortable win at Golden State on Saturday, rolling 104-95 as a 5½-point road chalk. Detroit has held seven straight opponents under 100 points, giving up just 92.9 ppg.
The Pistons snapped a five-game road losing skid (2-2-1 ATS) in their most recent trip on Wednesday, knocking off Philadelphia 90-86 as a 4½-point underdog. Still, they’re just 3-8 as a visitor this year (but 5-4-1 ATS).
Houston went to Toronto on Sunday and fell to the Raptors 101-88 as a two-point road favorite, ending a modest two-game SU and three-game ATS winning streak. The Rockets are still 5-2 SU and ATS in their last seven games, but their offense has gone cold lately, averaging just 92 ppg in the last four contests. Also, Rick Adelman’s squad has dropped three of five at home (1-4 ATS).
Houston swept the season series from the Pistons last year, but the teams split the cash. The Rockets prevailed 108-105 in Detroit as a three-point pup and survived 106-101 in overtime at home, but failed to cover as a 9½-point favorite. Houston is 4-1 SU in the last five meetings, but the Pistons are 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 clashes, including 3-1-1 in their last five trips to the Toyota Center.
In addition to their current 6-0-1 ATS roll, Detroit is on positive pointspread surges of 3-1-1 on the highway, 15-7-1 against the Southwest Division and 5-1-1 when playing on two days of rest, but it is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 on Tuesday. The Rockets are in ATS ruts of 1-4 at home, 0-5 on Tuesday and 3-7-1 against the Central Division, but they’re on pointspread upticks of 5-2 overall, 9-4 when going after one day of rest, 41-20 following a loss, 12-3 when coming off a double-digit defeat and 4-1 against the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons carry “under” trends of 3-1-1 on the road, 3-1-1 on Tuesday, 20-8-1 against the Southwest Division and 35-17-1 when playing after two days of rest. Houston has stayed under the total in eight straight games overall and is on additional “under” stretches of 4-1 against Eastern Conference teams, 5-0 when playing on one day of rest, 6-1 after a SU loss, 4-0 after a double-digit loss and 23-8-1 after a non-cover.
Finally, six of the last seven battles between these squads have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DETROIT and UNDER
San Antonio (12-9, 10-11 ATS) at Phoenix (16-8, 14-10 ATS)
The Spurs shoot for their fourth consecutive victory overall, including their second straight on the road, when they visit America West Arena for a battle with the Suns, who are unbeaten on their home floor this season.
San Antonio blasted the Clippers 115-90 as a 5½-point road favorite on Sunday. The Spurs’ three-game run follows a three-game losing skid, and they’ve cashed in back-to-back contests after an 0-5 ATS funk. San Antonio has found its offense over the past five games, averaging 107.4 ppg while shooting 53.6 percent overall and 50.6 percent from three-point land. Despite Sunday’s win in Los Angeles, the Spurs are just 2-5 SU and ATS on the road this season.
Phoenix has been idle since Saturday’s 105-99 loss at Denver, falling to 2-5 SU in its last seven games (with all five defeats coming on the road). On the bright side, the Suns covered as a nine-point underdog against the Nuggets, improving to 3-0 ATS in their last three after going 0-4 ATS in the previous four. Also, Phoenix is 8-0 at America West Arena (5-3 ATS), averaging 116.5 ppg (51.7 percent shooting) while surrendering 103.6 ppg (44.5 percent).
The Suns scored a five-point road win over the Spurs in last year’s season opener, but San Antonio came back to win the final three meetings (3-0 ATS). In Phoenix, the Spurs prevailed 91-90 as a 2½-point underdog last Christmas Day and 114-104 as a 1½-point pup a month later. San Antonio is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five clashes in this rivalry and 12-5-1 ATS in its last 18 trips to the desert. Also, the visitor is on a 3-1-1 ATS roll in this series, and the ‘dog is 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 battles.
