Tuesday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
It would be tough to match the intensity that Sunday brought to hoop bettors across the country. But that’s not to say that there’s not enough action left just before the All-Star break begins.
Here’s what Tuesday’s card has to offer. Will you pad the account before the first-half of the season draws to a close?
Cleveland at Indiana – 7:00 p.m. EST
If there is one streak that’s reigned dominant in this matchup it’s the Cavaliers’ (39-10 straight up, 32-17 against the spread) nine-game win streak in head-to-head play. Cleveland is not the only winner in these matchups. Backers laying the cheese on the LeBron James led squad have also cashed heavy on an 8-1 ATS record in the same nine games. It was on December of last year that the Cavaliers took the ‘W’ and cashed tickets in a 97-73 blowout at home. This was a contest that witnessed the defense holding the Pacers (20-32 SU, 27-23-2 ATS) to shooting 40 percent from the field.
Indiana is 1-4 SU and 1-3-1 ATS in its last five, losing its last contest to Washington (119-117) on Sunday. While the Pacers have failed to remain consistent in the winning column, gamblers have been able to look the other way as the ‘over’ is now 4-2 in the last six (26-12 on the ‘over’ in the last 38). The good news remains; Indiana is 9-2 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and is 7-2 ATS in the last nine home stands.
After losing its first game at home against the Lakers (101-91) on Sunday, Cleveland is just looking to put the past in the review mirror. The Cavs' Sasha Pavlovic is day-to-day after twisting his ankle against Los Angeles. And while the Pacers' shooting guard, Marquis Daniels (back) missed his third game in the last four on Friday, Mike Dunleavy hurt the same knee on Sunday that cost the foward the season last year.
Denver at Miami – 7:30 p.m. EST
The Nuggets (34-17 SU, 28-22-1 ATS) travel down south on Tuesday when they meet the Heat (27-23 SU, 23-25-2 ATS) for the second time this season. It was back on Jan. 7 that Denver applied a 108-97 victory across the backside of Miami, clearing the 5 ½-point spread. The Nuggets improved their ATS record to 5-1 in the last six head-to-head showdowns while the ‘over’ is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.
Denver has embarked on a tough, eight-game road trip which began on Feb. 4 in a 114-113 win against the Thunder. A pummeling loss in New Jersey on Saturday (114-70) has generated a 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS performance on this road trip thus far. Again, if you’re a total player or indulge in total wagering then you have to welcome a 4-1 ‘over’ record in the last five. This comes at the heels of Denver tossing up bricks for a 39.2 shooting percentage from the field during this stretch.
Taking two wins in the last six has seen books installing the Heat as underdogs in four of these contests. The result has been a 2-4 ATS deficit in the same six games and a 6-6 ATS stint in the last 12. And for a team that’s been an effective 17-8 at home, an 11-14 ATS record inside American Airlines Arena hasn’t been exactly full proof in terms of a financial benefit.
Coming off the 96-92 win against Charlotte on Sunday, Miami is 15-11 both SU and ATS, scoring 98.5 PPG versus giving up 96.5 PPG off one-day of rest. The ‘over’ is 15-11 (57.7 %) throughout this stretch.
New York at Golden State – 10:30 p.m. EST
The Knicks (21-29 SU, 29-21 ATS) may have lost four straight and covered just two of four but shooting over 50 percent from the hardwood has translated into a 4-0 record on the ‘over’. Adding reasoning behind this totals run includes bombing the ball from beyond the arc for a 37.2 percent figure. The most recent ‘L’ in the record books came against Portland on Sunday. Even with New York making 14 three pointers, the Trail Blazers were able to climb back into the contest as the team recovered from a 97-84 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Brandon Roy took the game into his own hands by draining an acrobatic floater as the final seconds ticked away. The Knicks did walk away from this game covering the spread as eight-point underdogs.
New York has been successful against the Western Conference by going 14-7 ATS even after giving up 106.4 PPG. Even more important for your wagering knowledge is the Knicks’ smoking 5-1 ATS run in six games against teams in the Pacific division (thanks to scoring 116.7 PPG).
