NBA Today
Wednesday, Nov. 19
STARS
Tuesday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists in a 106-82 victory at New Jersey, leading Cleveland to its eighth straight win.
— Pau Gasol, Lakers, scored a season-high 34 points and Los Angeles rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 116-109 victory over Chicago.
— Danny Granger, Pacers, scored 34 points in a 113-96 victory over the slumping Atlanta Hawks, losers of four straight after a 6-0 start.
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points and Dallas never trailed in a 100-83 rout of Charlotte, delighting owner Mark Cuban a day after he was charged with insider trading. With Cuban sitting along the baseline, as animated as usual, the Mavericks toyed with the lifeless, undermanned Bobcats in their second consecutive win. Charlotte fell behind 15-0 while playing again without top scorer Jason Richardson (knee). The Bobcats didn’t score until nearly 7 minutes had elapsed in a woeful performance that kept them winless against Dallas.
WORTH THE HYPE
Greg Oden and Derrick Rose, the past two No. 1 draft picks, both had big games as their teams lost Tuesday night. Oden, the top selection in 2007, had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Portland in a 111-106 defeat at Golden State—the best night of his five-game NBA career. Back from injuries, he went 8-for-12 and played 30 minutes through foul trouble as the Trail Blazers lost their seventh straight in Oakland. Rose, chosen first by Chicago in June, led the Bulls with 25 points and nine assists in a 116-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
SUPER SUB
Starting in place of suspended Kevin Garnett, little-used big man Brian Scalabrine hit a 3-pointer with 1:14 left to help the Boston Celtics seal a 110-101 victory over New York after their 15-point, fourth-quarter lead was trimmed to four. Garnett was disciplined for throwing a punch at Milwaukee’s Andrew Bogut on Saturday and forced to sit out one game. “I was surprised. I thought it was a ridiculous suspension,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said before the game. “I just want more consistency from our league.” Rivers said Garnett was hit in the face twice from the side and he flailed out an arm as a reflex. “I guess that constitutes a punch,” he said.
YOUNG GUNS
LeBron James replaced Kobe Bryant as the youngest player in NBA history to score 11,000 points. James (23 years, 323 days) reached the plateau with an open jump shot set up by a great crossover dribble late in the first quarter of Cleveland win over New Jersey. He entered the game with 10,987 points. Bryant was 25 years, 99 days when he reached 11,000 points with the Los Angeles Lakers.
ENCORE
Anthony Morrow followed up his 37-point performance three days earlier with 25 points for Golden State, including three free throws with 5.6 seconds to play in a 111-106 victory over Portland. But coach Don Nelson kept his undrafted rookie on the bench for most of the final minutes while Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette barely held off the Trail Blazers.
CAPITAL COLLAPSE
The Washington Wizards dropped to 1-7 with a 94-87 loss to Miami, the franchise’s worst start since 1999. Dwyane Wade had 19 points, 10 assists and six rebounds for the Heat, leading six scorers in double figures as Miami beat the Wizards for the second time in five days.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Chris Bosh scored a season-high 40 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, but Toronto committed 24 turnovers in a 103-90 loss at Orlando, which has won eight of nine.
SHARP SHOOTERS
Rudy Gay scored 22 points and Memphis shot a season-high 54 percent to help the Grizzlies snap a four-game losing streak with a 109-94 victory over Sacramento. … Linas Kleiza scored 25 points, Carmelo Anthony had 17 and Denver set a season high for points in a 114-105 win over Milwaukee, which played its eighth straight game without injured star Michael Redd (ankle). The Nuggets got double-digit scoring from all their starters, plus Kleiza and Renaldo Balkman.
SPEAKING
“It looked basically like the varsity scripting plays against a rec team out there. They did whatever they wanted to do.”—Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace after his team fell behind 15-0 in a 100-83 loss to Dallas.
Wednesday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
Have you been able to cash in on the Hawks this season? How about grabbing Golden State on the ‘over’? There’s been plenty of opportunity to cash in on the 2008-09 NBA season so far.
That leaves us to analyze Wednesday’s stacked card. Two ESPN games will highlight national coverage beginning with an 8:00 p.m. EST tip-off between Dallas and Houston. Get your pen and paper out because its time to do some homework.
On the Tube
It’s only Wednesday but the Mavericks (3-7 straight up, 3-7 against the spread) have been busy to begin the week. Dallas owner Mark Cuban has been front and center in the media world after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil suit relating to alleged insider trading. But the matter at hand is a big Texas showdown against rival, Houston (7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS).
