Inside the Paint - Tuesday
By Chris David
Tuesday’s card features eight games on the card and four of the matchups feature non-conference tilts. A lot of folks still believe the West is better than the East and it’s a fair argument if you look at the standings. Phoenix is currently listed as the odd team out in the West, yet they would be the fourth seed in the East. Even though the West has nine teams with 30-plus wins, they also have six teams that have packed it in months ago. Arguments can be made either way but the East does have the Boston Celtics, who are the defending champions.
Enough debating, let’s break down the games.
Phoenix (34-25 SU, 23-34 ATS) at Orlando (43-16 SU, 37-21 ATS)
Just when you though the Suns were done they put together two solid wins over the weekend, including a 118-111 victory over the Lakers on Sunday as six-point home ‘dogs. Phoenix still trails Dallas by two games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Even though the Suns still have 23 games left on the docket, this four-game road trip against playoff opponents could be a make or break journey for Alvin Gentry’s new squad. The Suns have struggled to a 15-14 SU and 11-17 ATS ledger away from home. The Suns are 6-2 record both SU and ATS since he took over the coaching duties, and the ‘over’ is 6-2 as well.
Orlando appears to be on pace to be the No. 3 seed in the East. The Magic have alternated wins and losses both SU and ATS are off a 106-100 road win against Philadelphia on Saturday. Stan Van Gundy’s team has gone 4-2 since the team acquired point guard Rafer Alston from Houston. Orlando has been a tough out at home this year, posting an impressive 22-7 SU and 17-12 ATS mark at home.
The Suns have won six straight against the Magic, including a 113-112 home victory on Dec. 12. Phoenix’s Grant Hill connected on a game-winning layup with 2.7 second left, which held off a furious rally by Orlando. It should be noted that Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire both had 21 points in the win. Nash is ‘questionable’ and Stoudemire is ‘out’ for tonight. Despite the skid, the Magic have covered four of the last six in this series. The ‘over’ has cashed in eight of the last 10 meetings.
Denver (39-21 SU, 33-26 ATS) at Detroit (29-29 SU, 23-35 ATS)
Chauncey Billups gets to face his former team on Tuesday, when the Nuggets invade The Palace of Auburn Hills. Early in the season, Billups was traded to Denver for Allen Iverson (back), who could miss this matchup. AI has missed the last two games for the Pistons and ironically the team has put together back-to-back wins over the Magic (93-85) and Celtics (105-95) after losing seven in a row.
Denver was going through a bit of a skid recently after dropping three straight games but rebounded with two wins over the Hawks (110-109) and Lakers (90-79). Despite that pair of wins, the Nuggets fell to the Pacers 90-79 on Sunday as two-point road favorites. Denver is one of five teams in the West that owns a winning road record (17-14 SU, 16-15 ATS) this season.
Auburn Hills was once a raucous place for opponents but that hasn’t been the case this season. The team has been outscored 94-93 at home this year, which has translated a 14-15 SU record and a pathetic 7-22 (24%) mark versus the number.
Detroit has won five straight over Denver, including a 93-90 road win on Jan. 9. Billups scored 30 points in his first go ‘round against the Pistons but the Nuggets were outscored by nine points (32-23) in the final 12 minutes. Gamblers should make a note that neither team shot well from the field in this matchup, plus Denver was without Carmelo Anthony. The All-Star could miss again and is listed as ‘doubtful’ for Tuesday.
Toronto (23-38 SU, 23-35 ATS) at Houston (38-22 SU, 28-31 ATS)
The Raptors will try to save some face Tuesday when they wrap up their three-game road trip against Houston. Toronto was blasted 133-113 by Phoenix on Friday and was later humbled by Dallas 109-98 on Sunday. The Raptors are 9-17 against the Western Conference this year, but they did stop Houston 94-73 on Jan. 2 as a five-point home ‘dog.