Golden State (17-35 SU, 23-26-3 ATS) finds itself in the dog house after taking eight games in the last 20 tip-offs. Returning dollars 11 times in the last 20 games is just one-game over the .500 mark and going 7-2 on the ‘under’ helps explain what shooting 45.6 percent from the field can do in terms of totals. At least backers may find answers in the Warriors’ 15-8-1 ATS record at home versus their 8-18-2 ATS slide on the road. A 10-2-1 ATS run in the last 13 home games adds credence to possibly backing the team on Tuesday.
Then again, opening as a three-point favorite at home could be a wager to avoid in favor of Golden State. The fact is that the Warriors are 4-5 ATS (44.4%) as favorites inside their own building. At least the total trend is in Golden State’s favor, registering a 6-3 mark on the ‘over’ as home favorites.
The Warriors’ center, Andris Biedrins (13 PPG, 11.8 RPG) is expected to miss action until after the All-Star break with an ankle injury.
Golden State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 versus the Atlantic Division and is 18-8 on the ‘over’ in the last 26 home games.
vegasinsider.com.
Hot and Cold Bets - Week 15
By Matt Fargo
The NBA is in its final week before the All-Star break and these next two days are critical for some teams to head into the break on a high note. Matt Fargo will be looking into Hot and Cold NBA bets throughout the season and he takes a look at four games that you will want to pay attention to coming up over the next two days before the layoff.
NBA Hot Bets
Tuesday – Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat 7:35 PM ET
Denver was on a roll with four straight wins and victories in seven of eight games (5-3 ATS) until playing at New Jersey on Saturday and getting throttled by 44 points. It was a horrible display on both ends of the floor and you can expect the Nuggets to put forth a full effort before traveling to Orlando on Wednesday. The Nuggets had been 4-0 since the return of Carmelo Anthony before that shellacking. Miami is playing some pretty below average basketball right now, going 2-4 in its last six games (2-4 ATS) with those wins coming against the lowly Bobcats and Clippers. Denver is 9-6 ATS with a line +3.5 to -3.5 this season while Miami is 6-15 ATS within the same parameters. The Heat have also struggled against the elite in the NBA, going 4-12 against the top ten (6-9-1 ATS) while Denver is 23-6 against teams outside the top ten (18-11 ATS). Denver has owned this series of late, winning seven straight and cashing in five those.
Wednesday – Phoenix Suns at Cleveland Cavaliers 7:00 PM ET
Cleveland is coming off its first home loss of the season on Sunday against the Lakers so the Suns could be in some serious trouble. The Cavaliers are now 23-1 at home which is still the best record in the league and their 18-6 ATS mark is tops in the NBA as well. Cleveland plays on Tuesday at Indiana and while it will be looking to bounce back there, it will be also looking to bounce back on its home floor against another Western Conference foe. In the second of back-to-back games, Cleveland is 9-2 on the season (8-3 ATS) so there is no worry about playing a game Tuesday. Phoenix is struggling right now especially when it travels. Overall, the Suns have been one of the bigger disappointments for backers as they are just 18-30-1 against the number including a 10-14-1 ATS mark on the road. Phoenix started the season 5-2 ATS but it has been a flop ever since and it a paltry 4-10-2 ATS in its last 16 games and 6-14-2 ATS in its last 22 games.
NBA Cold Bets
Tuesday – Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls 8:30 PM ET
Detroit cannot get anything going right now. After winning seven straight games at the end of December and the start of January, it has gone 6-11 in its last 17 games (6-11 ATS) since then although it has posted a 4-4 road record (5-3 ATS) in that span. The Pistons ran off two straight wins but then scored a clunker on Sunday at home against the Suns. They are 7-14 ATS on the season following a loss and 9-17 ATS following a loss against the number. Detroit won the lone meeting with the Bulls this season but it came by only six points at home as Chicago improved its run to 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings including five straight cashed tickets. The Bulls are home following a rugged seven-game roadtrip. Chicago went a very respectable 4-3 in those games including an almost perfect 6-0-1 ATS record. The Bulls will have had three days to get ready for this rivalry and revenge game and this season they are 2-0 ATS with extended time off.