Shooting a poor 42.8 percent from the field hasn’t stopped the Mavericks from scoring an average of 101.8 PPG. Total players are running to the counter with a 5-1 record on the ‘over’. The real problem is playing Dallas on the side. The Mavs broke a five-game losing streak (longest losing streak since the 1999-2000 season) on Sunday when they defeated the Knicks 124-114 in overtime.
We can put out finger on one major problem afflicting backers this season. Fourth quarter breakdowns have been immobilizing as opponents have outscored Dallas 238-198. In their loss to Orlando last Friday (102-100), the Mavericks walked off the hardwood scoring 10 points less in the fourth quarter (20-10).
Compounding the problem is Dallas’ fourth quarter 37.3 field goal percentage.
It was a rough five-game road trip for the Rockets. Starting with an overtime loss in Portland (101-99), Houston wrapped up the grueling tour with a low scoring loss in San Antonio on Friday (77-75).
The Rockets will be heading into this contest with a 1-4 ATS slide off one-day worth of rest and looking just as bad at home with a 1-3 ATS record.
What could be the most relevant news heading into Wednesday is Tracy McGrady’s right knee problems. Houston’s No. 1 shooting guard left the third quarter of Monday’s game against Oklahoma with what’s been described as a sharp pain in his surgically repaired knee. The Rockets have gone 15-16 SU in the last two season when their seven-time All-Star has been injured.
Dallas is 7-3 SU and ATS in its last 10 head-to-head meetings against Houston. The Rockets have taken the last two games SU and ATS as underdogs.
The second installment of evening hoops bleeds into a 10:30 p.m. EST contest between Chicago (5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS) and Portland (6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS).
The Bulls enter enemy territory with an 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS record on the road this season. Shooting 37.8 percent from the field and scoring 88.7 PPG away from home isn’t getting the job done. And with six games left on the road in its immediate schedule, Chi-Town needs improved defense play after allowing opponents to rack up 99.7 PPG.
In Chicago’s last three defeats, the offense has struggled to find the hoop for 42 percent from the perimeter. The team’s seasonal 41.9 field goal percentage ranks third worst in the league.
The Bulls have had totals installed at 202 and 200 points in their last two wins (against Indiana and Dallas). The ‘under’ has cashed in both contests bringing the overall record to 4-6 on the ‘over/under’.
Portland is a young team playing well above the rim. The Trailblazers have been economical by scoring 95.4 PPG and shooting 45.1 percent from the field and have excelled on defense. Head coach Nate McMillan’s group has been able to choke out teams into scoring a low 91.6 PPG in the last five games.
Portland has ripped off four straight ATS wins and is now 5-1 ATS in the last six. An aberration in the numbers centers on the Blazers’ 3-0 SU record at home while outscoring opponents by a slim two-point margin in the second-half. Portland has applied plenty of offensive pressure by flinging up 81.3 field goal attempts per game at home (compared to opponents’ 73.3 attempts).
Another big advantage is outrebounding opponents on offense at home by a seven board margin. And six steals per game versus opposing teams snatching away just 3.7 steals per game has given Portland an extra edge in the turnover department (combined with 6.3 blocks per game at home).
Greg Oden has finally logged in back-to-back games of double-digit minutes and points for the Blazers. But his most prized ability will be on ‘D’ as Oden has already totaled 18 rebounds with seven blocks in his last two games.
The ‘underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.
Home Cooking
Miami (5-5 SU, 4-5-1 ATS) has been inconsistent to start the season but four wins in five games (3-2 ATS) at home has been the club’s strong suit. The Heat have struggled on the boards (39.2 RPG) and the bench is averaging just 25.9 PPG. The Raptors (5-4 SU, 5-4 ATS) come into this contest with a 2-0 ATS record off zero days of rest. Toronto has owned Miami with five straight wins in the last five head-to-head contests and have covered eight games in the last 10 tip-offs. The ‘under’ is 8-2 in the same 10 meetings.
Both teams have struggled on the boards. Miami has been outrebounded by a 3.4 margin, while Toronto is giving up 41.7 boards per game versus 38.4 of their own.
Utah (7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS) will look to remain undefeated at home, while Milwaukee (5-6 SU) has been a pleasing 8-3 ATS for backers. The Jazz are knocking down 103 PPG and are allowing a suffocating 92.6 PPG inside of their arena. Off one day of rest Utah is 4-3 ATS. This will be the Bucks second game on the road in two nights who are a hot 4-1 ATS heading into back-to-back games.