The Spurs have covered in four of five against the Pacific Division, five of seven after a SU win and five straight after a double-digit victory, but they’re in ATS slumps of 2-7 on the road, 2-5 overall, 1-4 on Tuesday and 5-12 against winning teams. Phoenix is riding positive ATS runs of 12-5 at home, 5-1 against the Southwest Division, 7-3 following a SU defeat, 5-1 after a spread-cover, 7-2 after two days of rest and 14-4-1 at home against an opponent that sports a losing road mark.
San Antonio has topped the total in four straight games overall, four straight on Tuesday, four straight against the Pacific Division and four straight when playing after one day of rest. On the flip side, the Suns are on “under” runs of 11-1-2 overall, 3-1-1 at home, 4-0-1 against the Western Conference, 5-0-1 after a SU defeat, 4-0-1 after an ATS win and 4-0 on Tuesday. Lastly, six of the last eight Spurs-Suns tussles in Phoenix stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO and UNDER
Lakers Have Road Woes
By Brobury Sports
Lakers have road woes
The Los Angeles Lakers are far from invincible as they continue a five-game road trip tonight in Chicago.
L.A. is a 9½-point favorite. The Over/Under is 193½-points.
The scheduling gods were smiling on L.A. at the beginning of the season. They played an incredible 17 of their first 21 games at home, and responded with an 18-3 straight-up (SU) record (10-11 ATS).
The downside to so many early home games, is you have to pay the piper later on. The Lakers started a stretch Saturday night in Utah with 18 of their next 27 games away.
The Lakers lost the Utah game 102-94 as two-point dogs. Kobe Bryant has a small break in the index finger of his shooting hand, and was also battling the flu. He was held to just 16 points on 7-of-24 shooting.
The Lakers now stand at just 1-4 ATS on the road this year.
Bulls not doing much charging
Chicago is 8-14 SU and 5-15-2 ATS. They lost 108-93 at the Lakers back on Nov. 19th that started a 1-9 SU and 1-8-1 ATS streak. That was the first game back for Los Angeles’ Pau Gasol, who missed the first 11 games with a hamstring injury.
The Bulls were able to get a 96-91 overtime win on Friday over Golden State. That was a very fortunate ‘push’ for Chicago as five-point home ‘chalk.’
Chicago was at home again on Saturday against the red-hot Boston Celtics, winners of nine straight. This wasn’t much of an effort from the Bulls as they lost 106-80 as 9½-point ‘dogs.
The biggest problem for Chicago is offense. They’re one of the worst scoring teams (90.4 PPG) in the league, really missing the offensive production of the departed Ben Gordon.
Point guard Derrick Rose was supposed to pick up the scoring, but he’s been bothered by an ankle injury. John Salmons is shooting under 40 percent from the floor and so is reserve Kirk Hinrich.
There is no reason to think offensive improvement will come soon, so games must be won with defense. That will be certainly be hard against the Lakers, who are angry about the Utah game. That is why you see the 9½-point spread.
Not So Comfy
By SportsPic
The Los Angeles Lakers playing seventeen of their first twenty-two games at the Staples Centre going 15-2 (9-8 ATS) found out Saturday that things aren't as cozy on the highway as they suffered a 102-94 setback up in Utah country bringing the mark to 3-2 on the road with a cash draining 1-4 record at the betting window. Getting a dose of reality away from home, watching their 11-game win streak end with a thud expect Lakers to return to their ways of scoring at will and playing suffocating defense en route to a bounce back when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Bulls are the perfect tonic. After a solid 6-4 start to the season allowing 91.8 PPG the Bulls have suddenly collapsed on the defensive end surrendering 105.0 PPG going 2-10 (1-9-2 ATS) it's past twelve on the hardwood. Consider Lakers, knowing Chicago has cashed just 2-of-20 when allowing >100 PPG, are 9-31 ATS last forty at home vs a team that nets >100 points and that Kobe and company come in 11-5 ATS playing with extra shut-eye, 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings including 4-0 ATS in the Windy City.
