NBA News and Notes Tuesday 12/30

Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers

The Hawks scored 31 points in the fourth quarter and cruised past the Nuggets 109-91 on Monday. The Hawks covered the 5-point spread, and the 200 points made it OVER the posted total of 199.

Joe Johnson dropped a game-high 25 points with five rebounds and seven assists for the Hawks. Al Horford had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

The Pacers lost to New Orleans 105-103 as a 5.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (195).

Danny Granger scored a game-high 34 points for Indiana and Troy Murphy delivered 16 points and 16 rebounds.

Current streak:
Atlanta has won 5 straight games.
Indiana has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 20-10 SU, 18-12 ATS
Indiana: 10-20 SU, 15-14-1 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing New Jersey are 1-9
After playing Denver are 1-9
After a win are 8-2

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Indiana's last 9 games

Next up:
Atlanta at New Jersey, Friday, January 2
Indiana at New York, Friday, January 2

New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats

The Knicks lost to Denver 117-110 as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (219.5).

Nate Robinson led the Knicks with 20 points, while David Lee delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The Bobcats were shut down in overtime in a 114-103 loss to the Nets last time out. The Bobcats had been favored by 2.5-points in that game, while the 217 points sailed OVER the posted total of 189.

Gerald Wallace went for a game-high 32 points and nine rebounds.

Current streak:
New York has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 11-18 SU, 15-14 ATS
Charlotte: 11-20 SU, 18-13 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 10 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Charlotte is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing New York
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Next up:
New York home to Indiana, Friday, January 2
Charlotte at Milwaukee, Friday, January 2

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat

The Cavaliers defeated Miami 93-86 as an 11.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (186.5).

LeBron James scored 33 points and added nine assists for Cleveland, while Mo Williams netted 20 points in the win.

The Heat lost to Cleveland 93-86 as an 11.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (186.5).

Dwayne Wade led the Heat with 29 points and eight assists, while Udonis Haslem had 15 points and nine rebounds.

Current streak:
Cleveland has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Cleveland: 26-4 SU, 22-8 ATS
Miami: 16-13 SU, 13-15-1 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Miami are 8-2
After a win are 9-1

Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Next up:
Cleveland home to Chicago, Friday, January 2
Miami at Orlando, Friday, January 2

Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets

The Wizards were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but came away with an 89-87 upset victory over the Rockets last time out. The Wizards won that game as a 12-point underdog, while the 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 191.

Antawn Jamison tossed in a game-high 30 points, and hauled down 12 rebounds to complete a double-double in the win.

The Hornets edged Indiana 105-103 as a 5.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (195).

Chris Paul scored 19 points to go along with 12 assists for New Orleans, while James Posey also netted 19 points in the win.

Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Washington: 6-23 SU, 12-17 ATS
New Orleans: 18-9 SU, 11-14-2 ATS

Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a win are 2-8

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 9 games
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Washington at Boston, Friday, January 2
New Orleans at Portland, Friday, January 2

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Suns were in tough all night, but managed to earn a 110-102 victory over the lowly Thunder on Monday. The 212 points made it OVER the posted total of 210.5.

Shaquille O'Neal led the way with a team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double for the Suns.

The Grizzlies lost 108-98 to the Timberwolves as a 2-point underdog in OT last time out. That game's 206 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.

O.J. Mayo led the Grizzlies with 23 points, and Rudy Gay had 19 in the loss.

Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Phoenix: 17-12 SU, 11-18 ATS
Memphis: 10-21 SU, 14-16-1 ATS

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Oklahoma City are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Memphis is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games

Next up:
Phoenix home to LA Clippers, Friday, January 2
Memphis home to San Antonio, Friday, January 2

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Timberwolves dominated the overtime session on Monday, as they defeated the Grizzlies 108-98. The Timberwolves covered the 2-point spread, and the game's 206 points made it OVER the posted total of 196.

Al Jefferson dropped a game-high 38 points with 16 rebounds for a double-double in that win.

The Mavericks defeated the Clippers 98-76 as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (185.5).

Josh Howard scored 29 points and added nine rebounds and seven assists for Dallas, while Jose Barea chipped in with 17 points in the win.

Team records:
Minnesota: 6-24 SU, 12-18 ATS
Dallas: 18-12 SU, 14-16 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 1-9
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 1-9

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 8-2
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

Next up:
Minnesota home to Golden State, Friday, January 2
Dallas home to Philadelphia, Friday, January 2

Milwaukee Bucks vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Bucks were defeated 87-76 by the Pistons last time out, as 6-point favorites at home. The game's combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 189.5.

Andrew Bogut had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

The Spurs needed double overtime before getting past the Grizzlies 106-103 on Saturday. The Spurs failed to cover the 13-point spread, but the combined 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with a game-high 32 points and Tim Duncan added 29 in the win.