Wednesday – Boston Celtics at New Orleans Hornets 8:05 PM ET
We have seen this from Boston before haven’t we? The Celtics put together a monster run and then the wheels start coming off. Those wheels aren’t off all the way yet but they had better be careful. After 19 straight wins, Boston went 2-7 in its next nine games. Now after 12 straight wins, the Celtics are 1-2 in their last three games. Those games came against heavyweights Los Angeles and San Antonio but sandwiched in there was a win at New York that took a big fourth quarter to get it done. This game and a game at Dallas close out the schedule before the break and a split or worse is likely. New Orleans closed out its four-game homestand with a come-from-behind win against Minnesota and is at Memphis on Monday before hosting the Celtics. Chris Paul will not play Monday and will be questionable Wednesday. The good news is that the Hornets will be a great value play as they will likely be getting points and they have yet to be a home dog this year.
San Antonio (34-15, 24-23-2 ATS) at New Jersey (24-28, 28-24 ATS)
Fresh off Sunday’s impressive upset victory at Boston, the Spurs continue their brutal eight-game road trip when the make their only visit of the season to Continental Airlines Arena for a clash with the Nets, who have lost 12 consecutive games to San Antonio.
The Spurs went to Boston after a four-day layoff and knocked off the defending champs 105-99 as a 6½-point road underdog. San Antonio is 9-2 SU in its last 11 and 5-0-1 ATS in its last six, averaging 106.2 points per game in those six games, including scoring 105 or more five times. Also, the Spurs have won nine of 12 on the road (8-3-1 ATS).
New Jersey had a four-game SU and ATS winning streak snapped in Sunday’s 101-84 loss at Orlando, falling short as a 13-point underdog. The Nets have scored 88 points or fewer in four of their last eight games, and although they’ve cashed in three straight home games, they’re just 7-10 SU in their last 17 at Continental Airlines Arena. In fact, Lawrence Frank’s troops have a better record on the road (13-13, 17-9 ATS) than at home (11-15 SU and ATS).
San Antonio defeated the Nets for the 12th straight time on Jan. 23, holding on for a 94-91 victory but never threatening to cover as an 11½-point home favorite. Despite that non-cover, the Spurs are 14-3-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings, including eight consecutive wins and covers in New Jersey. The favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six clashes and the visitor is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven.
The Spurs are on ATS runs of 4-0-1 on the highway and 12-5-2 when playing on one day of rest, but despite Sunday’s upset win of the Celtics, they’re still just 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 against the Eastern Conference and 4-11-2 ATS in their last 17 against the Atlantic Division. New Jersey has cashed in 14 of its last 20 games after a double-digit loss, but otherwise the Nets are on ATS slides of 7-15-2 against the Southwest Division and 4-13-1 on Tuesday.
For San Antonio, the over is on streaks of 6-0 overall, 5-0 on the road, 4-1 against the Atlantic Division, 4-1-1 on Tuesday and 4-0 when playing after one day off. Conversely, the Nets are riding under stretches of 5-1 overall, 8-3 at home, 4-1 after a SU loss, 4-0 against the Western Conference, 4-0 against winning teams and 4-1 when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the last four Nets-Spurs clashes have stayed low, and the under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in New Jersey.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO and UNDER
Denver (34-17, 28-22-1 ATS) at Miami (27-23, 23-25-2 ATS)
The Nuggets continue an eight-game road trip with a stop at American Airlines Arena in South Beach as they look to knock off the Heat for the eighth consecutive time.
Denver has been idle since Saturday, when its four-game winning streak came to an end in an embarrassing 114-70 loss at New Jersey as a 2½-point road favorite. The Nuggets, who had averaged 113 ppg during their four-game winning streak, hadn’t scored fewer than 81 points in a game this season and shot just 35.6 percent from the field. Despite that effort, Denver is still 7-2 in its last nine games (3-3 on the road).
Miami enters this contest in a 2-4 SU and ATS funk, most recently edging Charlotte 96-92 on Sunday but failing to cover as an eight-point favorite. On the bright side, the Heat have won five of their last six home games (4-2 ATS). For the season, Dwyane Wade and Co. are 17-8 at home, but 11-13-1 ATS, averaging 96.5 ppg and allowing 92 ppg.
The Nuggets routed the Heat 108-97 in Denver on Jan. 7, covering as a 5½-point favorite to move to 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS in the last seven series meetings, including 3-0 in Miami (2-1 ATS). In last year’s clash in South Beach, the Nuggets needed overtime to escape with a 114-113 victory as a 5½-point road chalk. The host has covered in the last four series battles.
