NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Dec. 16
New Orleans at Memphis (8 p.m. EST). New Orleans beat Toronto on the road Sunday for its eighth victory in 10 games. Memphis also won Sunday, beating Miami at home for its fourth straight victory.
STARS
Monday
— Jameer Nelson, Magic, scored 23 of his career high-tying 32 points in the second half of Orlando’s 109-98 victory at Golden State.
— Rajon Rondo, Celtics, scored 12 of his career-high 25 points in the final 5:20 to lead Boston to its 15th consecutive victory, 100-91 over Utah.
— Michael Redd, Bucks, scored 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter, and Milwaukee held off a late rally to beat Miami 98-83.
— J.R. Smith, Nuggets, scored 25 points as Denver beat Dallas 98-88 for its fourth straight victory.
— Shaquille O’Neal, Suns, had 23 points and 12 rebounds as Phoenix ruined Mike D’Antoni’s return with a 111-103 home victory over New York.
— Joe Johnson, Hawks, scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half to lead Atlanta over Charlotte 83-79.
SACKED IN SACRAMENTO
The Kings fired coach Reggie Theus, who went 44-62 with Sacramento. Veteran assistant coach Kenny Natt was promoted to interim coach and led the Kings to a 118-103 victory over Minnesota after Theus became the sixth NBA coach to be dismissed this season.
SNAPPED
New Jersey snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Toronto 94-87 on Monday. … Indiana ended a six-game skid with a 118-98 victory over Washington.
SPOILED
The Suns spoiled former coach Mike D’Antoni’s return to Phoenix with a 111-103 victory over the New York Knicks. D’Antoni had a 253-136 record in four-plus seasons with Phoenix before leaving last summer.
SLUMPS
Minnesota dropped its 10th straight with a 118-103 loss in Sacramento on Monday. The Timberwolves fell to 0-5 under Kevin McHale, who replaced Randy Wittman last week. … Charlotte’s skid was extended to seven after losing 83-79 in Atlanta. … Miami has lost three in a row after a 98-83 loss to Milwaukee.
SPEAKING
“He put the dagger in us at the end, but I’ve seen that a thousand times. I knew it was going to happen. It didn’t surprise me.”—New York coach Mike D’Antoni, after Steve Nash nailed a clinching 3-pointer that helped the Suns spoil their former coach’s return to Phoenix with a 111-103 victory.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The Bulls scored 38 points in the fourth quarter and came away with a 113-104 victory over the Nets on Saturday, as 4.5-point underdogs. The 217 points sailed OVER the posted total of 205.
Ben Gordon dropped 29 points with five rebounds and six assists for the Bulls, and Derrick Rose added 22 in the win.
Newly acquired Boris Diaw led the Bobcats with 25 points in a 83-79 loss to Atlanta on Monday night.
The Bobcats did cover the 8.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 185.5.
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 11-12 SU, 11-12 ATS
Charlotte: 7-18 SU, 14-11 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 2-8
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 1-7
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Charlotte's last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Chicago home to LA Clippers, Wednesday, December 17
Charlotte at Memphis, Friday, December 19
New Orleans Hornets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Hornets defeated Toronto 99-91 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195).
David West scored 29 points and added nine rebounds for New Orleans, while James Posey delivered 20 points off the bench in the win.
The Grizzlies defeated Miami 102-86 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (193.5).
O.J. Mayo scored a game-high 28 points for Memphis, while Rudy Gay added 18 points in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 13-7 SU, 9-10-1 ATS
Memphis: 9-15 SU, 11-13 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 4-4
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
New Orleans home to San Antonio, Wednesday, December 17
Memphis home to Charlotte, Friday, December 19
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Zach Randolph dropped 30 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double on Saturday, as the Clippers defeated the Rockets 95-82. The Clippers won the game as a 4-point underdog, while the combined 177 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.
Al Thornton added 26 points Marcus Camby had 12 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
The Thunder lost to San Antonio 109-104 as a 15.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (196.5).
Jeff Green scored a game-high 33 points for the Thunder and Kevin Durant delivered 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Oklahoma City has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 6-17 SU, 9-14 ATS
Oklahoma City: 2-23 SU, 14-11 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Chicago, Wednesday, December 17
Oklahoma City home to Toronto, Friday, December 19
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets
J.R. Smith came off the bench to score 25 points and paced Denver to a 98-88 win over Dallas on Monday night.
The Nuggets upset the Mavs as 2.5-point underdogs, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 210.5.
The Rockets were defeated 95-82 by the Clippers last time out, as 4-point favorites. The combined 177 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.