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
Lakers (-9.5, O/U 193.5): Despite losing their last game, the Lakers still maintain the best record in the Western Conference at 18-4 SU. However, of those 22 games, only 5 of them have come on the road. The Lakers are 3-2 SU on the road, with an ATS record of 1-4 away from home. Tonight's game represents the most the Lakers have been favored on the road this season. Los Angeles is 10-0 SU against teams with losing records this year. G Kobe Bryant is still the offensive catalyst of this team, as he's 4th in the NBA in scoring at nearly 28 PPG. F Pau Gasol finally lost a game this season that he played in. Gasol has been a rebounding machine of late, grabbing 20 rebounds in each of his past 2 games. Defensively, the Lakers have held 10 of their last 12 opponents to under 100 PTS. The Lakers lead the NBA in opposing field goal percentage, at 42.7%.
Lakers are 9-2 ATS last 11 games following a SU loss.
Under is 7-1 last 8 vs. a team with a losing SU record.
Key Injuries - C Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (ankle) is questionable.
F Luke Walton (finger) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Bulls: Chicago is in the midst of a terrible slide. They are 2-10 SU over their past 12 games, making them 8-14 for the season. The good news is this team is still decent at home, as they are 6-4 SU. 2-6-2 represents their home record ATS this year. This Bulls team hasn't won at home ATS since November 10th. Today is the 2nd consecutive game the Bulls have been home underdogs of 9.5 PTS. They lost by 26 in their last game to the Celtics in this similar situation. The Bulls have really struggled to score lately in their losses, averaging 85 PPG in their past 5 losses. F Luol Deng leads 4 players who average double digits in PTS, averaging 17.5 PPG. C Joakim Noah is averaging a double double this year, nearly 14 PPG and 12 RPG while providing energy and hustle to the team. The Bulls have been outscored by an average of 21.8 PPG over their last 5 losses.
Bulls are 0-8 ATS last 8 games as an underdog of 5 to 10.5 points.
Under is 6-1 last 7 home games.
Key Injuries - F Tyrus Thomas (forearm) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 86
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns
Spurs: It appears the Spurs are gaining their stride, as they've had 3 consecutive double digit wins coming into tonight's game. San Antonio is 12-9 SU this season, with a road record of 2-5 both SU and ATS. The Spurs have scored more than 100 PTS in 4 consecutive games. The San Antonio bench is a huge reason for their offensive streak, as they've combined to average 47 PPG in their last 4 games. G Manu Ginobli is red hot from behind the arc, making 10 of his last 13 three pointers. PG Tony Parker and F Tim Duncan combine to average nearly 37 PPG. Defensively, the Spurs are 9th in the NBA allowing 96.6 PPG. They have held 5 of their past 8 opponents to 90 PTS or fewer. San Antonio has beaten Phoenix 3 straight times, as they've had success slowing down this Phoenix offense.
Spurs are 1-6 ATS last 7 games as a road underdog.
Over is 5-1 last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Key Injuries - G Michael Finley (ankle) is out.
F Tim Duncan (head) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 108 (Side of the Day)
Suns (-3, O/U 210): Phoenix has lost 5 of their past 7 games SU in route to a season long record of 16-8 SU. All 5 of those losses have come on the road. The Suns are a perfect 8-0 SU at home this year, including an ATS record of 5-3 at home. Today represents the 2nd straight game the Suns have been favored by 3 PTS at home. They won by exactly 3 in this scenario in their last game against the Magic. Phoenix has scored more than 100 PTS in each of their 8 home games. The Suns average over 108 PPG, leading the entire NBA in scoring. Phoenix has 6 players averaging double digits in PTS, led my Amar'e Stoudemire at 19.2 PPG. PG Steve Nash leads the NBA in assists at 11.1 APG. This Suns offense is 1st and 2nd in the NBA respectively in shooting percentage from both the field and behind the arc this season.
Suns are 12-5 ATS last 17 home games.
Under is 11-1-2 last 14 overall.
Key Injuries - G Jason Richardson (hand) is questionable.