Denver has failed to cash in six of its last seven when playing on two days’ rest, but it is otherwise on ATS streaks of 4-1 after both a SU and ATS loss and 6-2 after a double-digit defeat. Miami is on ATS runs of 7-0 on Tuesday, 7-1 when playing on one day of rest and 5-2 against the Western Conference, but it is 14-32-3 ATS in its last 49 games after a SU victory.
The over is on streaks of 4-1 in this rivalry, 5-1 for Miami overall, 7-1 for Miami against the Western Conference, 24-8-1 for Miami against the Northwest Division, 4-1 for Denver on the road, 7-3 for Denver on the road 11-4 for Denver against the Eastern Conference, 4-1 for Denver against the Southeast Division and 5-0 for Denver after a non-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and OVER
Gametimepicks.com
CLEVELAND vs. INDIANA
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Indiana is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Indiana is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Cleveland
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
DENVER vs. MIAMI
Denver is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Miami is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Denver
SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW JERSEY
San Antonio is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games when playing New Jersey
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
TORONTO vs. MINNESOTA
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
DETROIT vs. CHICAGO
Detroit is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Detroit is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Detroit
SACRAMENTO vs. DALLAS
Sacramento is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-3-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Sacramento
NEW YORK vs. GOLDEN STATE
New York is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Golden State is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing New York
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA LAKERS
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 13 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-4-2 ATS in their last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Hot Teams
-- Wizards are 0-4 vs spread in game after their last four wins.
-- Cavaliers won five of their last six road games.
-- Nuggets won seven of their last nine games. Heat won five of their last six home games.
-- Nets won four of their last five games.
-- Bulls are 6-0-1 vs spread in their last seven games.
-- Mavericks won last three home games by 24-1-5 points.
-- Lakers won last six games (5-0-1 vs spread) could be in for letdown as they played Celtics, Cleveland in last two games.
Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost four of their last six home games.
-- Pacers lost four of their last five games.
-- Raptors lost their last six games (0-5-1 vs spread).
-- Minnesota lost six of last seven games, is now without Jefferson, who is now out (knee).
-- Pistons are 3-5 in last eight games (0-5 vs spread in last five).
-- Kings lost 11 of last 12 games (4-8 vs spread).
-- Golden State is 1-9 vs spread in game after its last ten wins. Knicks lost last four games, but are 9-2 vs spread in their last eleven.
-- Oklahoma City failed to cover its last three road games.
Totals
-- Last six Washington games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Miami games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Last six San Antonio games all went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Chicago games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Dallas games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Golden State games stayed under the total; Knicks' last six games all went over.
-- Eight of last ten Laker games went over the total.
Back-to Back
-- Cavaliers are 2-3 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.
-- Denver is 6-2 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.
-- Spurs are 0-3-1 vs spread if playing first of two consecutive nights on the road.
-- Raptors are 2-7 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Detroit is 5-2 vs spread if it plays again the next night.
-- Sacramento is 5-1 vs spread if playing first of two consecutive nights on the road.
-- Knicks are 3-3 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Thunder is 6-2-1 vs spread if they play again the next night.
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST). The Lakers, who return home after a 6-0 road trip, are coming off an impressive performance in which they handed Cleveland its first home loss. The Thunder’s Kevin Durant has scored 30 or more points in four straight games, and five of his last six.
STARS
Monday
— O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies, had 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in Memphis’ 85-80 win over New Orleans.
— Marreese Speights, 76ers, had a career-high 24 points, including 10 straight in a second-quarter charge, as Philadelphia won its third straight, 108-91 over Phoenix.
— Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions, Bucks. Villanueva scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Sessions had 26 points and seven assists to give Milwaukee a 124-112 victory over Houston.
STREAK STOPPERS
Milwaukee snapped an eight-game losing streak against Houston with a 124-112 victory Monday night. The Bucks’ last win over the Rockets was Dec. 28, 2004, when they beat them 115-87 in Milwaukee.
ABOVE WATER
Philadelphia (26-24) moved two games above .500 for the first time this season with a 108-91 win over Phoenix on Monday night. The 76ers have won 13 of 17 and are seven games over .500 since Tony DiLeo took over as coach in December.
SUDDEN IMPACT
Vladimir Radmanovic scored 13 points and hit three fourth-quarter 3-pointers in his Charlotte debut Monday night, helping turn a close game into a rout in the Bobcats’ 94-73 win over the road-weary Los Angeles Clippers. He became the 23rd player to suit up for Charlotte this season—an NBA-high—two days after he was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown.
