NBA News and Notes Wednesday 11/18

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Verizon Center.

LeBron James went for 31 points and 12 assists to lead the Cavaliers over the Warriors 114-108 on Tuesday night.

Cleveland failed to cover as 14.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 212.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.

The Wizards were edged by the Pistons, losing 106-103 at the Verizon Center Saturday.

Detroit covered as a 3.5-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 184.5-point total.

Current streak:
Cleveland has won 5 straight games.
Washington has lost 6 straight games.

Team records:
Cleveland: 8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS
Washington: 2-7 SU, 2-7 ATS

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 2-8
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Next up:
Cleveland at Indiana, Friday, November 20
Washington at Oklahoma City, Friday, November 20

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Danilo Gallinari had a team-high 19 points in the Knicks' 121-107 loss to the Warriors on Friday night.

The Knicks had been favored by 4 points at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (225.5).

Danny Granger scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Pacers past the Nets 91-83 on Tuesday night.

Indiana covered as 4-point road favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 189-point total set by sportsbooks.

Current streak:
New York has lost 6 straight games.
Indiana has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
New York: 1-9 SU, 2-8 ATS
Indiana: 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS

New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New Jersey are 1-9
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New York's last 13 games on the road
New York is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against New York

Next up:
New York at New Jersey, Saturday, November 21
Indiana home to Cleveland, Friday, November 20

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Amway Arena.

Kevin Durant had 32 points and nine rebounds to lead the Thunder past the Heat 100-87 on Tuesday night.

Oklahoma City cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs, while the teams played OVER the 183.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Jameer Nelson had 16 points and six rebounds to lead the Magic past the Bobcats 97-91 on Monday night.

Orlando couldn't cover as 12.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 182-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Oklahoma City: 6-5 SU, 7-4 ATS
Orlando: 8-3 SU, 6-5 ATS

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 2-8

Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Charlotte are 6-4
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing Orlando
Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City

Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Washington, Friday, November 20
Orlando at Boston, Friday, November 20

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Charlotte Bobcats and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Wachovia Center.

Ronald Murray went for 31 points off the bench for Charlotte in its 97-91 loss to Orlando on Monday night.

Orlando couldn't cover as 12.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 182-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 5 straight games.
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Charlotte: 3-7 SU, 6-4 ATS
Philadelphia: 4-6 SU, 3-7 ATS

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Memphis are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Charlotte is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games

Next up:
Charlotte at Milwaukee, Friday, November 20
Philadelphia home to Memphis, Friday, November 20

Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Philips Arena.

Dwyane Wade racked up 22 points, seven assists, six boards, and four steals for Miami in its 100-87 loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.

Oklahoma City cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs, while the teams played OVER the 183.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Joe Johnson dropped 35 points and dished out nine assists to lift the Hawks past the Trail Blazers 99-95 in overtime on Monday night.

Atlanta covered as 3.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 187.5-point total set by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Atlanta has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
Miami: 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS
Atlanta: 9-2 SU, 10-1 ATS

Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 0-10
After playing Portland are 2-8
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Miami is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Miami at Toronto, Friday, November 20
Atlanta home to Houston, Friday, November 20

Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics

The Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at TD Garden.

Monta Ellis paced Golden State with 23 points and eight assists in its 114-108 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday night.

Cleveland failed to cover as 14.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 212.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.

The Celtics couldn't stop the Pacers' Danny Granger, who scored 29 points and handed Boston a 113-104 loss at Conseco Fieldhouse Saturday night.

Indiana covered as a 7.5-point home underdog while the final score played OVER the 188.5-point total.

Current streak:
Golden State has lost 2 straight games.
Boston has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Golden State: 3-7 SU, 5-5 ATS
Boston: 8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS

Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Orlando are 7-3
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
Golden State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
Boston is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Boston's last 19 games at home

Next up:
Golden State home to Portland, Friday, November 20
Boston home to Orlando, Friday, November 20

New Jersey Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The New Jersey Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Bradley Center.

