Tuesday's Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
**Hawks at Raptors**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Atlanta (43-34 straight up, 41-35-1 against the spread) as a one-point favorite with a total of 198. As of Monday night, most books had the Hawks as one-point ‘chalk’ with the total bumped down to 197.
--Toronto (30-46 SU, 30-44-1 ATS) has caught fire recently, winning six of its last seven games both SU and ATS. The Raptors saw their six-game winning streak snapped Sunday in a 112-103 loss to the Knicks as 5 ½-point home favorites. Chris Bosh had 31 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.
--Mike Woodson’s team is currently in the No. 4 spot of the Eastern Conference standings. With five games left, the Hawks own a two-game advantage over the Miami Heat for this all-important slot that provides home-court advantage in a first-round playoff series.
--Atlanta has lost three straight games, five of its last six and six of its last eight. The Hawks dropped an 88-82 decision to Orlando at home Saturday as 1 ½-point underdogs. Josh Smith had 19 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
--Atlanta is 14-24 SU and 19-19 ATS on the road this season. The Hawks have lost five consecutive road games, going 1-4 ATS during that stretch.
--Toronto has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Raptors are 17-21 SU and 15-22-1 ATS at home this year.
--Joe Johnson is the catalyst for the Hawks, leading the team in scoring with a 21.3 points per game average. The Arkansas product also averages 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebonds per contest.
--Bosh is the Raptors’ franchise player, averaging 22.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. He has posted double-doubles in seven straight games.
--Atlanta forward Marvin Williams (14.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG) remains out with a back injury. The team is hoping Williams might be able to return for the playoffs. Acie Law (back) is “questionable” at Toronto.
--These Eastern Conference rivals have already met three times this season with the home team prevailing in each spot. However, the Hawks covered the number in a 93-88 loss at Toronto on Nov. 28 as six-point underdogs. Likewise, the Raptors took the cash in an 87-84 loss at Atlanta as 7 ½-point ‘dogs on Jan. 19. In the first encounter back on Nov. 7, Atlanta cruised to a 110-92 victory as a two-point home ‘chalk.’ The ‘under’ has cashed in two of the three head-to-head meetings.
--Toronto has seen the ‘over’ go 44-32 overall, 20-18 in its home assignments. Meanwhile, the ‘under’ is 40-35-2 overall for the Hawks, 18-18-2 in their road games.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eastern.
**Hornets at Heat**
--LVSC opened Miami (41-36 SU, 37-38-2 ATS) as a two-point favorite with a total of 188 ½. As of Monday night, most spots had the Heat as four-point ‘chalk’ with the total adjusted to 190.
--As previously mentioned, Miami is trying to catch Atlanta for home-court advantage in a first-round series. In addition, the Heat is just one-half game in front of Philadelphia for the fifth slot. Therefore, this is a crucial game for D-Wade and Co. because they certainly don’t want to play Orlando or Boston (who are battling for the No. 2 and 3 slots in the East) in the first round.
--New Orleans (47-29 SU, 32-42-2 ATS) is currently holding the sixth spot in the West, one-half game ahead of Utah and one game behind fifth-place Portland. The Hornets are also within reach of the fourth spot (and home-court advantage), 1 ½ games back of Houston, not to mention two games behind the Spurs for the No. 3 seed.
--Miami has won back-to-back games, including Saturday’s 118-104 win at Washington as a 1 ½-point road ‘chalk.’
--Miami has posted a 26-12 SU record and an 18-19-1 ATS ledger at home this season. Meanwhile, the Hornets are 20-17 SU and 14-22-1 ATS on the road.
--The ‘under’ is on a 10-3 run for the Hornets. They have watched the ‘under’ go 42-32-2 overall, 18-17-2 in their road games.
--The ‘under’ is 38-37-2 overall for the Heat, 19-18-1 in their home outings.
--New Orleans guard/forward James Posey and center Tyson Chandler are both “out.” Miami power forward Udonis Haslem (thumb) is also “out.”
--New Orleans is 6-0-1 ATS in its last seven games against the Heat. The ‘over’ is 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings even though the ‘under’ has cashed in the last two encounters.