Current streak:
San Antonio has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 14-17 SU, 20-10-1 ATS
San Antonio: 20-10 SU, 14-15-1 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Memphis are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games

Next up:
Milwaukee at Houston, Wednesday, December 31
San Antonio at Memphis, Friday, January 2

Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Celtics hammered Sacramento 108-63 as a 13-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196.5).

Kevin Garnett scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Ray Allen added 19 points in the win.

Brandon Roy went for a game-high 32 points as the Trail Blazers crushed the Raptors 102-89 on Saturday. The Trail Blazers covered the 8-point spread, and the 191 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 191.

Lyle Aldridge added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Trail Blazers, and Greg Oden added 16 in that win.

Team records:
Boston: 28-4 SU, 18-14 ATS
Portland: 19-12 SU, 15-16 ATS

Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 9-1

Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing New Orleans are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Boston is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Boston

Next up:
Boston home to Washington, Friday, January 2
Portland home to New Orleans, Friday, January 2

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings

The Clippers lost to Dallas 98-76 as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (185.5).

Marcus Camby had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, while Al Thornton also netted 16 points in the loss.

The Kings lost to Boston 108-63 as a 13-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196.5).

John Salmons led the Kings with 11 points and Jason Thompson netted nine points in the loss.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 8-21 SU, 11-18 ATS
Sacramento: 7-24 SU, 14-17 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Dallas are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 10 games when playing Sacramento
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
Sacramento is 18-2 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 17-5 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing LA Clippers

Next up:
LA Clippers home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, December 31
Sacramento at Detroit, Friday, January 2

ATLANTA vs. INDIANA
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

NEW YORK vs. CHARLOTTE
New York is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing New York
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York

CLEVELAND vs. MIAMI
Cleveland is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

PHOENIX vs. MEMPHIS
Phoenix is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix

WASHINGTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

MILWAUKEE vs. SAN ANTONIO
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

BOSTON vs. PORTLAND
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games
Portland is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Portland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

LA CLIPPERS vs. SACRAMENTO
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Sacramento is 18-2 SU in their last 20 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Hot Teams
-- Atlanta won its last five games, are 7-3-1 as a road dog.
-- Bobcats covered five of its last seven games.
-- Cavaliers covered eight of nine as a road favorite. Miami covered four of its last five games.
-- Hornets won six of their last eight games.
-- Suns won six of their last nine games.
-- Minnesota is 8-4 vs spread in last 12 tries as road dog. Mavericks won four of last five games, but are 3-9 vs spread as a home favorite.
-- Spurs won their last five games, but are 1-3-1 vs spread in last five games as home favorite.
-- Celtics won 20 of their last 22 games.

Cold Teams
-- Pacers failed to cover last four tries as a home favorite.
-- Knicks lost their last six games, but covered five of last six games as road underdog.
-- Wizards snapped an eight-game losing skid last night in Houston.
-- Grizzlies lost five of last six games, covered three of their last four.
-- Bucks lost seven of their last nine road games.
-- Portland is 0-6 vs spread in game after its last six wins.
-- Clippers lost last three games, by 34-22-22 points. Kings lost five in a row, by 11-9-16-6-45 points.

Back-to Back
-- Teams are 4-2 vs spread the night after playing Denver (Atl)
-- Teams are 3-2-1 vs spread night after playing Houston (Wash)
-- Memphis is 2-5 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 0-3 vs spread at home if they played night before.
-- Milwaukee is 4-4 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Clippers are 5-2 vs spread if they play again the next night.

Totals
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Atlanta road games.
-- Seven of last ten New York road games stayed under.
-- Last five Miami home games stayed under the total.
-- Last four New Orleans home games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Phoenix road games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Minnesota road games went over the total.
-- Four of Spurs' last five home games went over the total.
-- Last five Boston road games stayed under the total.
-- Four of Clippers' last five road games went over the total.

Boston (28-4, 18-14) at Portland (19-12, 15-16 ATS)

The Celtics conclude a somewhat disappointing four-game West Coast road trip with a stop at the Rose Garden as they look to defeat the Trail Blazers for the eighth straight time.

Boston embarked on its West Coast swing with a team-record 19-game winning streak, but suffered its first two-game losing skid of the season with a Christmas Day loss at the Lakers (92-83 as two-point underdog) and a stunning defeat the next night at Golden State (99-89 as an 11-point favorite). However, the Celtics got back on track Sunday, posting their most lopsided win of the season in a 108-63 rout of Sacramento as a 12½-point favorite, Boston has scored 108 points or more in each of its last four victories.

Portland has alternated SU and ATS wins and loses in its last five, most recently downing the Raptors 102-89 Saturday, cashing as an eight-point favorite. The Blazers have topped the century mark in each of their last four victories, and the SU winner is 9-0 ATS in Portland’s last nine contests, with the Blazers going just 4-5 SU and ATS during this stretch.

