Wednesday's Best NBA Bets
Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers
So have Cavs coach Byron Scott and forward J.J. Hickson kissed and made up? The Akron Beacon Journal reports the feuding pair sat down for a little discussion earlier this week to try and sort out their differences.
Scott is a coach puts a premium on effort – something he doesn’t think Hickson, who happens to be Cleveland’s most talented player, is giving the coach much of this season.
''It's no secret our relationship hasn't been the best,'' Hickson told the Akron newspaper. ''But as a young player, it's up to me to be humbled by the whole situation and listen to him. He played in the league for a long time. Who am I to question his actions?''
Scott hasn’t given Hickson a spot back in Cleveland’s starting 5, but the former Laker great has seen improvement.
''It takes some guys a little longer than others,'' he said. ''Some guys, you have to hit over the head 10 times instead of five times. I've said from Day One, all I want is the best for him. My job here is to win basketball games and play the guys I feel can help me win those games.''
Raptors coach Jay Triano should get back Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani this week – two guys who definitely help Toronto win games.
Pick: Raptors
Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets
Three years’ ago, Portland’s future seemed as brighter than any team in the Association. They had just drafted Greg Oden, a franchise center, and guard Brandon Roy was blossoming into a Top 20 player in the league. Now it appears the Blazers will have to rebuild without either player leading the way.
We all know Greg Oden’s brittle body ruined his young NBA career and now it appears Roy may suffer the same fate. The All-Star guard doesn’t have cartilage in either of his knees which has forced him to alter his game and sit numerous games this season.
“Unfortunately, Brandon Roy’s condition has not significantly improved and we’ve decided to hold him out indefinitely,” GM Rich Cho said in a statement just before the New Year. “In the short term, we’re going to proceed with an extended period of rest. Beyond that, we’re looking at all available treatment options to help better determine a course of action.”
The Blazers seem to be coping with Roy in the lineup better as of late. They’re 3-1 against the spread in their last four games and they’ve won two start, both by double-digit margins.
Pick: Blazers
NBA Odds: Hornets, Warriors in New Orleans
By: Brad Young
Golden State (13-21 straight up, 17-16-1 against the spread) concludes a three-game road trip trying to snap a two-game SU losing streak. The Warriors will be facing New Orleans (21-14 SU, 18-16-1 ATS), a team that enters Wednesday’s matchup riding a three-game SU and ATS winning streak.
Golden State was routed in Monday’s effort against Orlando as an 11-point road underdog, 110-90. The combined 200 points failed to topple the 211-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 the previous four outings.
The Warriors actually had a nine-point halftime advantage, 53-44, before falling apart in the second half. Golden State finished the contest by shooting 41 percent (36-of-88) from the field, and 36 percent (8-of-22) from behind the arc.
Shooting guard Monta Ellis paced the offense with 20 points and seven rebounds, while small forward Dorell Wright added 17 and six. Point guard Stephen Curry was the only other player to reach double digits in scoring with 15 on 5-of-13 shooting.
The Warriors are now just 5-15 SU and 10-9-1 ATS when playing away from home. Golden State had covered back-to-back contests before facing the Magic.
The Warriors rank eighth in the league in assists (22.3) and 10th in points per game (101.4), but they are a dismal 27th in points allowed (106.2). Golden State has now seen the ‘under’ go 34-16-1 the last 51 road endeavors.
New Orleans improved to 14-4 SU and 11-7 ATS at home compliments of Monday’s victory over Philadelphia as a 6 ½-point favorite, 84-77. The combined 161 points never seriously threatened the NBA odds, enabling the ‘under’ to cash the third consecutive contest.
The Hornets finished the contest by shooting 45 percent (31-of-69) from the field and 29 percent (4-of-14) from 3-point land. The real story of the game was their defense, limiting the 76ers to 34 percent shooting (30-of-88) from the field and 22 percent (5-of-23) from behind the arc. The ‘under’ is now 8-2 the previous 10 home games.
