Tuesday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Lakers at Thunder**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Los Angeles as an eight-point road ‘chalk’ over Oklahoma City, with the total set at 205 ½. This contest is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Los Angeles (55-14 straight up, 35-34 against the spread) has recorded back-to-back SU victories after upending Chicago Saturday as a four-point road favorite, 117-109. The combined 226 points soared ‘over’ the 212-point closing total, ending a string of three consecutive ‘under’ outings.
-The Lakers were outrebounded, 45-39, but shot a robust 50 percent (45-of-91) from the field and 52 percent (11-of-21) from behind the arc. Kobe Bryant paced the offense with 28 points and seven assists, while Pau Gasol added 23 and 10 rebounds.
-Los Angeles sports a solid 24-9 SU and 19-14 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 18-14. The Lakers have been winning those affairs by an average score of 108-102.
-Oklahoma City (20-50 SU, 41-27 ATS) was mired in a two-game SU and ATS losing skid before beating Minnesota Sunday as a two-point road ‘chalk,’ 97-90. The combined 187 points failed to topple the 199-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fifth consecutive contest.
-The Thunder connected at a 45-percent clip (37-of-83) from the field, and 36 percent (4-of-11) from 3-point land. Forward Kevin Durant led all scorers with 30 points and eight rebounds, while Jeff Green added 17.
-Oklahoma City is just 14-22 SU at home, but 20-14 ATS. The Thunder have been losing their home endeavors by an average score of 98-96, helping the ‘under’ go 23-13.
-Los Angeles is 8-0 SU and 3-4-1 ATS the previous eight encounters with Oklahoma City, while the ‘under’ has cashed the previous two meetings. The Lakers won the last game in this series February 24 as an eight-point road favorite, 107-93, while the combined 200 points never seriously threatened the 220-point closing total.
**Pistons at Bulls**
-There is no overnight line or total on this Central Division matchup due to a couple of key injuries. TNT is scheduled to start its coverage of this contest at 8:05 p.m. ET.
-Detroit guard Richard Hamilton (groin) and forward Rasheed Wallace (calf) are ‘doubtful’ versus the Bulls, while guard Allen Iverson (back) is ‘out.’
-Detroit (34-35 SU, 30-39 ATS) dropped to 1-4 SU and 3-2 ATS its last five games after Sunday’s setback to Miami as a two-point home ‘chalk,’ 101-96. The combined 197 points eclipsed the 184-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the fourth consecutive contest.
-The Pistons won the rebounding battle, 36-29, but lost after allowing the Heat to shoot 50 percent (35-of-70) from the field. Four Detroit starters reached double digits in scoring, led by Rodney Stuckey’s 24 points and Antonio McDyess’ 16 and 12 rebounds.
-The Pistons are 16-17 SU and 19-14 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 18-15. Detroit has been dropping its road endeavors by an average score of 95-94.
-Chicago (32-38 SU, 36-33 ATS) is playing back-to-back nights after Monday’s road matchup with Washington.
-The Bulls are 21-12 SU and 18-15 ATS on their home court, with the ‘over’ going 20-13. Chicago has been winning its home games by an average score of 104-100.
-The Bulls are 4-2 SU and 6-0 ATS the previous six meetings with Detroit, while the ‘over’ has gone 5-1. Chicago won the last matchup Feb. 10 as a 3 ½-point home favorite, 107-102, while the combined 209 points soared ‘over’ the 189 ½-point closing total.
**Warriors at Spurs**
-LVSC opened San Antonio as a 9 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Golden State, with the total listed at 210 ½. However, there is now no overnight line and total due to a couple of key injuries. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET.
-Golden State guard Marco Belinelli (foot) is ‘questionable’ against the Spurs, while guard Jamal Crawford and center Andris Biedrins (ankle) are ‘out.’
-San Antonio forward Tim Duncan (knee) is ‘questionable’ versus the Warriors, while guard Manu Ginobili (shin) is ‘out.’
-Golden State (25-45 SU, 34-34 ATS) has alternated SU wins and losses its last six games after Sunday’s setback to New Orleans as an 8 ½-point road underdog, 99-89. The combined 188 points never seriously threatened the 215-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 2-1 the past three games.
-The Warriors finished the contest by shooting 40 percent (32-of-81) from the field, and just 21 percent (4-of-19) from behind the arc. Stephen Jackson had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss, while Kelenna Azubuike added 16 and six.
-Golden State has struggled to a 6-29 SU and 12-22 ATS road record, with the ‘under’ going 22-13. The Warriors have been dropping those affairs by an average score of 112-102.