VegasInsider.com
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, April 7
Orlando at Houston (8:30 p.m. EDT). The Magic are a half-game behind the Celtics for the second spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Rockets are a half-game ahead of Portland for fourth in the West.
HALL-OF-FAMERS
Michael Jordan was elected to the Hall of Fame class of 2009 on Monday, set for induction in September with his Dream Team teammates David Robinson and John Stockton. Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers women’s coach C. Vivian Stringer are also part of the class that will be inducted Sept. 10-12 in Springfield, Mass., home of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
NO MANU
Manu Ginobili will miss the rest of the season and playoffs for San Antonio after tests Monday revealed that his troubled right ankle has gotten worse. Ginobili sat out the fourth quarter in Sunday’s blowout loss at Cleveland, and his absence leaves the Spurs limping toward the postseason in search of a fifth NBA title since 1999. Ginobili missed 19 games after the All-Star break to heal a stress reaction in his right distal fibula. He returned March 25, but tests showed the stubborn injury is now a fracture. The Spurs said Ginobili wasn’t expected to need surgery.
SUSPENDED
The Los Angeles Clippers suspended forward Zach Randolph for two games on Monday after he was arrested for investigation of drunken driving following the team’s 88-85 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Two California Highway Patrol officers saw a white Rolls Royce weaving on Interstate 405 around 2:25 a.m., Officer Tony Garrett said. The officers pulled the car over and identified Randolph as the driver. Garrett said alcohol could be smelled inside the car. After conducting a field sobriety test, the officers arrested Randolph and took him to the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles.
STATUS
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo left practice after turning his ankle, but coach Doc Rivers said it did not appear that the injury was serious. Rondo was seen limping off the floor Monday at the team’s practice facility. Rondo has sprained his right ankle twice previously this season but has only missed two games. Rivers said he did not know which ankle Rondo injured. … Meanwhile, Rivers said Kevin Garnett was making improvement as he rehabs his sprained right knee, and could return April 14 at Philadelphia.
SIGNED
The New York Knicks have signed guard Joe Crawford through the remainder of the season. The 6-foot-5 Crawford has been with the Knicks on a 10-day contract and has yet to appear in a game. The rookie played 43 games for the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA’s Development League before joining New York on March 27.
SPEAKING
“I don’t like being up here for the Hall of Fame because at that time your basketball career is completely over. I was hoping this day would be 20 more years, or actually go in when I’m dead and gone.”—Michael Jordan, after learning about his selection for the 2009 Hall of Fame induction class on Monday.
Game of the day: Magic at Rockets
By The Prez
Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets (-1, 189.5)
Season series
The Rockets were a thorn in Orlando’s side in the first meeting this year and have been over the past few years. Houston’s Yao Ming outplayed a foul-prone Dwight Howard in a 100-95 Rockets win in Orlando on Nov. 22, one of just eight Magic home losses this season.
Houston did get a combined 45 points in that game from Tracy McGrady, Rafer Alston and Carl Landry. None of the three will be on the court for Houston on Tuesday. McGrady is of course out for the year, Landry hasn’t played since getting shot a few weeks ago (although he might by Friday) and Alston is now a member of the Magic.
The Magic had Jameer Nelson in that first game, and he’s done for the season, but didn’t have Hedo Turkoglu.
The Rockets have won seven in a row in this series and covered in 11 of the past 13 meetings, although the road team has covered six of the past seven in the series overall.
How they enter
While both teams have clinched playoff berths, both have plenty to play for.
Houston beat Portland on 102-88 on Sunday behind 30 fourth-quarter points, the Rockets’ most in that quarter since March 6. The Rockets outscored their opponents in the fourth quarter just four times over their last 14 games.
The win gave Houston the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Blazers, although the Rockets are still in the race for the Southwest Division title.
“We have to keep it going against Orlando and when we play other teams down the stretch, we have to keep it going,” Houston’s Von Wafer said.