New Orleans power forward David West led all scorers with 17 points and eight rebounds, while point guard Chris Paul contributed 15 and five assists. Center Emeka Okafor netted 13 in the victory, while guard Willie Green added 11.
The home team has won five of the previous six matchups SU, while the Warriors are 4-1 ATS the last five encounters. The ‘over’ has cashed the past three games in this series, but this is the first meeting this season.
Golden State forward David Lee (back injury) and center Andris Biedrins (ankle) are ‘questionable’ versus the Hornets. The Warriors play three of their next four games at home beginning with Friday’s matchup versus Cleveland.
New Orleans forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu is still missing games due to an injured elbow. The Hornets embark on a two-game road trip following this contest with games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver.
Wednesday’s game is scheduled to start at 5:05 p.m. PT from New Orleans Arena.
Kobe, Lakers visit Nash and Phoenix Suns
By: Joe Freda
The Phoenix Suns have a 1-4 spread record in their last five games, with the ‘under’ going 3-2 in that span. Alvin Gentry’s club opens a three-game homestand with Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are playing the second night of a back-to-back spot.
Phoenix blew a 14-point lead in Sunday’s 94-89 setback as a five-point road favorite against the Sacramento Kings. The Suns were outrebounded, 60-32, while being held to 40.2 percent field shooting.
Suns guard Steve Nash finished with team-highs of 20 points and 12 assists, logging his third double-double in four games. The 36-year-old hit a perfect 8-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point land.
Phoenix’ Marcin Gortat grabbed a team-high six boards off the bench, while scoring 16 points. The backup center played a season-high 36 minutes, notching three of his squad’s five blocks.
The contest’s combined 183 points plunged ‘under’ the 207-point NBA odds. Phoenix was outscored in the paint, 40-38, while trumping Sacramento in fast break points, 13-11.
The Suns are 5-10 ATS in their first 15 home dates, with the ‘over’ going 8-7. Nash and Co. have allowed 105.5 PPG in that span.
Los Angeles saw a two-game winning streak end with Monday’s 104-85 setback as a 9 ½-point home favorite against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers trailed by as many as 26 points, committing a sizable 20 turnovers.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant notched a team-high 28 points, while adding two steals. The 12-time All-Star struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 1-of-7 shots.
Bryant’s mate Andrew Bynum logged nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds. The six-year center added a season-high five blocks.
The lopsided battle’s combined 189 points ducked below the ‘total’ of 196 ½. Los Angeles was outscored on fast breaks, 28-5, while allowing Memphis to hit 45.6 percent of its field buckets.
The Lakers are 10-8 ATS in their first 18 road games, with the ‘under’ also going 10-8. Phil Jackson’s club has put up 102.3 PPG in that stretch.
Los Angeles will visit Phoenix on no rest, traveling from Tuesday’s home game against the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers are 4-2 ATS in the second game of their first six back-to-back spots, with the ‘over’ also cashing at 4-2.
The rivals have split both meetings between them this year, with the ‘over’ going 2-0. Los Angeles triumphed in October’s 114-106 win as a 3 ½-point road favorite, but lost a Nov. 14 home rematch, 121-116, as 8 ½-point ‘chalk.’ Bynum missed the pair of duels for the Lakers with a knee injury.
Wednesday’s tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PT), with ESPN providing the national television coverage.
Both squads will have one day off before resuming play on Friday’s league schedule. Phoenix remains at US Airways Center to face the New York Knicks, while Los Angeles returns home to meet the New Orleans Hornets.