TENACIOUS D
New Orleans shot 29.5 percent in an 85-80 loss at Memphis after the Grizzlies held Toronto to the same mark Saturday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it marked the first time in more than 49 years that a team held consecutive opponents under 30 percent shooting from the field. The last time was Dec. 19-20, 1959, when the then-St. Louis Hawks held Philadelphia to 26.9 percent and Detroit to 29.9 the next night.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Zach Randolph had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the Los Angeles Clippers’ 94-73 loss at Charlotte on Monday night. … Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 23 points, but Houston lost 124-122 at Milwaukee. … Peja Stojakovic scored 23 points to lead New Orleans in an 85-80 loss at Memphis.
SHORT-HANDED
New Orleans was without their top three players in Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler and David West in an 85-80 loss at Memphis on Monday night. Paul and Chandler were out with injuries, while West was suspended for the game after his flagrant foul against Minnesota’s Mike Miller on Sunday.
SIDELINED
Minnesota center Al Jefferson will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Coach Kevin McHale said Jefferson will likely have surgery to repair the injury in the next week to 10 days. The team’s leading scorer and rebounder hurt his knee when he landed awkwardly late in Sunday’s 101-97 loss to New Orleans. … Cleveland starting guard Sasha Pavlovic could miss up to six weeks with a sprained right ankle he sustained at the end of the first quarter Sunday in the Cavaliers’ 101-91 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
SPEAKING
“Yes, this was an ugly game. It is always beautiful when you execute and win these games.”—Memphis coach Lionel Hollins after the Grizzlies edged the New Orleans Hornets 85-80 on Monday night despite 19 turnovers and shooting 3-of-15 from 3-point range.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Cavaliers lost to the Lakers 101-91 as a 5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (205.5).
Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the Cavaliers with 22 points and nine rebounds, while LeBron James had 16 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists.
The Pacers lost to Washington 119-117 as a 4.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (214.5).
Danny Granger scored 29 points for Indiana T.J. Ford had 23 points and seven assists in the loss.
Team records:
Cleveland: 39-10 SU, 32-17 ATS
Indiana: 20-32 SU, 26-24-2 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 10-0
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Indiana's last 18 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Indiana is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland home to Phoenix, Wednesday, February 11
Indiana at Milwaukee, Wednesday, February 11
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Wizards defeated Indiana 119-117 as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (214.5).
Caron Butler scored a game-high 35 points to go along with 13 rebounds for Washington, while Antawn Jamison poured in 34 points in the win.
The Hawks were upset 121-97 by the Clippers last time out, as 7-point favorites at home. That game's 218 points sailed OVER the night's posted total of 202.
Josh Smith had 16 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double.
Team records:
Washington: 11-40 SU, 19-31-1 ATS
Atlanta: 29-21 SU, 26-24 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Atlanta is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games at home
Next up:
Washington at Charlotte, Wednesday, February 11
Atlanta at Detroit, Wednesday, February 11
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat
The Nuggets were pounded 114-70 by the Nets last time out, as 2.5-point favorites on the road. That game's 184 points went UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Carmelo Anthony had a team-high 15 points in the loss.
The Heat defeated Charlotte 96-92 as an 8-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (183).
Dwayne Wade scored 22 points for Miami, while Mario Chalmers added 16 points and 13 assists in the win.
Team records:
Denver: 34-17 SU, 29-21-1 ATS
Miami: 27-23 SU, 24-25-1 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 2-8
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Denver
Miami is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Denver
Next up:
Denver at Orlando, Wednesday, February 11
Miami at Chicago, Thursday, February 12
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Jersey Nets
The Spurs defeated Boston 105-99 as a 6.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (186).
Tim Duncan scored 23 points to go along with 13 rebounds for San Antonio, while Matt Bonner also scored 23 points in the win.
The Nets lost to Orlando 101-84 as a 13-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (195.5).
Devin Harris led the Nets with 28 points and 12 assists, while Brook Lopez delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Team records:
San Antonio: 34-15 SU, 24-23-2 ATS
New Jersey: 24-28 SU, 28-24 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 2-8
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Next up:
San Antonio at Toronto, Wednesday, February 11
New Jersey at Houston, Tuesday, February 17
Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Raptors lost their sixth straight in a 78-70 defeat to the Grizzlies on Saturday. That game was posted by oddsmakers as a pick'em, and the 148 points fell well UNDER the posted total of 199.