Yao Ming netted 24 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Denver has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 17-7 SU, 15-8-1 ATS
Houston: 15-9 SU, 12-12 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Denver is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Houston's last 17 games at home
Next up:
Denver home to Cleveland, Friday, December 19
Houston home to Sacramento, Friday, December 19
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers
A coaching change at least worked for one night as Sacramento bombed Minnesota 118-103 on Monday night.
The Kings covered the 4-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 200.
The Trail Blazers lost 120-112 to the Clippers in double OT on Friday, as 9-point favorites. The 232 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.
Brandon Roy tossed in 38 points in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Portland has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 7-18 SU, 12-13 ATS
Portland: 15-10 SU, 11-14 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games on the road
Sacramento is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Portland's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games when playing Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Houston, Friday, December 19
Portland home to Phoenix, Thursday, December 18
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Nate Robinson had 27 points and nine rebounds for New York in a 111-103 loss to Phoenix on Monday night.
The Knicks did cover the 8.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 226.
The Lakers defeated Minnesota 98-86 as a 15-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210).
Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points for the Lakers, while Pau Gasol added 18 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 11-13 SU, 14-10 ATS
Los Angeles: 20-3 SU, 11-12 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-9
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Miami are 9-1
After playing Minnesota are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 20-3 SU in their last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing at home against New York
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Next up:
New York home to Milwaukee, Friday, December 19
LA Lakers at Miami, Friday, December 19
Trend Sheet
CHICAGO vs. CHARLOTTE
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games
LA Clippers are 6-19 SU in their last 25 games
Oklahoma City is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
NEW ORLEANS vs. MEMPHIS
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
DENVER vs. HOUSTON
Denver is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Denver
SACRAMENTO vs. PORTLAND
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Sacramento is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Portland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
NEW YORK vs. LA LAKERS
New York is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
New York is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 20-3 SU in their last 23 games
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
DALLAS vs. TORONTO
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Toronto is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
GOLDEN STATE vs. INDIANA
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Golden State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Hot Teams
-- Bulls won three of their last four games.
-- Memphis won, covered their last four games. Hornets won eight of their last ten games.
-- Clippers won three of last four games, covered seven of last nine.
-- Nuggets won seven of their last eight games. Rockets won their last four home games (3-1 vs spread).
-- Knicks covered last six games and eight of last nine. Lakers are 19-3 SU, but are 0-6-1 vs spread in last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Bobcats lost their last seven games (3-4 vs spread).
-- Oklahoma City has only two wins all year, but they're 9-3 vs spread in their last dozen games.
-- Portland lost its last three games, are 0-7 vs spread in last seven tilts. Kings lost 13 of their last 15 games (3-7 vs spread in last ten).
Totals
-- Under is 17-7-1 in last 25 Charlotte games.
-- Over is 5-2-2 in last nine New Orleans games.
-- Four of last five Clipper games stayed under the total; over is 7-3 in last ten Thunder contests. .
-- Eight of last eleven Denver games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Portland games went over the total.
-- Seven of Knicks' last eight games stayed under the total.
CHICAGO (11 - 12) at CHARLOTTE (7 - 18)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (13 - 7) at MEMPHIS (9 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 67-43 ATS (+19.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 66-47 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 44-20 ATS (+22.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 34-47 ATS (-17.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 8-1 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (6 - 17) at OKLAHOMA CITY (2 - 23)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 43-61 ATS (-24.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (17 - 7) at HOUSTON (15 - 9)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (7 - 18) at PORTLAND (15 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in December games this season.
PORTLAND is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-5 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (11 - 13) at LA LAKERS (20 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 38-18 ATS (+18.2 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-1 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 2-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Denver (17-7, 15-8-1 ATS) at Houston (15-9, 12-12 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets complete a quick two-game Texas road trip tonight when they visit the Toyota Center for a battle with the Rockets, who have won four straight home games.
Denver traveled to Dallas on Monday and knocked off the Mavericks 98-88 as a two-point road underdog. The Nuggets have won four in a row and seven out of eight, and they’re 16-4 since acquiring point guard Chauncey Billups from the Pistons in exchange for Allen Iverson. George Karl’s club is also 6-2 ATS in its last eight overall and has won four straight on the road (3-1 ATS). Finally, although they fell just short of the century mark last night, the Nuggets have still scored in triple digits eight times in their last 10 contests.
Houston has been idle since Saturday’s 95-82 loss at the Clippers as a four-point road chalk. The Rockets are still 8-4 SU in their last 12 (7-5 ATS), and they’ve lost consecutive games just once all season. Rick Adelman’s squad has been inconsistent offensively, scoring 100 points or more just nine times in 24 games, but it has accomplished that feat three times in its last four at home.