G Leandro Barbosa (ankle) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 99
Trend Report - Tuesday
By Ed Meyer
Knicks @ Bobcats - The Knicks are 7-0-1 ATS (4.6 ppg) since January 15, 2008 after a win in which they outshot their opponent by at least 10 percent. The Knicks are 6-0 ATS (7.3 ppg) since January 16, 2008 after a double digit win in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Bobcats are 0-12 OU (-11.7 ppg) since March 19, 2005 after a game on the road in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times.
Lakers @ Bulls - The Bulls are 7-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since November 13, 2004 at home with two or more days of rest after a game at home in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Bulls are 7-0 ATS (12.7 ppg) since November 09, 2000 at home with at least one day of rest after a home loss in which they had at least 10 shots blocked. The Bulls are 6-0 ATS (3.8 ppg) since January 29, 2008 after a loss in which they shot less than 35% from the field.
Nets @ Cavaliers - The Nets are 0-9 ATS (-9.7 ppg) since December 02, 2008 with at least one day of rest after a game on the road in which their opponent shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS (7.9 ppg) since May 21, 2007 with at least one day of rest after a double digit road win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS (8.0 ppg) since December 17, 1995 at home with at most one day of rest after a road win in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line. The Lakers are 0-10 OU (-14.8 ppg) since May 27, 2008 with at least one day of rest after a road loss in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points lower than their season-to-date average.
Raptors @ Heat - The Raptors are 0-8 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since November 24, 2006 with at most one day of rest after a game in which their opponent shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than 25% of them. The Heat are 7-0 ATS (10.9 ppg) since March 08, 2008 after a double digit home loss in which they allowed at least 50% from the field. The Heat are 7-0 ATS (10.4 ppg) since February 14, 2003 with at least one day of rest after a game at home in which they controlled 40% or less of the available rebounds. The Heat are 0-6 ATS (-4.8 ppg) since December 28, 2007 at home when seeking revenge for a road loss in which they allowed at least 50% shooting from the field. The Heat are 0-9-1 OU (-14.7 ppg) since March 10, 2003 at home when they lost their last two games and both were at home.
Pistons @ Rockets - The Pistons are 0-9 ATS (-4.3 ppg) since November 18, 1997 on the road with at least one day of rest after a home win in which they had more turnovers than assists. The Pistons are 6-0 ATS (7.8 ppg) since January 07, 2005 after a game at home in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four. The Rockets are 0-10 ATS (-7.0 ppg) since January 24, 2003 at home with at least one day of rest after a road loss in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted. The Rockets are 7-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since November 12, 2008 after a double digit loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field. The Rockets are 0-7 ATS (-9.7 ppg) since November 13, 2007 when playing the first game of four-games-in-five-days. The Pistons are 0-11 OU (-13.6 ppg) since April 06, 2006 on the road with at least one day of rest after a game in which they had at least five more turnovers than their season-to-date average.
Spurs @ Suns - The Spurs are 0-6 ATS (-14.1 ppg) since November 12, 2005 after a double digit road win in which they shot at least 55% from the field. The Spurs are 0-6 ATS (-7.6 ppg) since December 10, 2006 on the road after playing the Clippers. The Spurs are 6-0 ATS (13.4 ppg) since January 29, 2009 on the road with at most one day of rest after a game in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Suns are 7-0 ATS (6.3 ppg) since November 29, 2006 at home with two or more days of rest after a game on the road in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Suns are 0-6 ATS (-9.6 ppg) since January 09, 1996 at home with at least one day of rest after a road loss in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds.
Kings @ Trailblazers - The Kings are 0-8 ATS (-8.9 ppg) since January 21, 2002 with two or more days of rest after a double digit home win in which they had at least thirty assists.