Jose Calderon netted a game-high 18 points in a losing effort.
The Timberwolves lost to New Orleans 101-97 as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (190.5).
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Ryan Gomes had 21 points.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 6 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 19-34 SU, 19-31-3 ATS
Minnesota: 17-33 SU, 24-25-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Next up:
Toronto home to San Antonio, Wednesday, February 11
Minnesota at Washington, Tuesday, February 17
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
The Pistons lost to Phoenix 107-97 as a 1-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (198.5).
Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 27 points and Allen Iverson had 25 points and seven assist in the loss.
The Bulls fell 114-113 to the Mavericks on overtime on Saturday. The Bulls failed to cover the 7-point spread, while the 227 points sailed OVER the posted total of 209.
Tyrus Thomas had a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls. Ben Gordon dropped a team-high 25 points in the loss.
Team records:
Detroit: 27-22 SU, 20-29 ATS
Chicago: 22-29 SU, 24-26-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Atlanta are 7-3
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Detroit's last 17 games on the road
Detroit is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Detroit is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chicago is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Atlanta, Wednesday, February 11
Chicago home to Miami, Thursday, February 12
Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Kings lost to Oklahoma City 116-113 as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (214.5).
Beno Udrih led the Kings with 29 points and John Salmons had 23 points and 11 assists in the loss.
Dirk Nowitzki netted 43 points to lead the Mavericks in a 114-113 win over the Bulls in OT on Saturday. The Mavericks failed to cover the 7-point spread, while the 227 points sailed OVER the posted total of 209.
Nowitzki also grabbed nine rebounds for the Mavericks, and Jose Juan Barea added 20 points in that win.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 11-41 SU, 23-29 ATS
Dallas: 30-20 SU, 23-27 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Dallas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Sacramento at Houston, Wednesday, February 11
Dallas home to Boston, Thursday, February 12
New York Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors
The Knicks lost to Portland 109-108 as a 7.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (209.5).
David Lee led the Knicks with 29 points and 11 rebounds, while Al Harrington and Nate Robinson each scored 19 points.
The Warriors defeated Utah 116-96 as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (223).
Corey Maggette scored 24 points off the bench for Golden State and Stephen Jackson added 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the win.
Current streak:
New York has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 21-29 SU, 29-21 ATS
Golden State: 17-35 SU, 24-27-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing Portland are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Utah are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Golden State is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Golden State's last 9 games
Golden State is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York at LA Clippers, Wednesday, February 11
Golden State home to Portland, Thursday, February 12
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Thunder defeated Sacramento 116-113 as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (214.5).
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 39 points for Oklahoma City, while Nick Collison and Jeff Green each netted 15 points in the win.
The Lakers defeated Cleveland 101-91 as a 5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (205.5).
Lamar Odom scored a game-high 28 points to go along with 17 rebounds for the Lakers, while Kobe Bryant added 19 points in the win.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has won 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 13-38 SU, 31-20 ATS
Los Angeles: 41-9 SU, 26-23-1 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 8-2
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 13 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 20-3 SU in their last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City at Portland, Wednesday, February 11
LA Lakers at Utah, Wednesday, February 11
T-Wolves Jefferson out the torn ACL in right knee
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -All the progress the Minnesota Timberwolves have made in the new year came to a crashing halt Monday.
Star center Al Jefferson, the cornerstone of the franchise's rebuilding plan who has emerged as one of the best post players in the league, will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee.
It was the most devastating news possible for a team that finally seemed to be turning the corner after a horrendous first season and a half in the post-Kevin Garnett Era.
''Of course we're all a little upset and a little down,'' forward Ryan Gomes said. ''Our guy, our captain, our superstar, is going to be missing for the remainder of our season. Of course our spirits are down.''
Coach Kevin McHale said Jefferson will likely have surgery to repair the injury in the next week to 10 days.
The team's leading scorer and rebounder hurt his knee when he landed awkwardly late in Sunday's 101-97 loss to New Orleans. He was examined Monday, when the anterior cruciate ligament tear was discovered.