As for Orlando, it had an impressive weekend, beating Cleveland by 29 on Friday (improving Orlando to 17-2 following a loss) and winning at Atlanta on Saturday. The bench was strong in both games, with 40 points on Friday and winning the battle of reserves by five points Saturday thanks to 11 from J.J. Redick.
Mickael Pietrus did play Friday and is questionable for tonight's game. He has missed 27 games this season.
The Magic probably have the most to gain if Boston’s Kevin Garnett can’t play again in the regular season. Orlando is just a half-game behind the Celtics for the No. 2 spot in the East.
After this game, the Magic will be favored (barring injury, etc.) in their five remaining matchups because they won't face another team with a winning record.
A few numbers
A win Tuesday would be the Magic’s 58th this season, becoming the second winningest team in franchise history. The 1996-97 club finished 60-22. Also by beating the Rockets, the Magic will improve their road record to 28-11, passing last season's franchise-best road record of 27 wins.
Howard has had an NBA-high nine 20-20 (points rebounds)games this season.
The Magic are 18-5 since acquiring Alston, and the former Rocket credits the injured Nelson, who remains around the team on a daily basis.
"He's actually helped me have a full grasp of the plays and certain sets, where to expect certain guys to be," Alston said.
The Rockets are 31-8 at home, which equals the best single-season win total at Toyota Center (31-10 in 2007-08).
Orlando has covered five of its past six road games, while Houston has covered three straight at home.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Bobcats
The 76ers lost to New Jersey 96-67 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196).
Louis Williams led the 76ers with 14 points and Samuel Dalembert had nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Bobcats lost to Detroit 104-97 as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (176).
D.J. Augustin led the Bobcats with 22 points and Raymond Felton netted 18 points
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 40-36 SU, 35-39-2 ATS
Charlotte: 34-43 SU, 46-31 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Oklahoma City are 3-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia at Chicago, Thursday, April 9
Charlotte at Oklahoma City, Friday, April 10
Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors
The Hawks were defeated 88-82 by the Magic last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 170 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Josh Smith had 19 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double in that loss.
The Raptors lost to New York 112-103 as a 5.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (217.5).
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 31 points and 14 rebounds, while Andrea Bargnani netted 18 points.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 43-34 SU, 41-35-1 ATS
Toronto: 30-46 SU, 30-43-3 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 18 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Atlanta is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta at Milwaukee, Wednesday, April 8
Toronto at Indiana, Wednesday, April 8
New Orleans Hornets vs. Miami Heat
The Hornets lost to Utah 108-94 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (192).
David West led New Orleans with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Paul delivered 19 points and 12 assists.
Dwyane Wade dropped a game-high 33 points to help the Heat defeat the Wizards 118-104 on Saturday. The Heat covered the 2-point spread, while the combined 222 points sailed OVER the posted total of 201.5.
Jermaine O'Neal and Yakhouba Diawara had 16 points apiece in that win.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Miami has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 47-29 SU, 32-42-2 ATS
Miami: 41-36 SU, 38-38-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New Orleans's last 13 games when playing on the road against Miami
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 13 games
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 13 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Orleans home to Phoenix, Wednesday, April 8
Miami at Boston, Friday, April 10
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Trail Blazers lost to Houston 102-88 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (184.5).
LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy each scored 22 points for the Blazers.
The Grizzlies won their fifth straight by knocking off the Bucks 107-102 on Saturday, as 7-point underdogs. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.5.
Rudy Gay led the way with 26 points, while Mike Conley had 17 points, six rebounds and nine assists in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 48-28 SU, 41-35 ATS
Memphis: 22-54 SU, 35-40-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Next up:
Portland at San Antonio, Wednesday, April 8
Memphis at Orlando, Wednesday, April 8
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tony Parker had a team-high 24 points in the Spurs' 101-81 loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon.
The Cavaliers had no trouble covering the 5.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell just UNDER the day's posted total (182.5).
The Thunder lost to Indiana 117-99 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (211).
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 25 points and Nick Collison had 15 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 49-27 SU, 37-37-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 21-55 SU, 42-33-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games
Oklahoma City is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Portland, Wednesday, April 8
Oklahoma City at Denver, Wednesday, April 8
New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls
The Knicks defeated Toronto 112-103 as a 5.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (217.5).
