NBA News and Notes Tuesday 12/9

NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By Indiancowboy

Detroit vs. Washington

There is a couple of interesting things going on here. Note that Detroit comes off a tough loss on the road to New York so will undoubtedly look to bounce-back. Heck, they were 7 point favorites going into that game only to barely score over 90 points and allow over a 100 for New York. Detroit beat Washington earlier this year back in November 117-109 as Washington covered the 9 point chalk as the game went well over. Washington has not won since their win at New Jersey but has covered their last four including against the Nets when they won outright, against the Lakers at home, the Bulls on the road and the Blazers at home. I would lean on the over for Washington be an active dog, but Detroit has played the under in 9 of their last 10 games remarkably and they are on a bounce-back. Note, that Daniels is listed questionable for this game as well as the fact 76% of the public are riding Detroit here. no thanks.

Utah vs. Minnesota

Utah and Minny haven't met this year and Utah comes off a tough 2 point loss to Phoenix on the road despite covering the 7.5 spread. Prior to that game Utah killed the Raptors at home by nearly 30. Minnesota comes off 7 straight lost covers and they fired their coach as Mc has taken over for the time being . I guess he feels like a fool for trading Garnett now huh? The line has yet to be released but do note that whenever a team has a new coach for their first game, they typically do very well. The Thunder did very well in their first game with a new coach, as did the Raptors in their first home game with their new coach. So, just be wary of that, having said that, I don't bet against the Jazz as it is a standard rule I have similar to not betting against the Lakers and having said that, I certainly do not want to bet on the Twolves despite them having great incentive to do well in this game as their once President of Operations is now the head coach. Once again, Coach Whittman has been fired from the Twolves and this is their first game without him. .

New York vs. Chicago

Sometimes, you just know something is up just by the way the numbers look. Check this out, you have a Chicago team that is favored by -7.5 points upon the opening line. Heck, the line originally opened up at 8. It makes no sense right? Chicago giving up 8 points to as a 9-11 team to another 9-11 team? Well, here is the catch though. NY beat this team 105-100 earlier this year back in January of last year so Chicago has revenge from that game. Why was that significant? Because NY won that game in Chicago and the Bulls remember that game even though it was from last year. Plus, over 60% of the public, in fact, 67% favor the underdog here which is typically a disaster for the public dog. The Knicks come off a very big win over the Pistons and still are dogged by a big margin and this is a game that I could easily see the Bulls ending up winning by double-digits. Note, that Robinson is out for this game while Rose is listed as questionable.

San Antonio vs. Dallas

5* Selection. This is my GOW and consequently my POD Today. Currently, 17-6 with 5* Selections. We are up considerable profit after a 12-6 run over the last 3 straight winning days, I have a total of 4 selections with this being a 5* and the others being a 3*. II will not stop stepping out on games as I did such a thing when I took Memphis +1120 ML against the Nuggets last year and the Grizzlies +1200 ML against the Lakers last year and they cashed. If you can't handle stepping out over the course of a long season with 5* selections, I suggest you get some panties. It's called gambling, you Research, make educated guesses and you Roll and over the course of the season you profit.

Orlando vs. Portland

It is awfully tough to take either side in this game. After all, you have a Portland team that is red hot at as they are 7-0 in the Rose Garden while an Orlando team that just continues to get it done as they sit atop their division. I don't want to go against the 16-5 team catching 5.5 points in a game they could win outright - especially considering they have revenge against Portland from an earlier season loss to them, nor do I want to go against the Blazers who remain perfect at home. No thanks.

Lakers vs. Sacramento

There is no line on this game, but note that that the Lakers are 17-2 and 7-1 on the road as they beat Sac 118-108 and failed to cover the 17 point chalk. I expect the line to be around -9.5 or so here as Sac comes off an ugly 33 point loss to Denver as they have lost their last 5 covers. They might bounce-back and "get-up" for the Lakers but who knows how long their offense can last against the likes of the Lakers, no thanks, staying away from this game.

San Antonio (11-8, 10-9 ATS) at Dallas (11-8, 9-10 ATS)

Two bitter Southwest Division rivals clash for the second time this season, this time at American Airlines Center where Dirk Nowitzki and the red-hot Mavericks play host Tim Duncan and the Spurs.