Tips and Trends
San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics
SPURS: San Antonio has been brilliant all season long, as they are an NBA best 29-4 SU. The Spurs have already built a 4 game lead in the Western Conference, and they are playing like they have no desire to let up. The Spurs are averaging 105.6 PPG this season, 4th best in the NBA. 5 different San Antonio players are averaging double digits in PTS, led by G Manu Ginobli. Ginobli is averaing a team high 18.7 PPG, including 2.6 made three pointers per game. PG Tony Parker is averaging 17.7 PPG and a team high 7.1 APG this year. Making matters worse for opponents is the fact that San Antonio is starting to play some defense. The Spurs are allowing 96.7 PPG this year. The Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. The Spurs are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games against the Eastern Conference. San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
Spurs are 6-1 ATS last 7 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-1 last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Key Injuries - G James Anderson (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 91
CELTICS: (-2, O/U 190) Boston has won their past 2 games SU after losing a rare 2 games in a row. The Celtics are 26-7 SU this season, the best record in the Eastern Confernece. Boston is also 17-15-1 ATS overall this year. The Celtics are 14-2 SU and 6-9-1 ATS in home games this season. The Celtics lost by 21 points the last time they hosted San Antonio. Boston is averaging 8.6 PPG this season, led by F Paul Pierce. Pierce is averaging 19 PPG this season, one of six players averaging double digits for the Celtics. Defensively, Boston is allowing just 90.8 PPG, the fewst in the entire NBA. The Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Boston is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games against a team with a winning road record. The Celtics are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Boston is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS last 5 games against the Western Conference.
Under is 8-3 last 11 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (calf) is out.
Projected Score: 98 (SIDE of the Day)
Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns
LAKERS: (-3.5, O/U 208) Los Angeles is really struggling right now, with their attitudes being the biggest culprits. Sine th Lakers lost to the Heat on Christmas evening, they simply haven't shown much effort. The Lakers are 23-11 SU, dominating the Pacific division. However, if the playoffs started today they would be no better than the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is 15-19 ATS overall this season. The Lakers are 12-6 SU on the road this year, one of the best records in the NBA. G Kobe Bryant is leading the team in scoring yet again, averaging 25.4 PPG. F Pau Gasol is averaging 18.7 PPG and a team high 10.8 RPG this season. The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Los Angeles is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against the NBA Pacific. The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games. Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Lakers are 7-3 ATS last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 8-2 last 10 games against the Western Conference.
Key Injuries - C Theo Ratliff (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 108 (OVER-Total of the Day)
SUNS: Phoenix has lost 7 of their last 10 games overall, making them just 14-18 SU for the year. If the playoffs started today, the Suns wouldn't be joining the festivities. There is some talk within the organization about starting the rebuilding process. In other words, time to part ways with PG Steve Nash. Phoenix is just 12-19-1 ATS overall this season. The Suns are only 8-7 SU at home this year. The Suns are averaging 106.4 PPG this season, 3rd best in the NBA. Nash is averaging 17.1 PPG and 10.6 APG this season, the 2nd most in the NBA. The Suns are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%. Phoenix is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games against the Western Conference. The Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Suns are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games.
Suns are 1-5 ATS last 6 home games.
Under is 4-1 last 5 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Key Injuries - None Reported.
Projected Score: 107
NBA RoundUp for 1/5
by Dan Bebe
Washington Wizards @ Philadelphia 76ers (-7) with a total of 188
Right off the bat, I want to find a way to back the Wizards. There, that was pretty straightforward, right? Philadelphia is coming home off an 8-game road trip, and unless the opponent is in a similarly awful scheduling spot, this game has fade-city splashed all over the Sixers hides. We saw it in the final game on their road trip, and we'll likely see more of it, here. The Sixers defense is improving, though the Hornets missed an absolute ton of open looks, and without Iguodala, Philadelphia needs big-time production from Jrue Holliday to counteract opposing big men locking down on Elton Brand. And, let's face it, this is a pretty even match for Jrue against the likes of John Wall. Wall has been rather turnover prone lately, but games against defensive-minded opponents like Darren Collison and Chris Paul haven't helped his cause. He'll get some looks in this one, and I'd be blown away if the Sixers shoot any better than 44% from the field. Lean to the WIZARDS and the UNDER.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Orlando Magic (-11.5) with a total of 187
There has really only been 1 team that hasn't been completely blasted by the Florida two-step, and that was the Utah Jazz, but they only made it through because of a ridiculous adrenaline high from waging monster comebacks at every step along the journey. Most teams, or rather, most normal teams, get a little tired playing the Heat, and then Orlando gets to pick over the carcasses. Just happened with Golden State. Of course, Milwaukee has shown a certain resilience on back-to-backs. They might very well sneak under that rather hefty spread, but with the way the Magic are smashing teams to the turf, just overwhelming foes with offense and relying on Dwight to protect the rim, I can't fade them. There will be a time, but this isn't it. Tiny lean to MAGIC (very small), and the UNDER.