Boston is on a 7-0 SU and 8-0 ATS roll against the Blazers, including three straight wins and four straight covers at the Rose Garden. In fact, during the Celtics’ seven-game winning streak in this rivalry, five have been double-digit blowouts, including a 93-78 rout as an eight-point home chalk back on Dec. 5. Last year, Boston went to Portland as a 5 ½-point favorite and prevailed 112-102. Finally, the Celtics have been favored in six of the last seven clashes with the Blazers, and the road team has covered in 12 of the last 17 meetings.

The Celtics are now 11-3 on the highway this year, but just 7-7 ATS, including 2-5 ATS in the last seven. Portland is 11-3 at home (9-5 ATS), including 4-1 SU and ATS in its last four at the Garden.

Aside from its recent road slide, Boston carries a slew of ATS streaks into this game, including 21-7 versus the Western Conference, 15-6 against teams with a winning record, 13-6 after a victory, 20-8 on Tuesdays and 4-1 when playing after a day of rest.

Going back to last season, the Blazers are 13-5 ATS at home. However, they’re on negative pointspread nosedives of 4-9 overall, 2-6 against the Atlantic Division, 1-5 versus the Eastern Conference and 1-6 after a SU win.

The over is 5-2 in the last seven series meetings. However, the under is on runs of 4-0 for Boston on the road, 6-0-1 for Boston against the Northwest Division, 5-0-1 for Boston against the Western Conference, 12-6 for Portland overall and 19-8 for Portland after a SU win.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON

Gametimepicks.com

Tuesday's Preview
By Josh Jacobs

It almost seems like a subdued past few days in the NBA after the blockbuster contest between Boston and the L.A. Lakers finalized on Christmas Day. And it feels much the same when Tuesday turns the corner with nine games scheduled for tip-off.

But what really matters is taking the bull by the financial horns because this is what we’re in the business for anyway.

Cleveland at Miami – 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Heat (16-13 SU, 12-15-2 ATS) have already surpassed last year’s win total of 15 so this season is already a success to many. Where Miami has exceeded expectations is with a 10-5 record at home (only a 6-7-1 ATS record at home however). This is a team laying down the law on defense by allowing 89.6 PPG over the last five games,, helping it go 4-1 SU and 4-0-1 ATS.

Since stumbling out of Atlanta on Dec. 13 with a loss (97-92), Cleveland (26-4 SU, 22-8 ATS) has since tied up six straight ‘W's. An average 3-3 ATS record hasn’t supplied enough excitement as the team’s overall record might suggest. But look for Cleveland coming off a win against the same Miami team on Sunday (93-86). The Heat were able to cover the 10 ½-point spread despite LeBron James and Mo Williams coming together for 53 points. Off two days of rest, the Cavaliers have been a money making 4-2 ATS. Cleveland is also a solid 10-4 ATS on the road this season.

Wally Szerbiak will miss approximately one week of action after suffering contusions in his right knee. The Cleveland guard is averaging 6.6 PPG this season.

Road Woes

Washington at New Orleans – 8:00 p.m. EST

While the Wizards (5-23 straight up, 11-17 against the spread) have been a prime example of teams to stay away from, there’s no questioning that fading tactics are in full swing. Dropping 11 of its last 13, Washington has more importantly failed to cover seven of its last nine. And a 1-3 ATS failure in the last four (1-11 SU on the road) games on the road is further reason for a fade play. Then again, a 2-1 ATS record when installed as double-digit ‘dogs isn’t conclusive just yet.

After losing back-to-back contests against the Lakers and Magic, the Hornets (18-9 SU, 11-14-2 ATS) have rebounded with consecutive wins against Houston (88-79) and in Indiana (105-103). And a 1-4 ATS fling has been a deterrent for backers in the last five games. One thing is for sure. The ‘under’ has been on a 8-1 tear in the last nine thanks to a defense holding opponents to scoring 90.2 PPG through the stretch. New Orleans has allowed opponents to notch triple-digit scoring figures in six games this season for which a 1-5 ATS record has been attached.

The Wizards Caron Butler (day-to-day) missed his last game on Saturday with a knee injury. Butler is averaging 20.3 PPG with 5.2 APG and 6.2 RPG in December.

Minnesota at Dallas – 8:30 p.m. EST

Sticking with the theme, Minnesota (5-24 SU, 11-18 ATS) is another group, among many, who not only struggles in many statistical departments but are tanking games on the road. Between the Eastern Conference Knicks, Bulls and Wizards, all three have combined to produce an 8-36 record when designated as the visiting team.