Since limping out to a 2-7 SU and ATS start, Dallas has won nine of its last 10 (7-3 ATS), including the last four in a row (2-2 ATS). On Saturday, the Mavs held off the Hawks 100-98 as a 6½-point home chalk, scoring at least 100 points for the sixth straight game and the ninth time in the last 11 contests.

During its 9-1 hot streak, Dallas has won five straight games at home, but is just 2-3 ATS. In fact, the Mavericks are 2-7 ATS on their home court, compared with 7-3 ATS on the road.

Like their opponent tonight, the Spurs are playing solid basketball, winning two in a row, six out of eight and nine of their last 12, with the SU winner covering the spread in each of those 12 games. In fact, the SU winner is 19-1 ATS in San Antonio games this year. Gregg Popovich’s team has been idle since Saturday, when it crushed Golden State 123-88 as a 12-point home favorite.

Dallas hammered the Spurs 98-81 as a 4½-point road chalk back on Nov. 4, improving to 6-2 ATS in the last eight against San Antonio. The underdog is 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings, including 9-1 ATS in the last 10, with eight of those nine being outright upsets. Also, the visitor has cashed in 13 of the last 17 head-to-head battles.

In addition to its 9-3 ATS run overall, San Antonio is on ATS tears of 4-1 on the road, 5-1 against the Western Conference and 5-2 against Southwest Division rivals, but the Spurs have failed to cover in four of their last five on Tuesdays. Meanwhile, the Mavs are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games on Tuesday, but 42-19-1 ATS in their last 62 divisional games and 5-1 in their last six versus the West.

The under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between these rivals. Also, for the Spurs, the under is on runs of 21-7 overall, 9-4 on the road, 16-7 against the Western Conference, 7-2 against the Southwest Division, 14-2 after an ATS triumph, 9-1 coming off a double-digit victory and 6-0 on Tuesdays. For Dallas, the under is on streaks of 13-6-1 on Tuesdays, 5-2 versus winning teams and 6-1 in divisional battles.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO and UNDER

Atlanta (12-7, 10-8-1 ATS) at Houston (13-8, 10-11 ATS)

The Hawks continue a four-game road trip that includes three games in the state of Texas when they visit the Toyota Center for the only time this season in a non-conference clash with the Rockets.

Atlanta began its Texas trifecta at Dallas on Saturday, coming up short 100-98 to end a three-game winning streak. However, the Hawks covered as a 6½-point road underdog, moving to 4-1 ATS in their last five, including 3-0 ATS on the road. Prior to this ATS surge, Atlanta and failed to cover in its previous seven contests.

The Rockets return home after last night’s quick trip to Memphis, where they lost 109-97 as 6½-point road favorite. Houston is 8-4 in its last 12 games (7-5 ATS), including 4-2 at home (3-3 ATS). Rick Adelman’s club has scored at least 100 points in each of its last seven wins while being held under triple digits in all eight of its defeats.

Houston swept the season series from Atlanta last year, wining 108-89 as a 9½-point home chalk and 83-75 as a 4½-point road choice. That latter victory ended an eight-game SU winning streak and a seven-game ATS run by the home team in this rivalry, with the Hawks going 0-4 ATS in their last four trips to Houston. The SU winner is 8-0 ATS in the last eight head-to-head battles, and the favorite is 6-1 ATS in the past seven.

Atlanta has failed to cash in six of its last seven games on Tuesday, but otherwise it is on positive pointspread runs of 4-1-1 versus the Western Conference and 4-0 against the Southwest Division. As for the Rockets, they’re on ATS runs of 23-8-1 against the Southeast Division, 39-18-1 versus the Eastern Conference, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 when playing on back-to-back nights.

The under is on runs of 12-4 for the Rockets at home, 5-1 for the Rockets on Tuesday and 10-4 in this rivalry. However, Houston has topped the total in four straight games overall and four of its last five against the East, and the over is 6-2-1 in Atlanta’s last nine games on Tuesday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: HOUSTON

Gametimepicks.com

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won, covered their last eight games.
-- Utah is 4-1 vs spread in game after its last five losses.
-- Rockets are 6-0 SU in game after their last six losses (5-1 vs spread). Hawks won three of last four games, covered four of last five.
-- Bulls won three of their last four home games.
-- Mavericks won four in row, nine of last ten games. Spurs won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Magic won 16 of their last 19 games. Blazers won seven of last eight games (0-4 vs spread in last four).
-- Lakers are 16-2 this season (2-4-1 vs spread in last seven games).

