Wednesday Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The Wednesday NBA card provides bettors with eleven games to wager on, including several important games involving Northwest Division teams. We'll focus on four games in the association, highlighted by two young teams that are making bettors money over the last few weeks.
Bulls (21-22 SU, 20-21-2 ATS) at Thunder (24-20, 27-17 ATS)
Chicago has turned into road warriors on their seven-game trip, winning three straight after an 0-2 start. The Bulls head to Oklahoma City to battle a Thunder team that tries to snap a two-game skid following close losses at Memphis and Cleveland.
Vinny Del Negro's squad began the season dropping 11 of its first 12 games away from the United Center, but the Bulls are 5-3 SU and 7-1 ATS the last eight on the road. Following losses to the Warriors and Clippers to start this trip, the Bulls have pulled off impressive victories at Phoenix, Houston, and San Antonio.
Oklahoma City has thrived and suffered through several cardiac finishes over the last week, playing four games that were decided by a total of eight points. The Thunder pulled off last-minute victories at Atlanta and Minnesota, but then fell in the same fashion to the Grizzlies and Cavs. OKC did manage to cover three of four times on that trip, with the lone non-cover coming against the Wolves as road favorites.
The Thunder knocked off the Bulls at the United Center earlier this month, 98-85. Chicago was held to 35% shooting from the floor, while Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 54 points for the victorious Thunder.
Hawks (29-14 SU, 29-14 ATS) at Spurs (25-18 SU, 21-21-1 ATS)
Somehow the home-court advantage of the AT&T Center is slowly disappearing, as the Spurs have lost three straight home games. San Antonio tries to snap its skid against an Atlanta club that is one of the top road underdogs in the league (7-2 ATS and 5-4 SU).
The Spurs went on a 15-4 SU run from December to mid-January, but San Antonio has gone through a cold stretch recently, dropping five of six. As a favorite, the Spurs have burned bettors with a 1-6 ATS mark the last seven when laying points. However, San Antonio has owned Atlanta over the years, winning nine of the last ten meetings.
The Hawks go for a sweep of their Texas two-step after beating the Rockets on Monday, 102-95. Atlanta has won eight of ten, while owning several impressive outright road victories this season at Boston twice, Portland, and Dallas.
Atlanta owns one of the top marks against teams off a loss, going 18-8 SU and 17-8-1 ATS. However, the Hawks are 2-2-1 ATS in this spot as an underdog.
Nuggets (30-14 SU, 20-22-2 ATS) at Rockets (24-20 SU, 22-22 ATS)
Two teams going in opposite directions meet up in Houston, as the Nuggets go for their eighth straight victory. The Rockets, meanwhile, have covered just two of their last 11 games.
Denver is expected to get leading scorer Carmelo Anthony back in the lineup after missing Monday's victory over Charlotte with a sprained ankle. The Nuggets have been a tough team to back on the road, going 1-7-1 ATS the previous nine away from the Pepsi Center. Some of the SU losses are very questionable, with the Nuggets falling to the Bobcats, Pistons, Kings, Clippers, and Bucks as road 'chalk.'
Houston won seven straight games both SU and ATS at home from December to early January, but the Rockets are now 0-5 ATS the last five at the Toyota Center. Rick Adelman's team has outright losses as favorites to the Heat, Hawks, and Bulls in this stretch, while slipping past the Wolves and Bucks in overtime.
Since the start of last season, home teams off two straight home losses taking on a team off a victory are 14-4 ATS. However, the last team in this spot played Monday, when the Spurs fell at home to the Bulls, so tread lightly.
Jazz (26-18 SU, 26-16-2 ATS) at Blazers (27-19 SU, 24-21-1 ATS)
The Nuggets better watch their back in the Northwest Division, as the Jazz and Blazers each sit four games behind the top spot in the division. Utah has captured seven of eight, while being one of the top January clubs in the league. Portland, meanwhile, tries to bounce back after a heartbreaking one-point home loss to New Orleans on Monday.
The Jazz rallied from 17 points down to knock off the Suns on Monday night, 124-115. Utah is 6-2-1 ATS the last nine on the road, but Jerry Sloan's squad has been listed as a favorite just once in that span - and failed to cover at Minnesota.
The Blazers are still without Brandon Roy, as the team's leading scorer is out with a hamstring injury. Portland is 4-1 ATS as an underdog with Roy out of the lineup this season, including SU wins over San Antonio and Orlando.