Wilson Chandler scored 17 points for New York and David Lee added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Six players reached double-figures in helping the Bulls defeat the Nets 103-94 last time out. The Bulls covered the 8-point spread, but the 197 points went UNDER the posted total of 207.5.
Ben Gordon tossed in 18 points, while Derrick Rose had 15 points, four rebounds and five assists in that win.
Team records:
New York: 30-47 SU, 44-32-1 ATS
Chicago: 37-40 SU, 40-36-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
New York is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New York's last 13 games
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
Chicago is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
Chicago is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing New York
Next up:
New York home to Detroit, Wednesday, April 8
Chicago home to Philadelphia, Thursday, April 9
Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets
The Magic dominated the second half and closed out a 88-82 victory over the Hawks on Saturday. The Magic covered the 1.5-point spread, while the 170 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Dwight Howard led the Magic with 21 points and 22 rebounds in a double-double performance.
The Rockets defeated Portland 102-88 as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (184.5).
Yao Ming scored 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds for Houston, while Luis Scola added 16 points in the win.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 57-19 SU, 48-27-1 ATS
Houston: 49-28 SU, 37-39-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
Houston is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
Houston is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
Next up:
Orlando home to Memphis, Wednesday, April 8
Houston at Sacramento, Thursday, April 9
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
The Lakers defeated the Clippers 88-85 as a 16.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210).
Lamar Odom scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant also scored 18 points in the win.
The Kings lost to Golden State 105-100 as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (241.5).
Bobby Jackson led Sacramento with 17 points and Beno Udih had 16 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 61-16 SU, 38-38-1 ATS
Sacramento: 16-60 SU, 36-40 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 9-1
After playing LA Clippers are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Sacramento
LA Lakers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Denver, Thursday, April 9
Sacramento home to Houston, Thursday, April 9
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Timberwolves lost to Denver 110-87 as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (208.5).
Sebastian Telfair led the Timberwolves with 18 points and Shelden Williams had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Clippers lost to the Lakers 88-85 as a 16.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (210).
Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 24 points and Zach Randolph had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 22-55 SU, 34-41-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 18-59 SU, 30-47 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 1-9
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota at Golden State, Wednesday, April 8
LA Clippers home to Sacramento, Friday, April 10
ATLANTA (43 - 34) at TORONTO (30 - 46)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 30-43 ATS (-17.3 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 27-42 ATS (-19.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
TORONTO is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-5 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA (40 - 36) at CHARLOTTE (34 - 43)
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-5 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (47 - 29) at MIAMI (41 - 36)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-42 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-40 ATS (-23.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 70-87 ATS (-25.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 31-47 ATS (-20.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
MIAMI is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-0 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (48 - 28) at MEMPHIS (22 - 54)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
MEMPHIS is 71-86 ATS (-23.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 50-65 ATS (-21.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 7-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 8-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (49 - 27) at OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 55)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-3 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
NEW YORK (30 - 47) at CHICAGO (37 - 40)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 51-74 ATS (-30.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 44-32 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games this season.