Cold Teams
-- Pistons lost six of their last ten games. Wizards lost last five games, but covered the last three.
-- Toronto lost its last four games (1-7 vs spread in last eight).
-- Minnesota lost last five games, is 0-7 vs spread in last seven, and fired its coach Monday, with GM McHale taking over.
-- Knicks lost eight of last eleven games, covered four of last five.
-- Bucks lost five of last seven games, but are 13-3-2 against spread in their last 18 games. Suns lost four of their last five games.
-- Kings lost their last eleven games (0-5 vs spread in last five).

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Houston games went over the total.
-- Five of Knicks' last six games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Laker games went over the total.

Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards

The Pistons lost to New York 104-92 as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (207).

Tayshaun Prince led the Pistons with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Allen Iverson netted 17 points.

The Wizards fell 117-110 to the Bulls last time out, as 8.5-point underdogs. The 217 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.

Caron Butler tossed in 27 points with eight rebounds and six assists in the loss.

Current streak:
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Washington has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 11-8 SU, 9-10 ATS
Washington: 3-15 SU, 8-10 ATS

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

Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington
Detroit is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

Next up:
Detroit home to Indiana, Friday, December 12
Washington home to Boston, Thursday, December 11

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Raptors lost to Portland 98-97 as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (191).

Jermaine O'Neal led the Raptors with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Chris Bosh had 19 points.

LeBron James drained 25 points with five rebounds on Saturday, as the Cavaliers defeated the Bobcats 94-74. The Cavaliers covered the 8-point spread, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 185.5.

Daniel Gibson chipped in with 22 points and five rebounds in the win.

Current streak:
Toronto has lost 4 straight games.
Cleveland has won 8 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 8-11 SU, 7-12 ATS
Cleveland: 17-3 SU, 16-4 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 12 games
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

Next up:
Toronto home to Indiana, Wednesday, December 10
Cleveland at Philadelphia, Wednesday, December 10

Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Jazz were defeated 108-106 by the Suns last time out, as 7.5-point road underdogs. The 214 points made it OVER the posted total of 205.5.

Paul Millsap had a double-double for the Jazz, sinking 20 points with 12 rebounds.

The Timberwolves lost 107-84 to the Clippers last time out as a 2-point favorite at home. That game's 191 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 194.

Al Jefferson netted a game-high 28 points with eight rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 5 straight games.

Team records:
Utah: 13-9 SU, 12-10 ATS
Minnesota: 4-15 SU, 6-13 ATS

Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Utah
Minnesota is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Utah

Next up:
Utah home to Portland, Thursday, December 11
Minnesota at Denver, Wednesday, December 10

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs had seven players reach double-figures on Saturday, as they pounded the Warriors 123-88. The Spurs covered the 12-point spread, while the 211 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 211.

Tim Duncan had 20 points with 13 rebounds and five assists for the Spurs. Tony Parker and Michael Finley added 20 points apiece in the win.

The Mavericks were badly outplayed in the fourth quarter, but held on for a 100-98 victory over the Hawks on Saturday. The Mavericks failed to cover the 7-point spread, while the 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.

Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Current streak:
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Dallas has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 11-8 SU, 10-9 ATS
Dallas: 11-8 SU, 9-10 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 7-3
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Charlotte are 6-3
After playing Atlanta are 9-1
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
San Antonio is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Dallas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing San Antonio

Next up:
San Antonio home to Atlanta, Wednesday, December 10
Dallas home to Charlotte, Thursday, December 11

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets

The Hawks surge came to a halt in a 100-98 loss to the Mavericks last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 199.5.

Joe Johnson tossed in a game-high 32 points for the Hawks in that loss.

Rafer Alston and Luis Scola each picked up 16 points in Houston's 109-97 loss to Memphis on Monday night.

The Rockets had been favored by 7 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (190).

Team records:
Atlanta: 12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS
Houston: 13-8 SU, 10-11 ATS

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Dallas are 1-9
After a loss are 5-5

Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 8-2
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing Houston
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

Next up:
Atlanta at San Antonio, Wednesday, December 10
Houston at Golden State, Friday, December 12

New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

The Knicks upset Detroit 104-92 as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The combined sdcore fell UNDER the posted over/under total (207).

Chris Duhon scored a game-high 25 points and added nine assists for the Knicks, while Quentin Richardson chipped in with 23 points in the win.