Chris Douglas-Roberts had 27 points and 12 rebounds for New Jersey in its 91-83 loss to Indiana on Tuesday night.

Indiana covered as 4-point road favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 189-point total set by sportsbooks.

Brandon Jennings had 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for Milwaukee in its 115-113 overtime loss to Dallas on Monday night.

Dallas covered as 1-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 193-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 11 straight games.

Team records:
New Jersey: 0-11 SU, 4-6-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS

New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 0-10

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 1-9
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games on the road
New Jersey is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
New Jersey is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing at home against New Jersey

Next up:
New Jersey home to New York, Saturday, November 21
Milwaukee home to Charlotte, Friday, November 20

Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Target Center.

Carl Landry had 27 points and nine boards off the bench for Houston in its 111-105 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday night.

Phoenix cashed as 3.5-point road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 219.5-point total set by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 10 straight games.

Team records:
Houston: 6-5 SU, 7-4 ATS
Minnesota: 1-10 SU, 3-7-1 ATS

Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a loss are 9-1

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Portland are 2-8
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a loss are 0-10

A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Minnesota's last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

Next up:
Houston at Atlanta, Friday, November 20
Minnesota at Portland, Saturday, November 21

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at FedExForum.

Al Thornton poured in 30 points for Los Angeles in its 110-102 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday night.

New Orleans covered as 1.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 194-point total listed by sportsbooks.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 4-8 SU, 3-9 ATS
Memphis: 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 1-9
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Minnesota are 1-9
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Memphis
LA Clippers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing Memphis
LA Clippers are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games when playing Memphis
LA Clippers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Memphis is 17-6 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
LA Clippers home to Denver, Friday, November 20
Memphis at Philadelphia, Friday, November 20

Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz

The Toronto Raptors and the Utah Jazz will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at EnergySolutions Arena.

DeMar DeRozan put in 17 points to lead Toronto in its 130-112 loss to Denver on Tuesday night.

Denver covered as 8.5-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 217-point total set by oddsmakers.

The Jazz watched LeBron James complete a 3-point play in the dying seconds to lose 107-103 to the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena Saturday night.

Utah covered as a 13-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 190-point total.

Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Toronto: 5-6 SU, 6-5 ATS
Utah: 4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Miami are 1-9
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Utah
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Toronto

Next up:
Toronto home to Miami, Friday, November 20
Utah at San Antonio, Thursday, November 19

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Wednesday when the San Antonio Spurs
Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lift the Mavericks past the Bucks 115-113 in overtime on Monday night.

Dallas covered as 1-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 193-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Dallas has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
San Antonio: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS
Dallas: 8-3 SU, 8-3 ATS

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Sacramento are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Antonio's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games

Next up:
San Antonio home to Utah, Thursday, November 19
Dallas home to Sacramento, Friday, November 20

Detroit Pistons vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Rose Garden.

Reserve Will Bynum dropped 24 points and dished out six assists for the Pistons in their 106-93 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles covered as 10.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 191-point total listed by sportsbooks.

Rudy Fernandez had 19 points and four steals off the bench for Portland in its 99-95 overtime loss to Atlanta on Monday night.

Atlanta covered as 3.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 187.5-point total set by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Detroit: 5-6 SU, 6-5 ATS
Portland: 8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 7-3
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8

Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 8-2
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Portland
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 8 games when playing Detroit
Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games at home

Next up:
Detroit at Utah, Saturday, November 21
Portland at Golden State, Friday, November 20

More Road Woes
By SportsPic

Toronto Raptors off a 130-112 whipping in Denver last night complete a four game road swing with a final stop in Utah. Little doubt Raptors can score points (107.4 PPG) but Purple Dinos not sharp defensively allowing 108.1 points/game overall, 112.1 PPG on the highway will be hard pressed clawing their way past Jazz. The Raptors have had little success vs Utah of late losing eight straight encounters cashing just a single contest (1-7 ATS) over the span. The Raptors are 4-11 SU & ATS the past fifteen vs the Northwest Division, 2-9 SU & ATS last eleven on the highway against these foes. If that were not enough, Toronto is playing without rest a situation that has not been kind to the boys from north of the border, they're 2-12 (4-10-2 ATS) in the second of back-2-back games. Consider laying the expected 8.5 on Utah. Defensively challenged (=>105 PPG) road underdogs of 10 or less have not been great bets (6-24 ATS) and we do find Jazz are a powerful 20-1 at home scoring =>105 PPG with a profitable 16-5 mark at the betting window.