Houston shot a putrid 34 percent from the field in that loss and most wouldn’t expect a duplicate performance again, especially against a weak Toronto defense. In the last five games, the club has given up 115.8 points per game.
The Rockets haven’t had Tracy McGrady in their lineup for the last eight games. The All-Star has been ruled ‘out’ for the season with a knee injury and it hasn’t affected the team at all. Houston has gone 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS during this run and could be perfect if the club didn’t blow a 17-point fourth quarter lead in a 105-102 loss to Chicago last Saturday.
Houston owns a solid 24-6 (80%) record at home this year, but is just 14-15 ATS. The Raptors are 11-22 SU and 13-18 ATS on the road. The home team has won three straight games in this series by double digits and the ‘under’ is on a 3-0 run.
Indiana (26-36 SU, 33-26 ATS) at Sacramento (13-48 SU, 29-32 ATS)
The last non-conference battle on the board is anything but a battle. The Pacers (7-25 SU, 16-15 ATS) have been garbage on the road and the Kings (9-20 SU, 11-18) have already started to prepare for the summer draft. The ‘over’ has gone 3-1-1 in the last five games and most would believe this game to have an ‘over’ pace.
However, a lack of scoring punch on both teams could definitely see the number go below the total. Danny Granger (foot) is expected to miss for Indiana and his frontcourt partner Mike Dunleavy (knee) has been ruled ‘out’ for the season.
Sacramento point guard Beno Udrih (foot) is listed as ‘questionable’ and appears to be the only creator on the Kings’ offense. He’s missed the last two games and the offense has put up 98 and 89 points, below the team’s average of 99.1 PPG.
Both teams have seen the ‘under’ go 4-1 in their last five games each.
vegasinsider.com
Hot and Cold Bets - Week 18
By Matt Fargo
The NBA is just past the two-third mark and the games are becoming that much more important. Matt Fargo has been 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 few days.
NBA Hot Bets
Tuesday – Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats 7:00 PM ET
Charlotte is back home following a west coast roadtrip that started slow but finished hot. The Bobcats lost at Houston and Phoenix but rebounded to win against the Kings, Warriors and Clippers to close out trek. Those last three teams are garbage but wins are wins and it provides a lot of momentum heading into March. Charlotte is 16-15 at home this season (18-13 ATS) and this includes an 8-4 record as a home favorite (7-5 ATS). The Bobcats won the lone meeting this season against the Bulls in overtime at home and that was one of the 22 road losses for Chicago this season. The Bulls have dropped three straight on the road (0-3 ATS) and the home team is now 6-0 in the last six Chicago games (6-0 ATS). The Bulls are a surprising 14-12 against the Western Conference (16-9-1 ATS) but just 13-21 against the Eastern Conference (13-21 ATS) on the year.
NBA Cold Bets
Tuesday – Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets 8:30 PM ET
Toronto is struggling mightily right now despite going a respectable 4-4 in its last eight games (4-4 ATS). Two of those wins came against a severely slumping Minnesota team so that mark is definitely skewed. The Raptors started this roadtrip 0-2 with blowout losses at Phoenix and Dallas and they are now 1-6 in their last seven road games (1-6 ATS). Toronto is 9-29 as an underdog (13-23-2 ATS) and it will be catching a Houston team out for some revenge. The Rockets lost in Toronto back in January by 21 points, their second worst loss this season behind a loss to the Lakers by 29 points. Houston let one slip away against Chicago on Saturday but got it back on Sunday with an easy win at Minnesota. It is now 7-1 in its last eight games (5-3 ATS) and is 9-0 in its last nine home games (6-2-1 ATS).
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, March 3
Phoenix at Orlando (7 p.m. EST). The Suns, with Shaquille O’Neal coming off two huge games, both wins, take on All-Star center Dwight Howard and the Magic.
STARS
Monday
— Joe Johnson, Hawks, had 16 points and 13 assists as Atlanta completed a 4-0 season sweep of Washington with a 98-89 victory.