The home team has won each of the last eight meetings, with the Blazers claiming the previous four at the Rose Garden against the Jazz. Utah ran Portland out in Salt Lake City in late November, 108-92, as the Jazz shot a blistering 60% from the floor.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Pau Gasol dropped 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Lakers got past the Wizards 115-103 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles covered as 8-point road favorites, while the game played OVER the 199-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Danny Granger had 26 points and eight rebounds to lead the Pacers over the 76ers 109-98 on Monday night.
Indiana cashed as 5.5-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 208.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 34-11 SU, 20-25 ATS
Indiana: 16-29 SU, 20-25 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 1-9
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
LA Lakers are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 15 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Indiana is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Philadelphia, Friday, January 29
Indiana home to Cleveland, Friday, January 29
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors
The Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Air Canada Centre.
Dwyane Wade went for 32 points and 10 boards for Miami in its 92-91 loss to Cleveland on Monday night.
Cleveland cashed as a road pick 'em, while the teams played UNDER the 190-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Raptors defeated the Lakers 106-105 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208).
Andrea Bargnani scored 22 points to go with eight rebounds for Toronto, while Chris Bosh added 18 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 23-21 SU, 22-21-1 ATS
Toronto: 23-22 SU, 22-23 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami
Next up:
Miami at Detroit, Friday, January 29
Toronto at New York, Thursday, January 28
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
Corey Brewer drained 22 points for Minnesota in its 132-105 loss to New York on Tuesday night.
New York covered as 6.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 208-point total set by sportsbooks.
LeBron James dropped 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lift the Cavaliers over the Heat 92-91 on Monday night.
Cleveland cashed as a road pick 'em, while the teams played UNDER the 190-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 4 straight games.
Cleveland has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 9-37 SU, 22-23-1 ATS
Cleveland: 35-11 SU, 21-23-2 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing New York are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Miami are 9-1
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Minnesota's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota home to LA Clippers, Friday, January 29
Cleveland at Indiana, Friday, January 29
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Detroit Pistons will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Zach Randolph went for 23 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies over the Magic 99-94 on Monday night.
Memphis cashed as 2-point home underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 205-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Pistons were defeated 97-93 by the Trail Blazers last time out, as 2.5-point favorites. That game's 190 points made it OVER the posted total of 182.5.
Richard Hamilton had 25 points with five rebounds and nine assists in that loss.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 2 straight games.
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 24-19 SU, 25-18 ATS
Detroit: 15-28 SU, 19-23-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Portland are 8-2
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Memphis's last 9 games on the road
Memphis is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at San Antonio, Friday, January 29
Detroit home to Miami, Friday, January 29
Los Angeles Clippers vs. New Jersey Nets
The Los Angeles Clippers and the New Jersey Nets will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Izod Center.
Rasual Butler scored 17 points for Los Angeles in its 95-89 loss to Boston on Monday night.
Boston couldn't cover as 11.5-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 189-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Nets were defeated 116-83 by the Jazz last time out, as 16.5-point underdogs. That game's 199 points went UNDER the posted total of 201.5.
Brook Lopez shot 5-for-7 from the field with 14 points and five rebounds for the Nets.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 11 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 20-24 SU, 22-22 ATS
New Jersey: 3-40 SU, 13-29-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Utah are 4-6
After a loss are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing New Jersey
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
New Jersey is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Jersey's last 13 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Minnesota, Friday, January 29
New Jersey home to Washington, Friday, January 29
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Bradley Center.
Andre Iguodala went for 22 points and seven boards for Philadelphia in its 109-98 loss to Indiana on Monday night.
Indiana cashed as 5.5-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 208.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Andrew Bogut put up 32 points and nine boards for Milwaukee in its 108-107 loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.
Dallas failed to cover as 6.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 197-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 15-29 SU, 19-25 ATS
Milwaukee: 18-25 SU, 25-18 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia home to LA Lakers, Friday, January 29
Milwaukee home to Miami, Saturday, January 30
Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Ford Center.
Derrick Rose went for 27 points and six assists to lead the Bulls over the Spurs 98-93 on Monday night.
Chicago cashed as 8-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 198-point total set by sportsbooks.
The Thunder fell 100-99 to the Cavaliers last time out, as 8-point underdogs. The 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 189.
Kevin Durant had a double-double with 34 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 21-22 SU, 20-21-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 24-20 SU, 27-17 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing New Orleans are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 8-2
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Denver are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Chicago is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago at New Orleans, Friday, January 29
Oklahoma City home to Denver, Friday, January 29
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets
The Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Toyota Center.
Chauncey Billups finished with 27 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds to lead the Nuggets over the Bobcats 104-93 on Monday night.