NBA RoundUp for 12/15
By Dan Bebe
Sports Wagering
Cavaliers/Nets - This line is OFF. It will soon be on, and will be quite large. And really, this game could get ugly. The Cavs return home off a 13-point victory in Oklahoma City, and they've bounced back nicely after losing 2 straight on a recent road trip. Sure, they play tomorrow in Philadelphia, but this is a dangerous team, and Lebron is waking back up after not playing All-World basketball for about a game and a half. The Nets have been blown out in 3 straight games, and are dealing with an injury to Chris Douglas-Roberts now. It doesn't matter, really, they're terrible and not getting any better. This spread is going to be up near 15, I imagine, and while I'd normally try to find a way to take the dog, the only real value in this game will be in the total. Cleveland has been scoring around 100, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nets score in the 80's. Let's see where this total opens up.
Bobcats/Knicks - Bobcats by 5 with a total of 197.5. This is not a game I'm particularly fond of, as we have a red-hot Knicks club coming into Charlotte, where the Bobcats are quite good. Charlotte is 8-3 at home (1-10 on the road), and have beaten the likes of Cleveland and Denver at home over the last couple weeks. They have also been hitting Overs at an alarming clip, now 6 in a row, and I think we're finally seeing the books adjust the line. The Knicks have won 4 straight games, and have covered all 4. Three of those victories have come as an underdog, the situation we're seeing here tonight. Fact of the matter is that the Knicks are too hot to bet against, and the Bobcats are too good at home to bet against. Unless we see some stark line movement that leads us in a particular direction, this is another game where we'll take a long look at the total instead of the side. The Knicks have been shooting the ball very well, and actually playing decent defense; the Bobcats have been playing a slightly more up-tempo style of game as their offense has come together. They play better defense at home than on the road, but I can see this game being a relatively high-scoring tilt. I lean Over.
Heat/Raptors - This line is OFF, while we wait to hear which Raptors aren't playing. Toronto is coming off a nice home win over the Houston Rockets, as they finally put a few of the pieces together and got a nice 13-point victory. If this team could play any defense at all, they might be formidable, and you have to wonder if the absence of a few players might have actually helped the Raptors play a little better on the defensive side of the court. We all know they can score, but this might be a hint to play some Unders, if indeed they are recommitting themselves to trying to get some stops. In any case, they travel to Miami as part of a grueling back-to-back that continues tomorrow in Orlando. This is a very tough spot for Toronto, and I can't legitimately say I know how an athlete approaches this type of scheduling scenario. Miami has been blown out at home by both Dallas and Memphis in their last two games, which should adjust the line slightly, but I need to see what the oddsmakers think about this one before I offer a true opinion. Miami has played to 4 straight Overs, as well, so that will bump the total up a tad.
Bulls/Lakers - Chicago is getting 10 points at home with a total of 193.5. This is a monster number to lay on the road, but if anyone can get blown out by double-digits in their own building lately, it's the Bulls. Chicago is 8-14 on the season, 5-15-2 ATS, making them one of the worst bets in all of basketball. They have lost 5 of 6 both SU and ATS, their last 2 wins have resulted in ATS pushes, and the most recent loss, to Boston, was by 26 points. Everyone and their mother is going to be on the Lakers tonight, and unfortunately, while I normally like to advocate betting on the underdog, everyone and their mother might be in the right. I just don't trust the Bulls to do anything good these days, and if they can't get up to play Boston, I'm not sure how we can believe they'll get up to play the Lakers. Quietly, the Lakers defense has been one of the best in the league, and while they are indeed coming off a loss in Utah that snapped an 11-game winning streak, it was really a situational loss, with LA getting no rest, and traveling into altitude on the day after they ended a 6-game homestand. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I lean to the giant road favorite. Where I'm a little less nauseous is with the total. The public is going to go nuts for the Over, seeing a Lakers game with a total in the low-190's, but fact of the matter is that the Bulls might not break 85. I think the Lakers are due for a poor shooting night, especially with Kobe trying to deal with a busted finger, and there may be some value in a late-afternoon play on the Under.