— David West, Hornets, chosen the Western Conference player of the week only hours earlier, had 30 points with 10 rebounds to lead New Orleans to a season-high fifth straight win, 98-91 over Philadelphia.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 42 points to outduel Dwyane Wade in Cleveland’s 107-100 win at Miami.
— Russell Westbrook, Thunder, had the first triple-double of his rookie season with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, leading Oklahoma City to a 96-87 victory over Dallas.
— Tony Parker, Spurs, had 26 points and 10 assists in San Antonio’s 106-78 romp at the Los Angeles Clippers.
STREAKS
Washington fell to 0-13 against the Southeast Division, just three games away from becoming the first NBA team to go winless within its division, with a 98-89 loss to Atlanta. … The Hawks last swept the Wizards in 1997-98, also going 4-0. … New Orleans won its fifth in a row, 98-91 at Philadelphia.
STATS
With Caron Butler out (hamstring), the Wizards used their 13th different starting lineup this season in a 98-89 loss to Atlanta. … Tim Duncan had 18 points in San Antonio’s 106-78 win over the Clippers and the 11-time All-Star needs 18 more to overtake Scottie Pippen for 44th place on the career scoring list.
SCORING
When Cleveland’s LeBron James scored 42 points and Miami’s Dwyane Wade had 41, it was the second time James and Wade have each had 40-plus in the same game: James had 47 and Wade 44 on April 1, 2006, when Cleveland won at home over Miami 106-99.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Dwayne Wade had 41 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and seven steals, but that wasn’t enough in Miami’s 107-100 loss to the Cavaliers. … Andre Iguodala scored a season-high 30 points and Andre Miller had 28 for Philadelphia in a 98-91 loss to New Orleans.
SIDELINED
Mavericks forward Josh Howard aggravated his problematic left ankle and left a 96-87 loss at Oklahoma City. Howard missed 11 games earlier this season with the injury and wound up wearing a walking boot to help his recovery. The Thunder were without leading scorers Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Durant had already missed the Thunder’s last game with a sprained right ankle and was joined on the sidelines by Green, who started having back spasms Monday. … Caron Butler was scratched from Washington’s lineup against Atlanta with tightness in his left hamstring. … Zach Randolph was not with the Clippers, having flown to Indianapolis to be with his seriously ill father.
SUSPENDED
The Denver Nuggets suspended Carmelo Anthony for one game for an “in-game transgression” Sunday against Indiana. Anthony won’t play in the Nuggets’ game Tuesday night at Detroit.
SPEAKING
“I just thought that the first three quarters were just a pitiful display for a team that has aspirations to be in the playoffs and try to move up in the standings. We’ve seen this before, too many times. We (mess) around for two to three quarters and then we want Jason Kidd to bail us out with steals and hustle plays and fast-break opportunities. It’s just too much to ask.”—Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle after Dallas’ 96-87 loss to undermanned Oklahoma City.
PHOENIX (34 - 25) at ORLANDO (43 - 16)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (27 - 33) at CHARLOTTE (25 - 35)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (39 - 21) at DETROIT (29 - 29)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-1 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-0 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (26 - 33) at MILWAUKEE (29 - 33)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 35-25 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 207-262 ATS (-81.2 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 45-64 ATS (-25.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE (20 - 39) at MINNESOTA (18 - 41)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO (23 - 38) at HOUSTON (38 - 22)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 31-44 ATS (-17.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 52-33 ATS (+15.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA (26 - 36) at SACRAMENTO (13 - 48)
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 190-149 ATS (+26.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 3-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (15 - 43) at LA LAKERS (48 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 23-34 ATS (-14.4 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 44-63 ATS (-25.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MEMPHIS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MEMPHIS is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 87-73 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 28-10 ATS (+17.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 6-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 6-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO vs. CHARLOTTE
Chicago is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chicago's last 13 games
Charlotte is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Charlotte is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
PHOENIX vs. ORLANDO
Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Phoenix is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Orlando's last 19 games at home
DENVER vs. DETROIT
Denver is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
GOLDEN STATE vs. MINNESOTA
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State
Minnesota is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Golden State
NEW JERSEY vs. MILWAUKEE
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
TORONTO vs. HOUSTON
Toronto is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Houston
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
INDIANA vs. SACRAMENTO
Indiana is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Sacramento is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Indiana
Sacramento is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
MEMPHIS vs. LA LAKERS
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 22-3 SU in their last 25 games at home
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
Hot Teams
-- Magic, Suns both won six of their last eight games.