NBA Preview for 11/18
by Dan Bebe

Surely your first thought is, "Why is Dan talking about the Chipmunks?" Yeah, it's almost that snowy-white time of year for the Chipmunks Christmas songs, but no, I'm talking about Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry, who had become something of the "public savior" in early NBA betting. Phoenix has been the public choice in just about every game this year, and has had the Wiseguys on the other side 4 or 5 times (probably more, but those are just the ones that were clear from the line shift), and they've stuck it to the sharps in all but one of those games.

There's a time and a place for everything, and Phoenix has realized that the 4th quarter is the time and place to turn up their game. In stark contrast to years past, Phoenix is turning UP their intensity in the 4th quarter, and finding ways to score even when their opponents ratchet up the defense, as well. I really like the resolve the Suns are showing, and even though they've cost me a handful of bets, this team looks well-rounded and motivated, and I think they've got a great shot to be the #3 seed in the West at season's end.

Sports Wagering

Wizards/Cavaliers - Wizards get 4.5 points at home with a total of 194. I have news for Cavs-backers -- this game is going to be closer than you think. I still think the superior Cleveland team can cover, but I don't expect Washington to roll over the way they have for quite a few opponents already this year. The reason: Antawn Jamison. Washington gets their motor back. Jamison's strange shooting style, and consistency on both the boards and in the paint gives this team a completely new dimension on offense. They've been relying almost entirely on outside jumpshots, and even the best teams in the League can't win taking 60+ long-range attempts per game. Now, with Jamison's return, you can expect the average shot-length to decrease measurably, and while he may put a dent in Brendan Haywood's fantasy value, the Wizards are going to get a great deal better, especially once he shakes off the rust. I think betting Washington in Jamison's first game back is a recipe for disaster, but I do think this is a team that will get WHITE HOT and cover 3-4 spreads in a row at some point in the next 2 weeks. The total of 194 feels a little on the high side, especially if the Wizards suddenly have the weapons to actually run an offense and not heave up shots as fast as possible. Early lean to the Under.

Hawks/Heat - This game opened last night with the Hawks favored by 7.5, and climbed overnight to -8; the total is 192. I expect this to take even one small step further once the public catches wind of the beating the Heat took last night, at home, at the hands of the Thunder. The Hawks are cover-machines right now, and though that does take a little luck (beating Portland by 3 at the end of regulation would have been an ATS loss), Atlanta is a flat-out good team, and they take their competition seriously every night. The one egg this team laid was in Charlotte, and I don't see that being a problem going forward. The Hawks realize how much better they are at home than on the road, and I see them as one of the teams really going all-out during the regular season to try to get home court in the playoffs, much like the Cavs last year. Miami, on the other hand, is regressing after a hot start. They were able to win games with defense the first 2 weeks of the season, but now that teams have figured out how to contain just about everyone on the Heat besides Dwyane Wade, scoring has become way more difficult, and setting the defense off missed shots is never as easy as doing it off a made bucket. The Heat are going to continue to slide for the foreseeable future, and I lean to Atlanta. Atlanta also has had the unique ability to push the tempo, but can Miami score enough to get this one to 192? I'm not sure.