Rockets/Pistons - This line is OFF, too. A lot of injuries, and it's only going to get worse as we get closer to the new year, then closer to the All-Star break. Though really, today is something of an anomaly, in terms of how many lines are missing. This line is unavailable due to Detroit's complete lack of healthy bodies. Rip Hamilton is coming back, and word on the street is that Ben Gordon and Will Bynum are due back soon, so you have to wonder if one of those gentlemen will participate in tonight's game in Houston. The Rockets are in the midst of an extremely odd schedule which has seen them play 4 games on the road, 1 at home, 2 more on the road, 1 at home (this game), then 2 more on the road before finally starting a true homestand. It makes it very tough to know how this team will respond, but I think in such a spot you have to treat these lone home games almost like a road game with a very kind crowd. It eliminates, somewhat, the lack of focus you sometimes see with a team returning home. The Rockets are coming off a loss in Toronto where they shot just 37% as a team. Couldn't get much worse than that, so you have to believe they'll bounce back. The Pistons, meanwhile, have won and covered 5 straight to get to 11-12 on the season, pretty impressive for a team that's been without almost all of its scorers since early November. They are finding ways to win, pushing the tempo when they need to, and you have to give credit to Detroit's new coach for keeping this team together. I think we're actually going to be getting some value with the Rockets in this one, given Detroit's winning streak and poor road performances. I also think we might see some value in the Under, with Houston now having played 8 straight Unders.
Suns/Spurs - Phoenix by 3 at home with a total of 210.5. This is the game of the night, to be sure, and we'll offer some thoughts on it during the podcast. In terms of the written word, I think we need to remember that no matter how Phoenix is playing, where the game is held, who is healthy, etc., the Spurs just seem to be in the Suns' head. The Spurs won both games in Phoenix last year, and I believe we might just see it happen again. The Suns are a perfect 8-0 at home, and that's why we're seeing the short favorite line, which looks too good to be true, really. When a team has not lost at home and they're laying just a 3-pointer, my guess is we'll likely see the public going with the home favorite. Well, despite San Antonio's road woes where they're just 2-5, I think they not only cover the 3 points, I think they win this game outright. The Spurs have won 3 in a row, including a blowout win against the Clippers in LA, and as this team has gotten healthy and started to develop a chemistry, they've become more and more dangerous. They've gone 8-3 since November 21 to improve to 12-9 on the season. They have historically scored at will against the Suns, and I think we'll likely have more of the same. I'm not sure of the tempo of this game, but I'd be inclined to lean to the Under, since I think Popovich has a plan for slowing the Suns down, and the final total will be in the 205-208 range.
Trailblazers/Kings - Portland by 7 with a total of 199. Early hard lean to the Kings, and I'll explain why. First, this is a lot of points to lay as a team that's been getting its ass kicked all over the league. Portland has gone 2-8 over its last 8 games, losing to the likes of Memphis, Miami, New York and Milwaukee (to name a few). They just concluded a 4-game road trip through the Eastern conference by losing the final two games, meaning the confidence is low as the team tries to adjust to being back with family and the pressures of playing in front of a home crowd. I believe we'll see a performance similar to what Orlando offered last night. Portland will coast through a few quarters, letting the Kings take a small lead late into the game. The Blazers may very well lock down and win it late, but covering 7 points will not be easy. The Blazers continue to deal with an absurd injury list, but at this point, it's more about team chemistry than lack of healthy bodies. Portland's defense has been suffering, as well, as they've played to 3 straight Overs, and are also coming home off a double-overtime game. Of course, it does raise the question of why the Blazers are laying 7 points. Perhaps a little fishy. Either way, the Kings are coming into Portland off a 20-point home drubbing of the Timberwolves, a win that snapped a 4-game losing streak. I generally like backing young teams getting their first win in a while, since the adrenaline and "good vibes" tend to flow for more than just a quarter or two. Sacramento is also 15-6 ATS, so even when they lose, they have a nice knack for covering. I think this total is pretty close to accurate, no leans on the total.
Fantasy Advice
Chris Andersen - I recommended grabbing him a couple weeks back, and he hasn't disappointed. Last night, the Birdman double-doubled to go along with 3 steals, 3 blocks, 9/10 at the free throw line, and zero turnovers. Basically, a perfect game for a big man.