-- Bobcats won last three games, by 7-3-5 points.
-- Pistons won last two games, by 8-10 points, since Iverson left lineup.
-- Milwaukee is 6-2 vs spread in its last eight home games.
-- Rockets won seven of their last eight games.
-- Pacers covered five of their last six games (4-2 SU).
Cold Teams
-- Bulls lost four of their last five road games.
-- Nuggets covered one of their last five games (2-4 SU).
-- Warriors lost four of their last five games.
-- Nets lost six of their last eight games.
-- Minnesota lost last six games (0-4 vs spread in last four).
-- Raptors lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- Kings lost 18 of their last 21 games (6-2 vs spread in last eight).
-- Grizzlies lost last seven games (4-3 vs spread). Lakers lost last two games, by 11-7 points.
Totals
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-1 in Milwaukee's last eight home games.
-- Seven of last ten Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Golden State's last four road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Houston's last ten home games.
-- Six of last eight Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Laker games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Suns are 3-6-1 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.
-- Bulls are 1-7 vs spread on road if they at home the next night.
-- Bucks covered seven of last nine if they play again next night.
-- Warriors are 1-8 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Houston is 5-8 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Indiana is 9-4-2 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Memphis is 4-5 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.
GoodFellas NBA Notes
by GoodFella
Chicago @ Charlotte
-Charlotte beat Chicago at Charlotte 110-101 as 3 pt home dogs back on Dec. 16th & Charlotte also won at Chicago last year (in January) 90-77, so Chicago is looking for payback tonight-
-Chicago broke a 2 game losing streak with huge come from behind win over Houston on Saturday & the Bulls sit 2 games ahead of Charlotte in the race for the #8 spot in the Eastern Conference-
-Charlotte is playing their 1st game back at home after just completing a 7day 5 game West Coast road trip, that saw them win their L/3 games on that trip over (Sacramento, Golden St. & LA Clippers)-
-Chicago is 4-1-1 ATS L/6 road games vs a team with a winning home record & Chicago is also 7-3-1 ATS their L/11 road games-
-Charlotte is 6-1 ATS L/7 home games vs a team with a losing SU record, but Charlotte is 2-4 ATS L/6 games vs Chicago-
Phoenix @ Orlando
-Phoenix beat Orlando at Phoenix 113-112 as 2 pt favs back on Dec. 12th & Phoenix has actually won 6 straight games over Orlando. Phoenix is 2-4 ATS L/6 road games, with wins over a injuty plagued Clippers team & a win over a Pistons team with all kinds of chemistry issues at the time-
-Phoenix has won 3 of their L/4 games & are coming off a huge home win over the LA Lakers Sunday on national TV. PHX was extremely up for that game & it was probably the best game they have played all season-
-Orlando is coming off a 6 pt win at Philly on Saturday, bouncing back from a home loss to Detroit the night before, & that was only the 7th home loss by Orlando all season-
-Phoenix is 1-4 ATS their L/5 road games vs a team with a winning% of .600 or higher, & Phoenix is also 1-4 ATS L/5 games vs a team with a winning SU record-
-Orlando is 19-7 ATS vs the Western Conference this season, & Orlando is 6-0 SU & 4-2 ATS when they play at home coming off a home loss their previous home game, & the margin of victory in those 6 games is: 18, 13, 7, 24, 29, & 5 pts.