Sixers/Bobcats - Philly is laying 4 at home with a total of 182. This game has all the makings of some ugly basketball. Newest Bobcat Stephen Jackson should see plenty of scoring opportunities against a porous Philadelphia defense, but Charlotte's road struggles make this a tough game to cap. The funniest part about the Stephen Jackson deal, to me, is that his normally unbearable ~40% shooting is actually BETTER than the Bobcats have been doing as a team in quite a few games. Seems like they'll be okay with him just hoisting up shot after shot, so any bets placed on the Bobcats right now is resting in the hands of Jack, at least until they figure out a way to run a cohesive offense. Both of these teams are struggling right now, with Philly winning 2 of their first 3 games, and since losing 5 of 7 (including 2 straight), and Charlotte dropping 5 in a row. So, how do you determine which team is overrated, if either? Well, I like to try to determine which team has bigger problems, and I believe Philly's are worse than Charlotte's right now. The Bobcats simply can't score, but Philadelphia has no real point guard, isn't playing defense, lost bench-force Mareese Speights, and can't get a set rotation. I would lean to Charlotte to win this game outright, with the total slipping Under.

Pacers/Knicks - Pacers by 7 at home with a total of 214. This line shifted a half point in the Pacers direction overnight, and probably for good reason. Indiana is playing good basketball right now, winning 5 straight, and exploiting their talent advantage at a number of positions in the process. They didn't play their best last night, but got an 8-point win (and a cover) against the Nets on the road, and now come home to host the lowly Knicks. The first thing you look for when a team is taking on the Knicks is whether the next game has greater significance, and for Indiana, it does not. They play Charlotte on Friday, so I expect them to be focused in this one. The Knicks are 1-9, and are in a dead heat with the Timberwolves for Worst of the Year honors. They have had a ruthless habit of playing 24 minutes of respectable basketball, then falling apart the other half of the game, and I really see no reason why that won't continue. Indiana has the height advantage at Center, and the skill advantage at just about every other spot on the floor. The only thing that kept the Nets in last night's game was Brook Lopez's ability to grab offensive rebounds and put them back - such will not be the case tonight as the Pacers roll. Early lean to Indy, and the Under.

Magic/Thunder - Orlando by 11.5 with a total of 190. This is a monster line for the Thunder, considering how much progress they appear to have made this season. We need to ask ourselves, is this line this high because the Thunder are in a letdown spot after an easy win, or is it this high because the Thunder are getting disrespected by the League? My initial inclination is that the line would have opened near 8 or 9 if not for the back-to-back situation, but Oklahoma is coming from Miami, so the travel is pretty minimal. Also, this team is young and confident, so I don't think old legs are going to be an issue, either. The Magic, meanwhile, are trying to work a handful of just-recovered bodies back into the lineup, while dealing with the loss of others. Jameer Nelson is out over a month (again) with a leg injury, and just when Orlando was getting back Ryan Anderson and Rashard Lewis, they lose their floor general. This team obviously has the weapons to win any game by 15, but without Nelson running the show, and without Turkoglu as the other ball-handler, I think the offense stagnates just enough to let the Thunder in that window. Early lean to Thunder. No play on the total.

Celtics/Warriors - This line is OFF, and I have to believe it's because of Paul Pierce's nagging injury. He's been playing through it, but after Boston lost their last game in Indiana, Pierce spoke about how he felt he was hurting his team by being unable to cover his man, defensively. I still think he'll play, especially since Boston had a few days off where Pierce could rest up. The Celtics have lost two in a row, so you know they'll come to play with a purpose in this one, and the Warriors need to look out. Golden State is coming off a SU loss but an ATS win last night in Cleveland, and really, the first game without Stephen Jackson went about as well as any Warriors fan could hope. Vlad Radmanovic played like he could see the basket, and a number of Warriors saw minutes in a game that ended up much closer than the Cavs would have liked. I think we'll see another spread in the double-digits, and I think we should lay off. If I had to guess, though, I think Boston's team defense, with or without Pierce, will shut down the Warriors. The total should be just under 200.