The Bulls snapped a two-game losing skid with a 117-110 win over the Wizards on Saturday. The Bulls failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, but the 217 points sailed OVER the posted total of 200.

Larry Hughes tossed in 24 points with four rebounds and five assists to lead the Bulls. Luol Deng scored a team-high 26 points in the win.

Team records:
New York: 9-11 SU, 10-10 ATS
Chicago: 9-11 SU, 10-10 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 2-8
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

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

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against New York
Chicago is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing New York
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

Next up:
New York at New Jersey, Wednesday, December 10
Chicago at Memphis, Friday, December 12

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns

The Bucks lost to the Lakers 105-92 as a 14-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210.5).

Joe Alexander led the Bucks with 15 points and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute had 14 points in the loss.

The Suns prevailed with a 108-106 hard-fought win over the Jazz on Saturday. The Suns failed to cover the 7.5-point spread, but the 214 points made it OVER the posted total of 205.5.

Amare Stoudemire led the way with 22 points and 20 rebounds for a double-double for the Suns.

Team records:
Milwaukee: 9-13 SU, 15-6-1 ATS
Phoenix: 12-9 SU, 8-13 ATS

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-9
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Next up:
Milwaukee at Golden State, Wednesday, December 10
Phoenix at LA Lakers, Wednesday, December 10

Orlando Magic vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Magic put up 29 points in the fourth quarter on Monday night to rally for a 95-88 win over the Clippers.

The Magic managed to cover the 4-point spread on the road in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (193.5).

The Trail Blazers defeated Toronto 98-97 as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (191).

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Portland, while Steve Blake added 19 points in the win.

Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Orlando: 16-5 SU, 11-9-1 ATS
Portland: 15-7 SU, 11-11 ATS

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a win are 8-2

Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 9 games
Portland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

Next up:
Orlando at Phoenix, Friday, December 12
Portland at Utah, Thursday, December 11

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

The Lakers defeated Milwaukee 105-92 as a 14-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210.5).

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points and handed out eight assists for the Lakers and Derek Fisher added 19 points in the win.

The Kings were defeated 118-85 by the Nuggets on Saturday, as 5-point underdogs. The 203 points fell UNDER the posted total of 211.5.

John Salmons had 22 points and five rebounds for the Kings.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 8 straight games.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 17-2 SU, 11-8 ATS
Sacramento: 5-16 SU, 9-12 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a win are 8-2

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Sacramento
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games

Next up:
LA Lakers home to Phoenix, Wednesday, December 10
Sacramento at LA Lakers, Friday, December 12

DETROIT (11 - 8) at WASHINGTON (3 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 63-44 ATS (+14.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-3 ATS (+13.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

TORONTO (8 - 11) at CLEVELAND (17 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 46-27 ATS (+16.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
TORONTO is 66-43 ATS (+18.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

UTAH (13 - 9) at MINNESOTA (4 - 15)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ATLANTA (12 - 7) at HOUSTON (13 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 27-49 ATS (-26.9 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

NEW YORK (9 - 11) at CHICAGO (9 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 38-59 ATS (-26.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

SAN ANTONIO (11 - 8) at DALLAS (11 - 8)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

MILWAUKEE (9 - 13) at PHOENIX (12 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 137-177 ATS (-57.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 179-226 ATS (-69.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ORLANDO (16 - 5) at PORTLAND (15 - 7)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 68-43 ATS (+20.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-1 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

LA LAKERS (17 - 2) at SACRAMENTO (5 - 16)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 7-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DETROIT vs. WASHINGTON
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Washington is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Detroit

TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

UTAH vs. MINNESOTA
Utah is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

ATLANTA vs. HOUSTON
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta

NEW YORK vs. CHICAGO
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
New York is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

SAN ANTONIO vs. DALLAS
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Dallas is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

MILWAUKEE vs. PHOENIX
Milwaukee is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

LA LAKERS vs. SACRAMENTO
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

ORLANDO vs. PORTLAND
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

Detroit at Washington
Detroit: 17-3 ATS in December
Washington: 59-89 ATS as a home underdog of 6 points or less

Toronto at Cleveland
Toronto: 12-25 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6
Cleveland: 14-2 ATS as a favorite

Utah at Minnesota
Utah: 0-5 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4
Minnesota: 10-3 ATS after 3 straight DD losses