The home team has dominated this rivalry since the start of last season, going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS, and the winner has scored at least 103 points in each of the last seven meetings. That includes Denver’s 104-94 rout as a 3½-point home chalk on Nov. 30, with Billups (game highs of 28 points and 10 assists) stealing the show.
Also in this rivalry, the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 clashes, and despite last month’s loss in Denver, Houston has gotten the money in seven of the last 10 meetings, going 3-1 SU and ATS when hosting the Nuggets.
Denver has failed to cash in eight of its last 12 games against winning teams, but otherwise is on positive ATS streaks of 11-3 versus the Southwest Division, 4-0-1 on Tuesdays and 5-1 when playing on consecutive nights. The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five against the Northwest Division, but 6-1 ATS in their last seven versus teams with a winning overall record.
The over is on runs of 8-3 for Denver overall, 6-3 for Denver against the Western Conference, 9-3 for Denver on Tuesdays, 9-3 for Houston overall, 6-1 for Houston against the West and 4-0 for Houston when playing on two days’ rest. However, the under is 13-4 in the Rockets’ last 17 games inside the Toyota Center, 6-1 in their last seven on Tuesdays and 4-1 in the last five meetings between these teams in Houston.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
New Orleans (13-7, 9-10-1 ATS) at Memphis (9-15, 11-12-1 ATS)
The suddenly surging Grizzlies go for their fifth consecutive victory and look to snap a six-game losing skid to the division-rival Hornets when these teams clash at the Fed Ex Forum.
Memphis dumped the Heat 102-86 as a two-point home underdog for its fourth straight win and cover, which comes on the heels of a 2-12 SU and 3-11 ATS slump. The Grizzlies, who reached triple digits in scoring just five times in their first 20 games, have topped the century mark in each of their last four games. Rookie O.J. Mayo, who had 28 points in Sunday’s win over Miami, has scored in double figures in every game this season and he’s averaging 20.8 points per game.
The Hornets tonight cap a three-game road trip that started with Friday’s 94-82 loss at Boston as a seven-point underdog, followed by Sunday’s 99-91 win at Toronto as a two-point road chalk. In Sunday’s victory, New Orleans drained 12 of 33 attempts from 3-point range as four of five starters scored in double figures.
New Orleans was the last team to beat Memphis, winning 106-87 and covering as a 14½-point home favorite back on Dec. 6 in the season’s first meeting between these rivals. The Hornets have won six straight and nine of the last 10 against the Grizzlies, but Memphis is 4-3 ATS in the last seven after going 1-3 ATS in the previous four. The underdog has cashed in five of the last seven head-to-head battles.
New Orleans is on ATS runs of 4-1 overall, 6-0 as a favorite, 4-0 as a road chalk, 8-2-1 on Tuesdays and 40-16 versus teams with a losing record. However, the Hornets are just 2-5 ATS In their last seven against divisional foes. Meanwhile, Memphis has chased in four straight home games, five consecutive games when playing on one day of rest and four of its last five as an underdog, but otherwise the Grizzlies are in ATS funks of 16-36 after a SU win, 3-7 against the Western Conference, 1-4 in Southwest Division contests, 1-6 on Tuesdays and 7-21 after scoring at least 100 points in the previous game.
The over is 13-3 in the last 16 clashes in this rivalry, with the last five played in Memphis topping the total. Also, the over is on runs of 12-5 for the Grizzlies overall, 20-7 for the Grizzlies on Tuesdays, 6-1 for the Grizzlies against the Western Conference, 11-0 for New Orleans against teams with a losing record and 4-1 for New Orleans as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
Gametimepicks.com
NBA Research Report
By Indiancowboy
Clippers vs. OKC
I would be all over the Clippers again except for the fact they beat this team by 20 back in November on the road and the Thunder probably didn't take too well to that loss. The Clippers come off a big win against Houton and on the road at Portland to shot that if they can put a win streak together, they are indeed a playoff caliber team. Heck, they have covered 7 of their last 9 as have the Thunder so this is one of the two of the hotter ATS teams coming into this game. Nevertheless, I am staying away as I feel like this game should be tight all the way, but do slean slightly on the Clippers as this team has a great deal of veteran play behind Davis, Randolph and the young Thornton getting the boards down low.
Denver vs. Houston
Note that Artest is questionable for this game and Alston is OUT. Denver beat this team by 10 earlier this year so this is a revenge game for Hoston. McGrady is expected to play but note that Denver comes off a big win against Dallas on the road. I actually think Denver is the better team they have covered 6 of their last 8, they have more scoring potential off the bench and I think they likely get it done here outright, but don't want to go against a Rockets team that has revenge and still will play Yao and McGrady and usually that's enough for them at home. no thanks.