New Jersey @ Milwaukee
-These teams have split 2 meetings this season, with the home team winning both games, but NJ is 2-0 ATS in the 2 games, as NJ won at NJ 99-85 as 4.5 pt favs & Milwaukee won at Milwaukee 104-102 as 7 pt dogs on Jan. 9th-
-NJ has played only 1 game since last Wednesday, & that was a 3 pt home loss to New Orleans on Sunday, & NJ is 1.5 games behind Milwaukee for that coveted #8 spot in the Eastern Conferece-
-Milwaukee is coming off a 16 pt home blowout win over Washington on Saturday, & Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS their L/5 home games vs a team with a losing record, & the Bucks are 6-1 ATS L/7 games as a home favorite of .5 to 4.5-
-NJ is 0-4 ATS L/ road games vs a team with a home win% of .600 or higher & NJ is also 1-5 ATS L/6 games as a road dog. NJ is also 5-1 SU & 6-0 ATS L/6 games vs Milwaukee-
-NJ is 2-5 SU & ATS their L/7 road games with the 2 wins coming over the 76ers & the lowly Wizards. The margin of loss in those 5 losses for NJ is: 15, 26, 17, 17 & 9 pts, so NJ has not been playing well on the road at all despite their 17-11 ATS mark on the road for the season-
Toronto @ Houston
-Toronto beat Houston at Toronto 94-73 as 5 pt home dogs back on Jan. 2nd, & Toronto comes into toights game having lost 2 straight games on their road trip (20 pt loss at PHX & a 11 pt loss at Mavs on Sunday)-
-Houston is 7-1 SU their L/8 games & are coming off a 11 pt win at Minnesota on Sunday. Houston plays at conference rival Utah tomorrow night, so they very well could be looking ahead to that very important game some tonight-
-Houston is 9-0 SU & 6-2-1 ATS L/9 home games & they are 5-1-1 ATS L/7 home games vs a team with a road win% of .400 or less-
-Toronto is 1-7 ATS their L/8 road games & they are also 2-7 ATS their L/9 games following a SU loss-
Monday Research
By Indiancowboy
Chciago vs. Charlotte
I would love to lean on Charlotte here as they return home from a road trip, but Charlotte beat this team in OT at home earlier this year in a massive comeback they were fortunate to win. Chicago too comes off a huge comeback against Houston as they go on the road to Charlotte. Charlotte has covered 3 straight winning at GS, the Clippers and the Kings. Small lean on the Bobcats, but no thanks.
Phoenix vs. Orlando
Phoenix is playing better with the resurgence of Shaq and they have Hill and Nash Probable for this game. Orlando bounce-back at Philly with a nice win despite 70% of the public on them. I just think they are not the same team without Nelson and might not be for quite some time. But, Orlando has revenge against this team from a 1 point loss back in December. This could go either way frankly, a small lean on the under.
Denver vs. Detroit
I would love to lean on Detroit here as they are starting to play better. Read my article on No Iverson = Success. But, the only thing is that Detroit beat this team on January 9th winning 93-90. Denver also comes on back to back losses to Indiana on the road. The Pistons are drastically better without Iverson though which has been showed in their Outright wins over the Magic and Celtics on the highway. A lean on the Pistons here despite Denver coming off a loss and having revenge.
New Jersey vs. Milwaukee
Believe it or not, NJ has covered this series the last 6 contests and last 9 of 10. NJ beat this team by DD at home as -4.5 chalk and now Milwaukee has revenge. NJ has covered 3 straight and now comes off a loss against New Orleans at home. It really is a shame as if this Milwaukee team does not lose Michael Redd, they could have been trulycould have made some noise in the playoffs with the likes of Villanueva, Jefferson and Sessions. A small lean on Milwaukee with revenge here despite NJ coming off a loss
Toronto vs. Houston
Toronto beat this team by 21 last time out at home so Houston has revenge. Houston has been playing better without McGrady and no Marion for this game for Toronto. I know its a lot of points, but Houston is no stranger to starting the game slow and having big third quarters and pulling away. Toronto comes off back to back losses at Dallas and Phoenix so they will look to rebound here, but I don't want to go against a Rocket team at home with revenge.