Atlanta at Houston
Atlanta: 3-12 ATS on Tuesday
Houston: 17-6 ATS against Southeast division

New York at Chicago
New York: 2-13 ATS after leading in their previous game by 20
Chicago: 41-23 ATS at home after failing to cover 4 of their last 5

San Antonio at Dallas
San Antonio: 5-1 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3
Dallas: 2-9 ATS after scoring 100+ points in 4 straight

Milwaukee at Phoenix
Milwaukee: 15-6 ATS in all games
Phoenix: 2-10 ATS after consecutive overs

Orlando at Portland
Orlando: 15-4 ATS AWAY in non-conference games
Portland: 2-12 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6

LA Lakers at Sacramento
LA Lakers: 29-12 ATS versus division opponents
Sacramento: 1-5 ATS as a home underdog

Tuesday NBA Previews
By Andre Gomes

Detroit @ Washington

The Pistons are surprisingly or not with a 7-8 record with Iverson on the team and they were embarrassed at New York by losing 92-104 (43-65 at halftime) last Sunday. They are currently 1-3 on their last 4 games and it's a rare fact to watch this team in such a bad position. For today, Mcdyess will probably play for the Pistons and the coach Michael Curry is preparing a new starting lineup with Stuckey ? Iverson ? Hamilton ? Prince ? Wallace. The Wizards are being more competitive lately but they still struggle to finish off the games and so, they are constantly losing ballgames. They are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games and Butler and Jamison are playing at a high level right now. Note that these teams played each other earlier in the season and the Pistons won by 117-109, but with the Wizards covering the spread.

Toronto @ Cleveland

The Cavs are the best ATS team this season until now, with a 16-4 ATS record and they are really looking to be able to compete with the Lakers and Celtics. They are 16-1 in their last 17 games and the most impressive fact is that Lebron James didn't play in the fourth quarter in the majority of these wins. Meanwhile, the Raptors with Jay Triano as their new head coach are in a slump with 4 consecutive losses and lost a good chance this past Sunday to win at home against Portland. Triano is implementing a new offensive and defensive system to the team and this, of course requires some time and time is what the Raptors won't have soon as they will play 3 more games until Sunday. Triano is trying to make his team play on a faster tempo and with a better paint protection on the defensive end, but this team really lacks rebounding skills. They were killed against Portland 4-18 in the offensive rebounds and tonight against a powerful frontcourt like the Cavs, only a great effort from them will be able to stop this major handicap in favor of Cleveland.

Atlanta @ Houston

Ron Artest didn't play yesterday and the whole defense of the Rockets disappeared, as they allowed Memphis to shot 51.3 % FG and committed only 6 TO's. Of course I had a play on the under and Memphis scored 109 points, their highest scoring game in their last 10 games. Today the Rockets play at home against the Hawks and take note that this team is 4-1 ATS in back to back games. Artest is questionable for this game and his importance on the team is huge. The Hawks are 7-2 ATS as away dogs and against Dallas they rallied back from an huge disadvantage just to fall short in the end. This team with Josh Smith back looks more competitive, but like last season they struggle to win games on the road. I like the bounce back spot for Houston in here, as they are 5-2 ATS after a loss, but with Artest questionable I have to think twice.

New York @ Chicago

Derrick Rose is probable for this game after his "silly accident" and the Bulls hosts today the Knicks. Note that both teams are right now with a 9-11 record and both are coming from wins. The Knicks built a huge lead against Detroit last Sunday and showed that no one can underestimate this team. Meanwhile the Bulls with fresh legs won at home against Washington by 117-110 and they had two more days to rest and to prepare this game after a brutal schedule they have had lately. This game looks like it will be a typical run and gun game and the hottest team of the two down the stretch will win. This game will be the first of PG Duhon against his former team and also note that D'Antoni was supposed linked with the Bulls before signing with the Knicks.

Utah @ Minnesota

Kevin McHale is the newest coach in the league and the Wolves apparently needed something in order to be more competitive and McHale is the answer. Minny lost their last 2 games by 29 and 23 points and when the opponents were the Nets and the Clippers at home, something needed really to be done. The weird thing is that the Wolves have a talented roster with solutions for any position. Today they will face the Jazz, who still are a depleted team as Carlos Boozer is doubtful for this game. They lost by 104-106 at Phoenix in their last game in a ballgame and Deron Williams is back to his best level, as he had 15 points and 15 assists in that game. It's probable that the Wolves will be fired up for this game, after all that will be the consequence of having a new coach, so this game promises to be good.