Chicago Bulls (-4) @ New Jersey Nets with a total of 185
There's something funky about this line, and we need to determine if it's off because it should be, or because it's a value spot. Thus, it's time for... LINE ARITHMETIC! I know you all love it. Anyway, Chicago hosted New Jersey just a few short days ago in a New Year's Eve afternoon contest. Now, only 5 days later, the rematch on the Eastern front, with the Bulls as just a 4-point favorite. But is that right on the money? Well, given that neither team was playing a back-to-back in Chicago, and the Bulls were 10-point home favorites, one might assume this line should absolutely be no higher than 4, most likely lower, given the back-to-back. But, for whatever reason, there hasn't been a back-to-back adjustment, even though neither team had any large personnel changes between games. So, is this line 2 points off because the Bulls are going to clobber the Nets this time around instead of squeaking by with a 9-point win, or is it off because it's a value play on the Nets? The initial move should tell us a fair amount - WAIT ON THE SIDE, total lean to the OVER.
Toronto Raptors @ Cleveland Cavaliers with a total of N/A
Cleveland just cannot figure it out. They're now 8-26 on the season SU, and just 12-21 ATS. Tough to find many teams that have been a worse bet than the Cavs. And for all of Toronto's losing, they're just 15-16 ATS, so oddsmakers have this team pretty well pegged, for the most part. That's just the thing - when healthy, Toronto does have just enough firepower to win some games against poor competition. Bargnani, Calderon, DeRozan and Kleiza can all score at a high level, and Reggie Evans, when healthy (again, that "h" word), provided a toughness. But, of course, over the last month, everyone on that roster has seemingly missed time. Bargnani is supposed to play this week, and now Calderon is banged up, but I happen to believe they can still find ways to score on the pathetic Cavs defense even without the point guard. Cleveland, meanwhile, couldn't beat a top-10 college team. Lean to TORONTO and the OVER.
San Antonio Spurs @ Boston Celtics (-2) with a total of 191
I really want to get music in these blogs so we can blast ELO's Showdown for this one. Two of the best records in the NBA, older teams finding ways to win on a nightly basis - the Celtics with lockdown defense and good shot selection, the Spurs with a youth infusion and outstanding team shooting from the perimeter. Certainly from an energy standpoint, you have to give the nod to Boston - the Spurs played last night in New York, a team that will tire you out, if given enough opportunities to do so, but at the same time, the Spurs have looked pretty decent on back-to-backs so far this year. Their defense definitely suffers a hair, which makes me think that this might end up being higher scoring than most expect. Boston has Rondo back, which means far more easy looks, and if the Spurs are trying to score to keep up, we just might see this one creep its way to 194 or so. Slight lean to BOSTON and the OVER.
Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Hornets with a total of N/A
Scheduling spot alarm goes off, Dan marks calendar to watch line and probably place bet...yes, the Warriors finish up a 5-game road trip with a quick stop in the Big Easy on their way home. Does anyone think these guys are going to be concerned with trying to get a win against one of the better defensive teams in the NBA? I'm not convinced. Golden State opened with a loss in Atlanta, grabbed a win in Charlotte, and even though they covered in Miami, lost both games in Florida. They head back to the West Coast for some winnable games after this one, and you can bet the Warriors have one foot on the plane home. The Hornets have quietly won 3 games, though the potential look-ahead to the Lakers is definitely looming. I still think that we get another solid defensive performance from the Hornets, and if that joker Trevor Ariza could re-learn how to drive to the hoop, the spread on this one should be pretty cover-able. Lean to N'AWLINS and the UNDER.