Indiana vs. Sacramento
Sure, taking Indiana would be nice, but I usually take the Pacers at home. Its tough to take them when 70% of the public is on them despite the fact Sacramento does not have Beno. Keep in mind, Indiana is not all that potent and Sacramento just stinks overall. Just staying away alltogether. These two teams have met each other trice this year and the games have differed by 5, 6, and 6 with Indiana leading the series 2-1 so I can easily see Sac stepping up here potentially at home and burying the public, but then again, I just can't trust Sac.
Memphis vs. L.A. Lakers
Just by principle I'd stay away from this game. I don't want to lay the points, but the Lakers come off back to back losses to the Suns and Nuggets are they return home. They beat this Memphis team by 18 on the road last time, no reason why they can't pummel them at home tonight and the public is actually nearly split on this game.
Injury Updates:
Phoenix: Nash and Hill are Probable.
Chicago: Thomas is Doubtful. Deng is Questionable.
Charlotte: Okafor is Probable.
Denver: Anthony is Out.
Detroit: Iverson is Out.
Golden State: Jackson is Probable. Ellis is OUT. Maggette is OUT. Turiaf is OUT.
Minnesota: Telfair is Questionable.
Toronto: Marion is Questionable.
Sacramento: Udrich is Doubtful.
Memphis: Gay is Probable.
No Iverson = Success:
Have you noticed that the Detroit Pistons have started winning again? Yes, they have even put together a winning streak! Sure, it’s just back-to-back wins, but it’s a winning streak!
For a team, that had lost eight games in a row prior to winning a pair over competent teams in Orlando and Boston, this is striking. Remember, Detroit went on the road to Orlando and won outright as +9.5 underdogs. Then Detroit went on the road to Boston and won Outright as +8.5 Dogs. Heck, Detroit might have beaten New Orleans on the road if Iverson hadn’t played the first 8:16 minutes. Detroit only lost that game by three points as +8.5 dogs. In fact, after Detroit was outscored 13-22 in the first quarter against the Hornets, the Pistons then went on to outscore the Hornets 29-21 in the next quarter with no Iverson.
The bottom line is this team responds to Richard Hamilton as a leader far more than Iverson. They are thrilled that Hamilton is back in the starting lineup and are playing together. Remember, when Iverson is on the court people just stand around waiting for him to do something. But when Hamilton is in the lineup there is a sense of cohesion to this team. Just take a look at the box score of the Magic and Celtic games:
@ Boston:
Richard Hamilton: 25 Points and 9 Assists.
Rodney Stuckey: 10 Points and 5 Assists.
Tayshaun Prince: 15 Points, 8 Rebounds and 3 Assists.
Antonio McDyess: 10 Points and 5 Rebounds.
Rasheed Wallace: 15 Points and 6 Rebounds.
Jason Maxiell: 8 Points.
Walter Hermann: 11 Points
Will Bynum: 9 Points.
@ Orlando:
Richard Hamilton: 31 Points and 6 Assists.
Rodney Stuckey: 22 Points.
Tayshaun Prince: 17 Points.
Antonio McDyess: 8 Points 13 Rebounds.
Rasheed Wallace: 6 Points 10 Rebounds.
You better believe that when Iverson comes back, this type of productivity will not be there anymore.
Folks, Allen Iverson is a poison to team chemistry everywhere. Joe, make the right decision: get rid of Iverson or simply ask him to fake an injury the rest of this year – your team getting into the playoffs depends on this.