-San Antonio (45-24 SU, 31-34 ATS) dropped to 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS its last four games after losing to Houston Sunday as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 87-85. The combined 172 points failed to eclipse the 177-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the fifth consecutive contest.
-Both teams grabbed 41 rebounds, but the Spurs lost after shooting 42 percent (34-of-82) from the field. Duncan netted 23 points in the loss, while point guard Tony Parker contributed 22 and 12 assists.
-San Antonio is 24-11 SU at home, but just 13-19 ATS. The Spurs have been winning their home games by an average score of 97-92, helping the ‘under’ go 18-16.
-San Antonio is 3-0 SU and 2-0-1 ATS the previous three meetings with Golden State after winning Feb. 2 in overtime as a five-point road favorite, 110-105. The combined 215 points went ‘over’ the 213-point closing total, ending back-to-back ‘under’ outings between these teams.
**Rockets at Jazz**
-LVSC installed Utah as a five-point home favorite over Houston, with the total set at 193. TNT starts its coverage of this contest at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Houston (47-25 SU, 35-36 ATS) is riding a four-game SU winning streak (3-1 ATS) after knocking off San Antonio Sunday as a three-point road underdog, 87-85. The combined 172 points went ‘under’ the 177-point closing total, ending back-to-back ‘over’ outings.
-The Rockets shot 47 percent (34-of-73) from the field, and 50 percent (5-of-10) from 3-point land. Ron Artest had 24 points, while Luis Scola added 19 and 17 rebounds.
-Houston is 18-17 SU and 19-16 ATS on the road, with the ‘over’ going 19-15. The average score of the Rockets’ road games has been 97-97.
-Utah (43-26 SU, 36-33 ATS) has won back-to-back games SU after knocking off Oklahoma City Friday as a four-point road ‘chalk,’ 101-94. The combined 195 points failed to topple the 199-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the third consecutive contest. The Jazz had failed to cover four games in a row before beating the Thunder.
-Utah was outrebounded, 49-40, but prevailed by shooting 49 percent (41-of-84) from the field. Deron Williams led the charge with 24 points and 11 assists, while Carlos Boozer added 15 and nine rebounds.
-The Jazz maintain a 29-6 SU and 20-15 ATS home record, with the ‘under’ going 19-16. Utah has been winning its home games by an average score of 105-95.
-Houston had won two games in a row against Utah before falling March 4 as an 8 ½-point road underdog, 101-94. The combined 195 points went ‘under’ the 202-point closing total, ending three straight ‘over’ outings in this series.
-Houston forward Carl Landry (calf) is ‘out’ against the Jazz. Utah center Mehmet Okur (eye) is ‘probable’ versus the Rockets.
vegasinsider.com
Game of the day: Rockets at Jazz
By The Prez
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz (-5, 193)
Season series
The Rockets have won two of three meetings, but injuries were a key factor in each game. Houston won the first matchup 120-115 at home in overtime in December against a Jazz team missing Paul Millsap, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. Houston won again in January at home, 108-99, but the Jazz were without Boozer and Andrei Kirlenko. The Rockets were also shorthanded playing without the services of both Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.
On March 4, Utah won in Salt Lake City 101-94 behind Boozer's 20 points and 17 rebounds. The Jazz outrebounded Houston by 14 with Boozer back in the lineup. The Rockets were without McGrady again.
Houston has lost five of its last six regular-season visits to Salt Lake City and is just 3-20 in the past 23 regular-season games at EnergySolutions Arena.
Playoff positioning
Houston enters off a huge win Sunday in San Antonio that vaulted the club to No. 2 in the West. That gave Houston a half-game lead in the Southwest division over the Spurs, the first time the Rockets had seen the top of the division since Christmas. Houston has won four in a row overall and is now 15-4 (12-7 ATS) since T-Mac went down for the season; the Rockets were 4.5 games behind the Spurs in McGrady's last game on the court.
“It means a lot, a lot for us,” said the Rockets' Luis Scola, who hit the game-winning shot Sunday. “It’s a huge game. We need these types of games to get ready for the playoffs.”
Utah is currently seventh in the West but one of five teams within three games of Houston – the others are the Spurs, Nuggets, Hornets and Blazers. Utah has been off since winning 101-94 at Oklahoma City on Friday, the squad’s second straight victory.
Obviously Utah would need a win tonight to gain a split of the season series. Otherwise, Houston would hold that tiebreaker, which is the first one used in the event the two teams finish with identical records. The Jazz then must travel to Phoenix on Wednesday and Utah is just 3-13 in the second of back-to-backs.
The Rockets and Jazz have met in the first round of the playoffs the past two seasons, with Utah winning both. It’s quite possible the two sides will meet again in the postseason if today’s standings hold steady.