''We'll miss Al in every aspect, from his personality to his play to his presence to everything else,'' McHale said. ''He's such a good kid. Your heart goes out to the kid.''
When the Timberwolves decided to part ways with Garnett after his 12th season in Minnesota ended in 2007, McHale set his sights on a low-post beast to serve as the new building block for the next phase of this organization's existence.
He considered the Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum before pulling the trigger on a deal with Boston that landed him the 6-foot-10 Jefferson.
The Wolves shipped Garnett to the Celtics for a package that included two draft picks, Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green and Jefferson, and the big fella has not disappointed in his first 132 games as a centerpiece.
With averages of 23.1 points and 11 rebounds per game this season, Jefferson is one of only three players, along with Orlando's Dwight Howard and San Antonio's Tim Duncan, to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game this season.
''Al's played at such a high level for this team and been such a big part of our team,'' McHale said. ''Everybody around here today is a little bit down in the dumps.''
For a young Timberwolves team that has been playing better in 2009 after getting off to a 4-23 start to the season, the deflation at the practice facility on Monday was palpable. With Jefferson the focal point, the Wolves went 10-4 in January, and the 24-year-old center was playing even better early in this month.
He had 36 points and 22 rebounds in a loss at Houston on Saturday night and followed that up with 25 points and 14 boards before getting injured in the final 30 seconds against the Hornets on Sunday.
''I feel terrible for Al. Al's really, right now, devastated by it,'' McHale said. ''It all happens for a reason. It's hard for me to figure out what this reason is. Somehow he's just going to have to make the best of it and rehab and get better and move on from here.''
Jefferson's absence will mean more minutes for rookie Kevin Love and likely for veteran center Jason Collins. The Wolves got Love in a draft-night trade with Memphis involving O.J. Mayo, and McHale has tried to keep his minutes down through the first half of the season to ease him into NBA life.
The coach won't have that luxury anymore.
''Unfortunately for us, the season doesn't end,'' McHale said. ''We've got to keep playing. So we're just going to have to find a way. With any kind of adversity like that, new opportunities arise for other people. We're just going to have to go out there and make the best of it.''
After a rough start to his rookie season, Love appears to be getting more and more comfortable with the speed and style of play in the NBA. He attributes much of that maturation to Jefferson.
''Al's a leader. He's only 24 years old, but for me, he's been a mentor,'' Love said. ''He's taught me so much stuff and hopefully we'll continue to grow as a team, as a unit.
''It's going to be tough not having him in there, but tomorrow, the lights are still going to come on. We're still going to brush our teeth, put our pants on, put our shoes on, have to lace them up and go out there,'' Love said. ''That's just what we have to do.''
Hot and Cold Bets - Week 15
By Matt Fargo
The NBA is in its final week before the All-Star break and these next two days are critical for some teams to head into the break on a high note. Matt Fargo will be looking into Hot and Cold NBA bets throughout the season and he takes a look at four games that you will want to pay attention to coming up over the next two days before the layoff.
NBA Hot Bets
Tuesday – Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat 7:35 PM ET
Denver was on a roll with four straight wins and victories in seven of eight games (5-3 ATS) until playing at New Jersey on Saturday and getting throttled by 44 points. It was a horrible display on both ends of the floor and you can expect the Nuggets to put forth a full effort before traveling to Orlando on Wednesday. The Nuggets had been 4-0 since the return of Carmelo Anthony before that shellacking. Miami is playing some pretty below average basketball right now, going 2-4 in its last six games (2-4 ATS) with those wins coming against the lowly Bobcats and Clippers. Denver is 9-6 ATS with a line +3.5 to -3.5 this season while Miami is 6-15 ATS within the same parameters. The Heat have also struggled against the elite in the NBA, going 4-12 against the top ten (6-9-1 ATS) while Denver is 23-6 against teams outside the top ten (18-11 ATS). Denver has owned this series of late, winning seven straight and cashing in five those.
NBA Cold Bets
Tuesday – Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls 8:30 PM ET
Detroit cannot get anything going right now. After winning seven straight games at the end of December and the start of January, it has gone 6-11 in its last 17 games (6-11 ATS) since then although it has posted a 4-4 road record (5-3 ATS) in that span. The Pistons ran off two straight wins but then scored a clunker on Sunday at home against the Suns. They are 7-14 ATS on the season following a loss and 9-17 ATS following a loss against the number. Detroit won the lone meeting with the Bulls this season but it came by only six points at home as Chicago improved its run to 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings including five straight cashed tickets. The Bulls are home following a rugged seven-game roadtrip. Chicago went a very respectable 4-3 in those games including an almost perfect 6-0-1 ATS record. The Bulls will have had three days to get ready for this rivalry and revenge game and this season they are 2-0 ATS with extended time off.