Charlotte Bobcats @ Minnesota Timberwolves with a total of N/A
I feel like I have fairly strong opinions on quite a few games today - we'll find out if that's a good thing soon enough. On this one, I can't help but think that the Bobcats, a team trying to learn how to play faster, is really up a creek. Stephen Jackson is playing through significant pain, Gerald Wallace is missing time, and Tyrus Thomas has been trying to come back from a bruised wrist. Minnesota, on the flip side, has been playing its best ball of the year, led by tremendous offensive work from Michael Beasley, and nearly unbelievable rebounding from Kevin Love. I just don't see anyone on that Charlotte roster that can slow down either of Minnesota's top guns. Oh, and Charlotte is a disaster on the road (except games immediately after being called out by Jordan). Lean to the WOLVES and the OVER.
Portland Trailblazers @ Houston Rockets (-5.5) with a total of 197
If somewhere in your mind, you're thinking, "Didn't these teams just play?"... then you would be correct. This is something of a rematch, though each team had a game in between. Houston traveled to Portland and got spanked on January 2, then fought hard to earn a push on a loss in Denver. Fortunately, Houston has had a day to rest up for the rematch, which you can best believe they want to win. Portland, meanwhile, is heading into Houston off a tough game in Dallas, and while I know the Blazers have been one of the stronger back-to-back teams in the NBA, I think this is a spot where the Blazers are beatable. They are a team that seems to be getting older almost by the day, and without the explosion of Brandon Roy, this is just the type of game where Portland can get into a bad habit of slogging up and down the floor, and just getting outhustled by a team that wants it more. Lean to HOUSTON and the OVER.
Atlanta Hawks @ Utah Jazz with a total of N/A
Utah has been struggling a tad with their team offense, but this scheduling spot is just horrid for Atlanta, and I can't overlook that fact. The Hawks played late last night in Sacramento, are traveling into altitude, AND are finishing up a 4-game road trip. This is a true letdown spot for Atlanta, especially if they grab a win in Sacramento and can head home with a middling 2-2 road trip. My one concern would be that Atlanta gets crushed in Sacramento - unlikely, but possible, given the Kings recent improved play at home. In that case, the line might jump to a spot where the value goes away. Otherwise, this is a game Utah should win through sheer attrition, and since we know the Hawks are not terribly strong, mentally, this is a fade spot for them, no question. Lean to UTAH and the OVER.
Denver Nuggets (-3.5) @ Los Angeles Clippers with a total of 211
I don't like this game, at all. The Clippers haven't played particularly strong defense on this homestand, so far, and the only way to beat Denver is to try to get under their skin. That is doable, when the Nuggets are on the road, but the Clippers don't have the right personnel to pull it off for an entire game. Plus, Denver is getting its edge back. I know 'Melo is on his way out of town, but as long as he's still suiting up for the Nuggets, he's going to play hard, and with The Birdman and Kenyon Martin both finally logging minutes, the Nuggets finally have their "heart" back. Call me crazy, but the swagger is way, way more prevalent when those two guys are on the floor, even if Martin's knee looks like a cantaloupe after 20 minutes of burn. This line is right about where it should be. PASS on the side, slight lean to the UNDER.
Los Angeles Lakers (-4) @ Phoenix Suns with a total of 209
The Lakers have really been playing awful basketball, and a lot of that is just a disinterest in the game. For the second time in a week, ESPN actually did something worthwhile by airing some footage of the Lakers recent losses, and focusing on what happens after the Lakers get a defensive rebound. The outcome of almost every video was...nothing. The Lakers got a rebound, and generally get into their offense about 8 seconds later. This team is looking old and like a team that seems content with playing only when the playoffs arrive. The problem? Phoenix has struggled mightily to fit newcomers Mikael Pietrus, Vince Carter, and Marcin Gortat into the offense. They haven't been shooting well at all, and even though Phoenix at last has a couple competent 7-footers, they just can't seem to score reliably. The Lakers are on back-to-back, which might favor Phoenix, but both teams are scuffling right now, and I'd be more inclined to look at the total. A Lakers team that isn't running, and a Phoenix team that can't get out of its own way? NO LEAN on the side, totals lean to the UNDER.