San Antonio @ Dallas

The Spurs will be looking for revenge on this game, after having lost by 81-98 earlier this season, but they are now much healthier than they were on that game. The team did the same at Denver last week and judging for their last 2 games, the team is burning hot right now. They covered the spread by 21 and 23 points in their last two games against Denver and the Warriors. Meanwhile, Dallas after a bad start where they lost a big number of ballgames, it looks like they learned how to finish off the games and won by 100-98 in their last game against Atlanta. Dallas has won 9 of their last 10 games and they are now confident, with the special highlight being the little guy Barea, who scored 18 and 22 points in their last two games, where he was a starter. I expect a good game in here, with both teams being confident. I have a lean on the Spurs, in order for them to get revenge in here, even though Dallas is a very confident team right now.

Milwaukee @ Phoenix

Having in account Phoenix will face the Lakers tomorrow, the main question in here is to know if Shaq will play today, as he uses to rest on the first game when the team has back to back games. The Suns finally managed to win a game, having defeated Utah at home in a monster game of Amare Stoudemire, who had a 20-20 game. The team needed to win a game, in order to have their confidence back and this team of the Bucks seems to be the ideal opponent for that, as the Bucks have never won at Phoenix in the last 20 years! Milwaukee began this mini road trip in the West in the worst way possible, by suffering a rout from the Lakers by 92-105. The ridiculous of that game was that Richard Jefferson played just 9 minutes due to foul trouble and the Bucks never entered the discussion for the win of that game. Milwaukee is one of the best ATS teams on the league, with 15-6-1 ATS and normally they use to fight for the game until the end. I think the question of Shaq playing in here or not is essential. If he plays, I have a lean on the Suns to roll in back to back wins at home.

Orlando @ Portland

Big game of the night, with Portland hosting Orlando. Take note that Portland is 7-0 at home (still unbeatable at home, just like Cleveland) will host one of the best teams on the road of the past two seasons (7-2 this season). I remember Portland already won at Orlando earlier this season, so Orlando has revenge in here. Portland comes back home after a successful road trip in the East, but normally the teams come flat in their first home game, after a road trip. Orlando played at LA last night, so they will play a back to back game tonight. This game is clearly a 50/50 contest. I'm likely staying away from it.

LA Lakers @ Sacramento

Sacramento's 85-118 loss at home against Denver was their worst home defeat since a 93-133 loss to Houston on Dec. 12, 1995. So, I expect the Kings to react tonight. The problem is that they will face the Lakers and if they lose, it will be their 10th home loss in a row for the Kings. The Lakers are coming from an easy home win against the Bucks, where they actually committed 25 turnovers, but they were still up by 20 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter. I don't like the Lakers in here, for the simple reason they will play tomorrow at home against the Suns and they may save themselves for that game. If they weren't on that spot and with Kevin Martin being doubtful for tonight, the Lakers would never allow the Kings to be competitive in here.

Shaq, Artest and Martin all could sit out tonight
By COVERS.com

As many as six NBA stars could be missing action tonight because of injuries. Ron Artest, Josh Howard, Mike Miller, Shaquille O'Neal, Carlos Boozer and Kevin Martin could all be sitting out for their games Tuesday.

Artest is battling a sore ankle and his team (Houston Rockets) is already missing Tracy McGrady. The Rockets opened as 7-point favorites against the Hawks in Houston, but the line has dropped to as low as -4 because of Artest's status.

Howard has missed the Mavs last eight games due to injury but could return tonight against the Spurs. Oddmakers have the game listed as a pick 'em.

Miller is a game-time decision for the Wolves but the bigger injury news in this contest is on Utah's side. The Jazz will be without power forward Carlos Boozer for a eighth consecutive contest because of a quadricep injury. The books delayed releasing this line until the word on Boozer was official and now have the Jazz listed as 4.5-point road faves.

The Kings' Kevin Martin is fighting a sore ankle. After returning to the lineup for two games last week, the shooting guard is out indefinitely because of the same bum ankle. The Kings are hosting the Lakers tonight and oddsmakers are giving the home team 12.5 points.

Lastly, the Phoenix Suns might be without their starting center tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks. Shaquille O'Neal is questionable for the next two games due to the death of his great-grandmother. The books have the Suns giving 6.5 points to the visiting Bucks.