Okur will play
Utah center Mehmet Okur left Friday's win over the Thunder after getting hit in the right eye, but he has been practicing and said he expects to play Tuesday. Okur does have a gash under the eye. The Jazz will need all available big bodies to help defend Yao Ming.
It's not clear if one of those bodies will be forward Matt Harping. The former regular in the Jazz rotation has not played more than 11 minutes in any game in the past month and has made only 6 of 24 shots in that time. Once Boozer returned from injury, Harpring has been the odd man out.
Rockets want more Yao
Last week, Houston coach Adelman said that he wanted Yao to be more assertive on offense, saying his center has “got to demand the ball.” In the two games since then, Yao has had just 13 and 14 points, respectively.
He had the ball in the waning seconds of Sunday's win over San Antonio and was prepared to shoot from 20 feet for the potential winner, but he instead fed an open Scola for the game-winning layup.
“I saw him at the last second,” Yao said. “I was going to shoot. The ball was above my head when I found him.”
Yao attempted just eight shots against San Antonio and went one eight-minute stretch in the fourth quarter without touching the ball.
The big guy fouled out in the last game against the Jazz, by the way, with the sixth foul an offensive call. That brought a memorable quote from him:
"Every time a defending player is on the ground, even if he just wants to sit down and have a rest, it's my offensive foul."
Key trends
Rockets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Jazz are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Over is 8-0 in Rockets last 8 Tuesday games.
Under is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 home games.
Road team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, March 24
Houston at Utah (10:30 p.m. EDT). The Rockets play their first game since taking over the top spot in the Southwest Division against the Jazz, who are 29-6 at home.
STARS
Monday
— Flip Murray, Hawks, scored a season-best 30 points as Atlanta won its season-high eighth straight home game, beating Minnesota 109-97.
— Dwight Howard, Magic, had 29 points and 14 rebounds as Orlando beat New York 106-102.
— Dwyane Wade, Heat, scored 27 points to top his own team single-season record—plus added eight assists as Miami easily beat Memphis 94-82.
— Andre Miller, 76ers, had 27 points and 10 rebounds and scored the go-ahead basket with 1:56 remaining in overtime as Philadelphia rallied for a 114-108 win over Portland.
— Ben Gordon, Bulls, scored all of his 21 points in the second half— including seven in the final 3 1/2 minutes—to lead Chicago to a 101-99 win at Washington.
SOARING HAWKS
The Atlanta Hawks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-97 on Monday night to win their season-high eighth straight home game. It was Atlanta’s eighth win in nine games overall, and the Hawks are 28-7 at Philips Arena. The home streak is the longest for Atlanta since Nov. 12, 1996-Feb. 12, 1997, when the Hawks won 20 in row.
MIAMI MILESTONE
Dwyane Wade broke his own Miami Heat single-season scoring record Monday, topping the mark set in the 2005-06 championship season. Wade’s fourth point against the Memphis Grizzlies gave him 2,041 this season, one more than he managed in 75 games three seasons ago. Monday was Wade’s 69th appearance of the season. He got the record-setter on a layup with 10 minutes left in the opening quarter, giving Miami a 9-0 lead.
COLLAPSING KNICKS
Nate Robinson scored 19 points on just 6-of-23 shooting for New York, which dropped its fifth straight, 106-102 to Orlando, in a late-season collapse after entertaining hopes of a playoff spot a week ago. The Knicks honored seven players from their past at halftime, then extended their dismal present by clinching an eighth straight losing season, tying a franchise worst.
LOOKING GOOD
Kevin Garnett played 18 minutes, hitting all five field-goal attempts while scoring 12 points as the Boston Celtics pulled away for a 90-77 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. He added two rebounds and two assists in his third game back since missing 13 with a sprained right knee.
SUNS SHINE
Grant Hill hit a 12-foot jumper in the lane to break a tie with 58.6 seconds remaining, then added a free throw with 6.2 seconds left to help Phoenix extend its season-high winning streak to five games in a 118-115 victory over Denver on Monday night.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Antawn Jamison had 34 points and 12 rebounds for Washington, which has lost five straight after a 101-99 loss to Chicago on Monday night. … Carmelo Anthony led Denver with 29 points in a 118-115 loss at Phoenix, but missed a 3-pointer in the final second.
SPEAKING
“That’s what I do, baby. I’m Shaq-ovich. We needed them. I’m known that when you really need them, I’m going to make them.”—Phoenix’s Shaquille O’Neal, who played only 24 minutes because of foul trouble, had six of his 19 points in the final 5:04, when he made four of five free throws in the Suns’ 118-115 win over Denver on Monday night. O’Neal made seven of eight free throws in the game.