Denver covered as 5.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 195.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Carl Landry scored 16 points for Houston in its 102-95 loss to Atlanta on Monday night.
Atlanta cashed as 1-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 197.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Denver has won 7 straight games.
Houston has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 30-14 SU, 20-22-2 ATS
Houston: 24-20 SU, 22-22 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Denver
Next up:
Denver at Oklahoma City, Friday, January 29
Houston home to Portland, Friday, January 29
Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Atlanta Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at AT&T Center.
Josh Smith had 22 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals to lead the Hawks past the Rockets 102-95 on Monday night.
Atlanta cashed as 1-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 197.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Tony Parker had 20 points, eight assists, and six boards for San Antonio in its 98-93 loss to Chicago on Monday night.
Chicago cashed as 8-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 198-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
San Antonio has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-14 SU, 29-14 ATS
San Antonio: 25-18 SU, 21-21-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Houston are 1-9
After a win are 5-5
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing San Antonio
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
San Antonio is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Boston, Friday, January 29
San Antonio home to Memphis, Friday, January 29
Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Wednesday when the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers meet at Rose Garden.
Andrei Kirilenko dropped 25 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Jazz over the Suns 124-115 on Monday night.
Utah covered as 7-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 221.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Juwan Howard went for 16 points and seven boards off the bench for Portland in its 98-97 loss to New Orleans on Monday night.
New Orleans cashed as 2.5-point road underdogs, while the game played OVER the 188.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Utah has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 26-18 SU, 26-16-2 ATS
Portland: 27-19 SU, 25-20-1 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Sacramento are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 9-1
After a win are 6-4
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Utah is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Utah
Next up:
Utah home to Sacramento, Friday, January 29
Portland at Houston, Friday, January 29
New Orleans Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors
The fans at Oracle Arena will be treated to a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Golden State Warriors when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Chris Paul posted 24 points, 12 assists, and five steals to lift the Hornets past the Trail Blazers 98-97 on Monday night.
New Orleans cashed as 2.5-point road underdogs, while the game played OVER the 188.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Stephen Curry had 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for Golden State in its 99-96 loss to Sacramento on Tuesday night.
Sacramento couldn't cover as 6-point home favorites, while the game played UNDER the 219-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 24-20 SU, 21-23 ATS
Golden State: 13-30 SU, 25-17-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Golden State
New Orleans is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
New Orleans is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Golden State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Chicago, Friday, January 29
Golden State home to Charlotte, Friday, January 29
Tips and Trends
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
Hawks: Atlanta will be looking to break an 11 game losing streak SU in San Antonio tonight. Atlanta traditionally struggles in Texas, and just ended a 10 game losing streak to Houston before coming to San Antonio. The Hawks are having a great season, as they are 29-14 SU and in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are 11-9 SU and 13-7 ATS on the road this season. Atlanta is also 7-2 ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Hawks have scored more than 100 PTS in 4 of their past 5 games, and for the season they average nearly 103 PPG which ranks them 7th in the NBA. 5 different Hawks players average double digits, led by F Joe Johnson and his 21 PPG. Dynamic F Josh Smith is playing his best basketball of the season, as he's scored more than his 15 PPG season average in 4 of his past 5 games. Atlanta is playing better defense of late, holding opponents to 97 PTS or fewer in 6 of their past 7 games.
Hawks are 7-2 ATS last 9 games as a road underdog.
Under is 13-5 last 18 games as an underdog.
Key Injuries - None.
PROJECTED SCORE: 92
Spurs (-3.5, O/U 195): San Antonio has had a roller coaster season this year. Just as we thought they were making a push up the standings, they lose 3 straight games SU, and 5 of their past 6 games SU. In their current 3 game losing streak, they've been at home and the listed favorite each time. The Spurs are currently 25-18 SU and 6th in the Western Conference playoff chase. At home the Spurs are 17-9 SU and 13-12-1 ATS this season. The Spurs are also 8-8 as a single digit home favorite this season. The Spurs will be looking to avoid losing 4 straight home games SU since 2002 tonight. Inconsistency on both sides of the ball continue to haunt the Spurs this season. San Antonio is led by F Tim Duncan, who is averaging nearly 20 PPG and 10 RPG, leading the team in both categories. F Richard Jefferson continues to disappoint, as he's only averaging 12 PPG, 7 PTS off his career average.
Spurs are 1-5 ATS last 6 games as a home favorite.
Under is 7-1 last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Injuries - G Michael Finley (ankle) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 96 (UNDER - Total of the Day)