Grizzlies/Clippers - If there's a team I can't quite get a read on, it's the Clippers. They play like absolute crap at home, go on the road and completely outplay the Thunder, then turn right around get rolled over by the Paul-less Hornets. Now, they have to complete a back-to-back in Memphis, and really, who the heck knows how they'll play! My numbers tell me the Clippers are going to get clobbered by a faster team, but I might just avoid betting on Clippers sides until they show any kind of consistency. The Grizzlies are coming off a 10-point win against the Timberwolves, just their second win of the season, but one where the Grizzlies finally played a little defense. Memphis lost a game to the Clippers in LA by 3 points, which makes you think they'll win this one in a closer contest. The total of 201.5 looks low for the Grizzlies, but they've actually played three straight to the Under. The Clippers have had 2 games go Over, so they're really all over the place. No leans on this fetid mess of a game.

Timberwolves/Rockets - The Rockets roll into Minny as 6.5-point favorites with a total of 199.5. Houston is coming off a tough loss to the Suns last night, losing late after leading most of the game. Minnesota is, well, 1-10 this year, and the last 10 games have been those 10 losses. This is a team in desperate need of help, and I just don't know if they can compete with anyone right now. They've lost 6 straight against the spread, as well, with all 6 of those losses by double digits. The Rockets are a well-coached veteran team that will eventually have their lack of superstar talent catch up with them, but this is a team they should be able to handle, even with the difficult travel schedule. I'm not sure I can advocate betting on Minnesota unless they're dogs of 14-15 points, since right now they can't keep games within 13 points. The total of 199.5 assumes the Wolves will actually score some points, and I'm not convinced they will. Early leans to the Rockets and the Under.

Bucks/Nets - Something is obviously escaping me, since I can't figure out why this line is OFF. I have heard rumors of a Bucks trade of Carlos Delfino and Hakim Warrick, but nothing is confirmed. Well, at least not for my eyes to see. In any case, the Nets are the Nets, a team with a rapidly improving center, an injured All-Star point guard, and 10 guys that aren't worth their weight in buckwheat. The Bucks, meanwhile, are a very tough nut. They're playing solid basketball, led by rookie PG Brandon Jennings. Andrew Bogut is healthy, and Scott Skiles clearly likes Mbah a Moute and Ilyasova to log big minutes going forward. If Michael Redd could ever stay on the court for more than 3-5 games at a time, I'd really fear the Buck. I think the Bucks win this game going away with a final total near 184.

Jazz/Raptors - Utah by 8.5 with a total of 214.5. Two extremely inconsistent teams going head-to-head? No thank you. Utah is coming off a 4-point loss to the Cavs on the road after posting a beatdown of Philadelphia the game before. The Raptors got bludgeoned last night in Denver after losing a nail-biter in Phoenix on Sunday. Both teams know how to score, but will either team bring some defensive intensity and actually try to win? Utah has played 3 straight games to the Over, while Toronto went WAY Under in Phoenix, then WAY over last night. The Jazz are really pushing the ball over their last few, so I would lean slightly to the Over, but like I mentioned above, with the way Toronto seems to bounce between great and awful performances on the road, they are a team I'd rather see at home before I put money anywhere near their game. We'll also know more about the status of Deron Williams for Utah, who has been spending a great deal of time with his sick daughter, but now that the team is back in Utah, as well, I imagine he'll be playing.

Mavericks/Spurs - The line is OFF, and once again, I'm not positive why. Both Tony Parker and Tim Duncan played in the Spurs last night, and while Manu Ginobili has been dealing with a bum hamstring, he figures to continue playing through the tightness. I had seen indications that Dallas might open as 6 point favorites, but I suppose only time will tell. Dallas has won 3 straight on the road after losing IN San Antonio, so you know they'll want to show the Spurs they're not the 35%-shooting clunk-squad they displayed in their last game with the Spurs. This bet on Dallas would be much easier to make if half the Spurs were still in the training room getting their ankles massaged. With San Antonio fully healthy, I think we'll see a line in the 3-4 range, which is exactly where I see this game ending up.