NEW YORK is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW YORK is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (57 - 19) at HOUSTON (49 - 28)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 49-27 ATS (+19.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
ORLANDO is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 21-5 ATS (+15.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 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
LA LAKERS (61 - 16) at SACRAMENTO (16 - 60)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-5 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (22 - 55) at LA CLIPPERS (18 - 59)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Toronto is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHARLOTTE
Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
NEW ORLEANS vs. MIAMI
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New Orleans
PORTLAND vs. MEMPHIS
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Memphis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
SAN ANTONIO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
San Antonio is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
Oklahoma City is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
NEW YORK vs. CHICAGO
New York is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
New York is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Chicago is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
ORLANDO vs. HOUSTON
Orlando is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Orlando is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Houston is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
LA LAKERS vs. SACRAMENTO
LA Lakers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
LA Lakers are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
MINNESOTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
ATLANTA at TORONTO
ATLANTA: 23-14 ATS off home game
TORONTO: 2-13 ATS off 3+ Unders
PHILADELPHIA at CHARLOTTE
PHILADELPHIA: 6-14 ATS off BB Unders
CHARLOTTE: 12-4 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
NEW ORLEANS at MIAMI
NEW ORLEANS: 29-16 ATS off BB losses
MIAMI: 4-13 ATS after a DD win
PORTLAND at MEMPHIS
PORTLAND: 29-20 ATS as a favorite
MEMPHIS: 3-14 ATS vs. Northwest Division
SAN ANTONIO at OKLAHOMA CITY
SAN ANTONIO: 11-2 UNDER off BB non-conference games
OKLAHOMA CITY: 13-4 ATS vs. Southwest Division
NEW YORK at CHICAGO
NEW YORK: 11-3 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
CHICAGO: 10-22 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
ORLANDO at HOUSTON
ORLANDO: 11-2 ATS as a road underdog
HOUSTON: 10-26 ATS after an ATS win
LA LAKERS at SACRAMENTO
LA LAKERS: 11-3 OVER off BB home wins
SACRAMENTO: 1-5 ATS off a division loss
MINNESOTA at LA CLIPPERS
MINNESOTA: 17-5 Over in April
LA CLIPPERS: 3-10 ATS off division loss
Tips and Trends
Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Magic (-1, O/U 188.5): Orlando's Dwight Howard wasn't happy following an 88-82 victory at Atlanta on Sunday. His team shot just 38 percent from the field and remains a half-game behind Boston for the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. “We didn’t play with good enough energy like we needed to, so we really had to grind it out,” Howard said. “We weren’t focused at the beginning of the game. I talked to my guys and told them we’ve got to kick it up. We’re playing for something right now.”
Magic are 2-11 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Orlando's last 11 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Mickael Pietrus (knee) is questionable.
G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 93 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Rockets: Howard has struggled in nine career meetings with Houston, averaging just 12.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting and 10.4 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Houston's Yao Ming has averaged 24 points on 55.6 percent shooting and 9.8 rebounds vs. Howard. The Rockets are still trying to clinch home-court advantage in the first round. “We play as hard as any team in the league,” Rockets head coach Rick Adelman said. “We for the most part defend, but it’s our concentration during parts of the game that lacks, and you can’t afford to do that. I know we have young guys in a lot of spots, but that’s something that we have to continue to get better (at) in the last five games.”
Rockets are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games vs. Southeast Division.
The OVER is 3-1 in Houston's last 4 games overall.
Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (calf) is OUT.
F Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92
Hot Teams
-- Raptors won six of their last seven games.
-- 76ers won three of their last four games.
-- Miami won five of its last six home games.
-- Grizzlies won five of their last six games. Portland is 7-3 in last ten.
-- Bulls won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Rockets won six of their last nine games. Magic won eight of nine.
-- Lakers won three in row, eight of last ten games.
Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost three in row, five of last six games.
-- Bobcats lost their last three games, by 2-5-7 points.
-- Hornets are 3-4 in last seven games, 4-8 vs spread in last twelve.
-- Thunder lost seven of its last nine games. Spurs lost three of last four games, are now without Ginobili for the season.
-- Knicks lost ten of last twelve games, covered six of last nine.
-- Kings lost four in row, nine of last eleven games.
-- Clippers lost five in row, eight of last nine games. Minnesota is 2-9 in its last eleven games.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Last three Charlotte games all went over the total.
-- Three of last four Miami games went over the total.
-- Last four Memphis games went over the total.
-- Under is 13-5 in last eighteen Oklahoma City games.
-- Five of last six New York games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3 in Orlando's last eleven games.
-- Last seven Laker games stayed under the total; four of Sacramento's last five games went over.
-- Five of last six Clipper games went over the total.
Back-to-Back
-- Atlanta is 2-6 vs spread last eight times they had game the next nite.
-- Hornets are 6-5-1 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Grizzlies covered six in row when they play again the next night.
-- Spurs are 6-7 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Knicks are 3-6 vs spread last nine times they play again next night.
-- Orlando covered last three times they had another game next night.
-- Minnesota covered one of last six if they play again the next night.