Specifically, the Timberwolves are 5-12 ATS in their last 17, 1-7 SU in their last eight road games, but to the delight of gamblers have faired well with a 4-1 ATS stint in the last five road contests. Looking at the bigger picture is a team that’s gone 1-14 in its last 15 helped by scoring 95.3 PPG versus allowing 102.8 PPG. Where Minnesota has excelled is a 5-2 ATS record on the road versus teams playing with a .500 or better record (compared to a 1-8 ATS record at home versus teams with a winning record).

The Mavericks have taken the last nine head-to-head games in this matchup, outscoring the ‘Wolves by an average point margin of 22.5 PPG. Dallas has also gone on to cover five of the last six tip-offs. The Mavs are coming off a three-game road stint which witnessed the club snatching up two wins both SU and ATS. In the last five games, Dallas is shooting 45.4-percent from the field, scoring 97 PPG. Its defense has been stout, allowing 87 PPG in the same five games.

The Mavericks are 11-8 on the ‘under’ in conference play this season and a smoking 17-11 on the ‘under’ in night games (only two Dallas’ games have been played during the day so far this season resulting in an 18-12 ‘under’ record).

East to West

Boston at Portland – 10:00 p.m. EST

The Celtics (28-4 SU, 18-14 ATS) have dominated this series in past years with a 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS record when faced up against the Trailblazers. Losing back-to-back games in L.A. and Golden State, Boston resolved its mini losing streak by downing Sacramento, 108-63 on Sunday, easily covering the 12 ½-point spread. Giving up 23 turnovers versus the Warriors and 17 against the Clippers sure didn’t help matters (Boston ranks worst in the league, giving up 16.5 turnovers per game). This was the third-game that registered on the ‘under’ for the Celtics. Boston is a hot 11-6 ATS off one-day of rest.

Portland (19-12 SU, 14-16 ATS) has been a juggernaut at home, allowing 94.1 PPG at home and flinging the ball for 41.7 percent from three-point range. The ‘Blazers 4-2 ATS record in the last six have been partially attributed to shooting 47.4 percent from the field and scoring triple-digit figures in all four ATS wins. The Celtics are a smoking 6-4 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record but are mortal on the road versus quality opponents (2-2 ATS versus teams playing above .500). The Blazers are 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.

The road team is 12-5 ATS in the last 17 head-to-head meetings, while Portland is a disappointing 3-9 ATS in its last 12 overall.

vegasinsider.com

NEW YORK (11 - 18) at CHARLOTTE (11 - 20)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ATLANTA (20 - 10) at INDIANA (10 - 20)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 29-50 ATS (-26.0 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 114-150 ATS (-51.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
INDIANA is 46-27 ATS (+16.3 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CLEVELAND (26 - 4) at MIAMI (16 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MIAMI is 45-64 ATS (-25.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 49-67 ATS (-24.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-3 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

WASHINGTON (6 - 23) at NEW ORLEANS (18 - 9)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PHOENIX (17 - 12) at MEMPHIS (10 - 21)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 180-228 ATS (-70.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 36-49 ATS (-17.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MILWAUKEE (14 - 17) at SAN ANTONIO (20 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 139-179 ATS (-57.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 300-248 ATS (+27.2 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 99-67 ATS (+25.3 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 101-70 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MINNESOTA (6 - 24) at DALLAS (18 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 82-108 ATS (-36.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 39-53 ATS (-19.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-43 ATS (-25.3 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LA CLIPPERS (8 - 21) at SACRAMENTO (7 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 45-65 ATS (-26.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 36-54 ATS (-23.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 46-65 ATS (-25.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 27-43 ATS (-20.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

BOSTON (28 - 4) at PORTLAND (19 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 85-54 ATS (+25.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-22 ATS (+14.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-0 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-0 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

New York at Charlotte
New York: 10-22 ATS off home loss
Charlotte: 60-39 ATS off home loss

Atlanta at Indiana
Atlanta: 7-0 ATS off 3+ SU wins
Indiana: 10-21 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Cleveland at Miami
Cleveland: 19-6 ATS as favorite
Miami: 19-36 ATS off home game

Washington at New Orleans
Washington: 23-10 Over off BB non-conf games
New Orleans: 8-2 ATS off road game

Phoenix at Memphis
Phoenix: 28-12 ATS as a road favorite of 6 points or less
Memphis: 36-49 ATS as an underdog

Milwaukee at San Antonio
Milwaukee: 20-10 ATS this season
San Antonio: 13-3 Under off home division win

Minnesota at Dallas
Minnesota: 3-0 ATS at Dallas
Dallas: 3-11 ATS at home this season

LA Clippers at Sacramento
LA Clippers: 0-8 ATS off loss by 15+ points
Sacramento: 10-1 ATS off loss by 30+ points

Boston at Portland
Boston: 13-3 Under off win by 30+ points
Portland: 9-1 ATS at home off DD win