Blazers/Pistons - This is a very tough spot for Detroit. As 10.5-point dogs in Portland, they'll have to show a bit more moxie than they showed last night when they got their throats crushed by the Lakers. The Pistons are a decent Eastern Conference team, but they really don't stack up well with the powers from the West. They got beat at home by the Mavs in the game before last, so after winning 3 straight, they've lost 2 in a row. Also, surprisingly, Detroit has played 4 straight Overs, and after opening the year with 3 Unders, 6 of 7 have gone Over the posted total, so the defense isn't working quite as well. The Blazers, meanwhile, went 4-1 on a 5-city road-trip, and are thoroughly controlling the tempo of just about every game. That being said, Detroit won't be "out of their element" in a slow, plodding, defensive game. Detroit knows how to play decent team defense, and knows how to score in the half-court, and if it weren't for the back-to-back, I'd probably advise taking a shot on the Pistons. As it is, this is a line to watch throughout the day. The total of 178.5 is very, very low, but as noted, both of these teams prefer a slower game, so we need to take the day to decide if that means that the Pistons will try to push the pace to get the Blazers out of their comfort zone, or if both teams will be content trying to win a slug-fest.

Fantasy Advice

Stephen Curry - I rarely advise picking up a Warrior, but with Stephen Jackson out of town, Golden State needs someone in the game they can trust to bring the ball to the frontcourt, and Curry is the closest thing to a point guard on that club. I expect him to see consistent minutes until the rigors of a full NBA season start to wear him down. 14 points, 5 boards, 7 assists isn't a bad way to break back into the starting lineup.

Chris Douglas-Roberts - Douglas-Roberts exploding for 27 and 12 last night against the Pacers, and now that he's healed from his battle with swine flu, this is his chance to shine. If he puts up one more big game, pick him up, since the Nets don't really have much going on that could steal the starting spot back.

Tips and Trends

Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards

Cavaliers (-4.5, O/U 194): After losing their first 2 games SU, the Cavs have won 8 of their past 9 contests. Cleveland has won their past 4 road games ATS. Their recent success can be attributed to their offense, as they've scored more than 100 PTS in their past 5 games. F LeBron James leads the way, as he averages more than 27 PPG. F J.J. Hickson has been playing great recently as he's averaging near 20 PPG over his past 3 games. The Cavaliers are 5-0 SU since they inserted Hickson into their starting lineup.

Cavs are 4-0 ATS last 4 road games.
Under is 7-1 last 8 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - C Shaquille O'Neal (shoulder) is doubtful.
G Delonte West (personal) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 98 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

Wizards: Washington is really struggling right now. They've lost 6 games both SU and ATS in a row. Washington has but 1 win at home this season. The Wizards are getting healthier though, as they should have both Mike Miller and Antawn Jamison on the court together for the first time this season. G Gilbert Arenas leads the Wizards with over 24 PPG. A bright spot of late has been C Brendan Haywood. He is averaging over 10 PPG, nearly 13 RPG, and 4 BPG over the past 4 games. The Wizards will need a full team effort in front of their home fans tonight to beat the Cavaliers.

Wizards are 1-7 ATS last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-0 last 6 games as an underdog.

Kedy Injuries - F Antawn Jamison (shoulder) is probable.
G Randy Foye (ankle) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 91

Stan's Sharp Move for Wednesday Nov 18th
By Stan Sharp

Charlotte @ Philadelphia
Total Opened 181 now 186

Stan notes this total opened at 181 at the Greek and Cris. Here in Vegas and offshore this game has been bet up to 186 as the sharp Wise Guy action has come in hard on the Over. Stan notes that when money comes in hard on a side or total that really makes no sense it seems that is when the Wise Guy Moves are at their best. This is one of those games. Looking at Charlotte they haven't scored more than 91 in 5 straight games. They are averaging 82 a game in that span. Philadelphia in their last 3 games are averaging 87 points a games. So you would expect the Under to be the play but the Wise Guys know better. They are pounding the Over. Stan's take the Wise Guys have spoken so you should listen and Play the Over.