Tuesday Research
By Indiancowboy
Washington vs. Atlanta
Atlanta comes off a shocking loss to the Clippers at home as a 8 point dog which was my POD on the Clippers Saturday, but that should not come as a surprise. After all, Atlanta was coming back home after a big road win at Charlotte in which they came all the way back to win that contest and how does one get up for the Clippers? The Clippers of course got up for the Hawks and took it to them only to have a let down of their own at Charlotte the following day. Washington has only lost to this team by 4 points both times out to the Hawks and although the Hawks are on a bounce-back, the Wiz have revenge of their own after 2 losses to the Hawks this season. It is always tough to beat a team trice SU and although that is possible - it is tough to hit that cover when trying to beat them for the 3rd straight time SU in a season. Having said that, I don't want to go against the Hawks after a 24 point loss and the last 4 road games for the Wiz have all been losses by DD - although they do play the Hawks usually close in the 1st half of games. Either way, I want no part of it.
Cleveland vs. Indiana
Do you want to take an Indiana team that comes home after a loss to the Wiz, the same team that beat the Magic, Lakers and Rockets at home...or do you want to take the best ATS team in the NBA at 32-17 ATS coming off their 1st home loss of the season? It's up to you. Do note, the Pacers have revenge from a 73-97 loss earlier this year at Cleveland (when Indiana was banged up) and now they have Granger and Dunleavy back so they will likely be competitive at home in particular.
Denver vs. Miami
Denver comes off one of its worst losses of the year losing 70-114 at NJ but they have won 7 of their last 9 SU and they face a Miami team who has revenge from a 97-108 loss earlier this year. Miami did defeat Charlotte at home albeit barely as they did not hit the cover and no line is here but do note that Miami is the same team that beat the Magic, Lakers and Cavs at home so do not put it past them to hit the cover here, but Denver comes off a 44 point loss and that is going to tick off any team who is looking for the bounce-back.
San Antonio vs. New Jersey
This is one of the biggest public plays on the board with SA getting about 75% of the public love. And, why not? This team just defeated the Celtics Outright on the road as a 6.5 dog. Do note though that NJ nearly beat SA on the road earlier this year losing 91-94 as a 11.5 dog so no doubt NJ is looking for revenge at home. I know it sounds crazy, but the line has not moved and this is likely one of those games where NJ loses SU or finds themselves losing within 5 points when all is said and done as I'm sure the closing line will bump up to at least 5.5 or higher prior to tip-off.
Toronto vs. Minnesota
Ever heard of the theory, bet on a team that just lost its Superstar? Well, such is the case for the Twolves who were playing great but now have lost Al Jefferson for the rest of the season. These two teams have not met this year so there is no immediate history, but the Raps did sweep this team last year. Toronto has now lost 6 straight SU. Bosh is currently listed as Doubtful although in one report I saw him as day to day. Either way, who is to say that Foye, Gomes, Telfair and Love cannot pick up the slack against the Raps who will be throwing out Calderon, O'Neal, Parker, Graham and Bargnani. Barn-Burner Backups in Minny today - small lean on Minny with the home crowd here as they rally in the early going to Jefferson's loss similar to the Lakers who rallied for a string of covers (and still are) right after Bynum'm prolonged injury.
Detroit vs. Chicago
Pick your poison. You have a Detroit team that beat this team 104-98 earlier this year at the Palace but Chicago fell inside the 7 point number. But, you have a Detroit team that is looking to bounce-back after Phoenix just beat them at home by 10. You have a Bulls team that is healthy and nearly beat Dallas on the road Outright as they lost in OT. The Bulls are 6-0-1 ATS over their last 7 contests showing that once they have become healthy they are playing great basketball. The Pistons are no stranger to Back to Back losses are they are 27-22 SU and over their last 10 games they have had 2 back to back losses. Small lean on Chicago here with the revenge and coming off an OT loss themselves to a Dallas team who was playing well at that point.