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
The Pistons lost to Miami 101-96 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (183).
Rodney Stuckey led Detroit with 24 points and Antonio McDyess had 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Ben Gordon scored 21 points to lift the Bulls past the Wizards 101-99 on Monday night.
Chicago couldn't cover as 6.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 210-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Detroit: 34-35 SU, 30-39 ATS
Chicago: 33-38 SU, 36-34-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing LA Lakers are 8-2
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to LA Lakers, Thursday, March 26
Chicago home to Miami, Thursday, March 26
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Kobe Bryant dropped 28 points and dished out seven assists to lead the Lakers to a 117-109 victory over the Bulls on Saturday. The Lakers covered the 4-point spread, and the 226 points sailed OVER the posted total of 211.5.
Pau Gasol chipped in with 23 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
The Thunder defeated Minnesota 97-90 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (199.5).
Kevin Durant scored 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Oklahoma City and Russell Westbrook had seven points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in the win.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 55-14 SU, 34-34-1 ATS
Oklahoma City: 20-50 SU, 41-28-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 2-8
After playing Minnesota are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 17-5 SU in their last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 16-6-1 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Detroit, Thursday, March 26
Oklahoma City at Toronto, Friday, March 27
Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Warriors lost to New Orleans 99-89 as an 8.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (216).
Stephen Jackson led Golden State with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kelenna Azubuike had 16 points.
The Spurs lost to Houston 87-85 as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (177.5).
Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 23 points and Tony Parker delivered 22 points and 12 assists in the loss.
Current streak:
San Antonio has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 25-45 SU, 34-35-1 ATS
San Antonio: 45-24 SU, 34-33-2 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Atlanta are 8-2
After playing Houston are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Golden State's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games
Golden State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
San Antonio is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State
San Antonio is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State at Dallas, Wednesday, March 25
San Antonio at Atlanta, Wednesday, March 25
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
The Rockets defeated San Antonio 87-85 as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (177.5).
Ron Artest scored a game-high 24 points for Houston, while Luis Scola added 19 points and 17 rebounds in the win.
Deron Williams went for 24 points and 11 assists to lead the Jazz past the Thunder 101-94 on Friday night.
Utah covered as 5-point road favorites as the game played under the 200-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Houston has won 4 straight games.
Utah has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 47-25 SU, 35-36-1 ATS
Utah: 43-26 SU, 36-33 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 10-0
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games
Next up:
Houston home to LA Clippers, Saturday, March 28
Utah at Phoenix, Wednesday, March 25
DETROIT vs. CHICAGO
Detroit is 18-7 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA LAKERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Lakers last 11 games
Oklahoma City is 2-4-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
GOLDEN STATE vs. SAN ANTONIO
Golden State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games
San Antonio is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
HOUSTON vs. UTAH
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Utah is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Houston
Hot Teams
-- Bulls won four of their last five home games.
-- Lakers won seven of their last nine games.
-- Warriors are 4-0 vs spread in game after their last four losses.
-- Rockets won their last four games, by 1-5-19-2 points. Utah is 14-3 in its last seventeen games.
Cold Teams
-- Pistons lost four of their last five games.
-- Thunder lost four of their last six games.
-- San Antonio lost four of its last six games.
Totals
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Chicago home games.
-- Last five Oklahoma City games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Golden State games went over the total; Spurs' last five games all stayed under.
-- Seven of last nine Houston games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Bulls covered six of last seven if they played the night before.
-- Warriors are 4-9 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Utah is 6-3 vs spread if it plays again the next night.
LA LAKERS (55 - 14) at OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 50)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 40-28 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA LAKERS are 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 26-10 ATS (+15.0 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 30-13 ATS (+15.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (34 - 35) at CHICAGO (33 - 38)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 11-5 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-7 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE (25 - 45) at SAN ANTONIO (45 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 68-82 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) in road games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 105-70 ATS (+28.0 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 139-104 ATS (+24.6 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-3 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (47 - 25) at UTAH (43 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 283-230 ATS (+30.0 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-31 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 83-57 ATS (+20.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 13-9 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 14-9 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 22 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS at OKLAHOMA CITY
LA LAKERS: 15-5 ATS Away off Away win where they scored 110+ pts
OKLAHOMA CITY: 23-13 Under at home
DETROIT at CHICAGO
DETROIT: 0-6 ATS off 4+ Overs
CHICAGO: 7-0 ATS if road favorite last game
GOLDEN STATE at SAN ANTONIO
GOLDEN STATE: 26-16 ATS off SU loss
SAN ANTONIO: 11-25 ATS off BB Home games
HOUSTON at UTAH
HOUSTON: 10-24 ATS off ATS win
UTAH: 18-6 ATS as home fave of 6pts or less
Tips and Trends
Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls
Pistons: Detroit will be short-handed in this key meeting with the Bulls, who sit just two games behind in the race for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have lost five straight games at Chicago and hope Rodney Stuckey can play better than he did in the last meeting. Stuckey scored a career-high 40 points in a 104-98 win over the Bulls on December 23rd but totaled only 16 in a 107-102 loss on February 20th. Chicago rookie Derrick Rose had 23 points in that victory, and the Bulls are 16-8 when he scores 20 or more this season.
Pistons are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
The OVER is 7-1 in Detroit's last 8 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Richard Hamilton (groin) is doubtful.
F Rasheed Wallace (calf) is OUT.
G Allen Iverson (back) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 91
Bulls (-5.5, O/U 191): Chicago nearly blew a double-digit lead for the second straight game but this time escaped with a 101-99 victory at Washington on Monday. The Bulls had led the Lakers by 14 points on Saturday before suffering a 117-109 loss. “Of course there’s a concern, but the biggest concern is winning and losing,” Chicago head coach Vinny Del Negro said. “That’s what it comes down to. We made enough plays today to win. We were fortunate a little bit at the end, but we got the job done.” The Bulls sit 1.5 games ahead of Charlotte for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Key Injuries - F Luol Deng (shin) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 100 (Side Play of the Day)
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz
Rockets: Houston has once again surprised critics with an outstanding late-season run that has seen the team go 16-4 since losing Tracy McGrady for the season with a knee injury. The Rockets are coming off an impressive 87-85 win at San Antonio on Sunday behind 24 points from Ron Artest. “I would say it’s been a surprising climb to first,” Rockets forward Shane Battier said. “We’ve had so much - just melees this year with all the injuries we’ve had and lineup shuffles and trades. I don’t know that too many people thought we would be here today.”
Road team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-2 in Houston's last 9 games overall.
Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (calf) is OUT.
G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Jazz (-5.5, O/U 193): Utah is not only chasing Denver and Portland for the Northwest Division title but also Houston for the #2 seed in the Western Conference playoff race. The Rockets are just 2.5 games ahead of the Jazz, making this a very important game that could ultimately determine where the teams finish. Utah will likely have center Mehmet Okur back for this matchup after he was poked in the eye in Friday's 101-94 victory at Oklahoma City last Friday. “It feels a lot better now but it still isn’t 100 percent,” Okur said. “I’m going to be alright, hopefully.”
Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-2 in last 9 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - C Mehmet Okur (eye) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 98
Tuesday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Detroit vs. Chicago
Chicago beat this team by 5 at home last time out. In fact, the Bulls have covered the last 6 times these two teams have played. Detroit comes off a late loss to Miami at home as once again Wade gets it done. I believe he should be the MVP of this league, but that is neither here or there. The Pistons have been playing very tough despite not having the services of Iverson, Hamilton or Wallace. Hamilton is doubtful and the other 2 are out for today's contest. There is no line yet on this game. However, if the Pistons are catching some points, it definitely might be worth a look to play on the 'Stones considering how competitive they have been on the road. The Pistons have played 7 of their last 8 over the posted total while the Bulls have gone o/u/o/u/o/u/o/u in their last 8 games.
Lakers vs. OKC
Of course the pub favors the Lakers here by a tune of 65% and it doesnt' seem to matter anymore as heavy favorites are covering at a great rate right now. The Lakers covered the -7.5 last time winning by 14 on the road. The Thunder have revenge here. The Lakers come off a nice win over the Bulls in a big comeback in the second half and 4th quarter. The Lakers have played 7 of 10 unders of late although the last few on the road have been overs and OKC has played 8 of 10 unders of late. I typically lean on the dog here with revenge, but at this rate, why would you go against the Lakers as they seem to cover any spread these days regardless of public favorite or not. A small lean on the under, but with a potential active dog, this could go over.
Houston vs. Utah
Utah beat this team by 7 at home earlier this year so this is a revenge game for Houston. Houston actually beat this team at home the previous 2 times. Houston is a great bet right now as a dog as they won once again on the road at San Antonio. Houston has played the under in 7 of their last 10 games while Utah has played the under 8 of their last 10 games. I know Utah is favored by just -5.5 here but Houston is more than capable of covering this spread as they just won SU at San Antonio - this team won at New Orleans, Charlotte and Denver as well. Houston has won 8 of its last 10 contests.