One Game Winners
It looked as though Oklahoma City (1-10 SU, 5-6 ATS) was building a bankroll for gamblers until it dropped four games straight against the spread. Performance wise, the Thunder have worked for a lone win this season against Minnesota (88-85), while dropping eight in a row since then. At least giving up 108.4 PPG in the last five has forced the total to go a perfect 5-0.
And playing just as poorly are the Clippers (1-9 SU, 1-9 ATS). There’s plenty of problems to uncover in L.A. but getting outscored by 10 points per game in the second-half is a good place to start. Overall, the Clips own a horrendous minus-12.8 PPG margin this season.
The ‘dog is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 head-to-meetings in this series.
vegasinsider.com.
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks
Antawn Jamison led Washington with 25 points and 12 rebounds in its 94-87 loss to Miami on Tuesday night.
Miami covered as 1.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 191-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Joe Johnson led the way for Atlanta with 25 points and seven boards in its 113-96 loss to Indiana on Tuesday night.
Indiana cashed as 2-point home favorites as the teams played over the 203.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 1-7 SU, 2-6 ATS
Atlanta: 6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Charlotte are 1-9
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Houston, Friday, November 21
Atlanta home to Charlotte, Friday, November 21
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
LeBron James scored 31 points and hauled down eight rebounds, as the Cavaliers slammed the Nets 106-82 on Tuesday night.
Cleveland won as 6-point road favorites as the game played under the 197.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Pistons lost to Phoenix 104-86 as a 2-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (197).
Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 19 points and Rodney Stuckey had 12 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 8 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 9-2 SU, 8-3 ATS
Detroit: 7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
Next up:
Cleveland home to Atlanta, Saturday, November 22
Detroit at Boston, Thursday, November 20
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat
Chris Bosh led Toronto with 40 points and 18 boards in its 103-90 loss to Orlando on Tuesday night.
Orlando covered as 6.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 192-point total set by sportsbooks.
Dwyane Wade had 19 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds to lead the Heat over the Wizards 94-87 on Tuesday night.
Miami covered as 1.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 191-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Toronto: 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS
Miami: 6-5 SU, 5-5-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 4-6
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Toronto
Miami is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Toronto home to New Jersey, Friday, November 21
Miami home to Indiana, Saturday, November 22
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
Dirk Nowitzki went for 32 points and nine rebounds, as the Mavericks handled the Bobcats 100-83 on Tuesday night.
Dallas cashed as 5.5-point road favorites as the teams played under the 189.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Luis Scola went for 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Rockets over the Thunder 100-89 on Monday night.
Houston covered as 8.5-point road favorites as the teams played over the 182-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 4-7 SU, 4-7 ATS
Houston: 7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 9-1
After playing Charlotte are 7-1
After a win are 4-6
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 8-2
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Houston
Dallas is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Houston
Dallas is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games at home
Houston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Next up:
Dallas home to Memphis, Friday, November 21
Houston at Washington, Friday, November 21
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The 76ers dominated the second half and pulled away for a convincing 110-85 victory over the Thunder on Saturday. The 76ers covered the 11-point spread, while the 195 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.
Thaddeus Young shot 10-for-15 from the field with 23 points with four rebounds to lead the way.
The Timberwolves lost to Denver 90-84 as a 9.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (203).
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Randy Foye netted 18 points.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has won 3 straight games.
Minnesota has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS
Minnesota: 1-8 SU, 4-5 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Denver are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Philadelphia home to LA Clippers, Friday, November 21
Minnesota home to Boston, Friday, November 21
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Hornets
John Salmons paced Sacramento with 18 points in its 109-94 loss to Memphis on Tuesday night.
Memphis covered as 5.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 196-point total posted by sportsbooks.
The Hornets were defeated 91-81 by the Rockets last time out, as 2.5-point road underdogs. The 172 points fell UNDER the posted total of 181.
David West had 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS
New Orleans: 5-4 SU, 2-6-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After playing Houston are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Sacramento is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Sacramento home to Portland, Friday, November 21
New Orleans at Oklahoma City, Friday, November 21
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Cuttino Mobley dropped 18 points for Los Angeles in its 86-83 loss to San Antonio on Monday night.
San Antonio covered as 1.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 177-point total set by oddsmakers.
Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 29 points, seven boards, and four steals in its 100-89 loss to Houston on Monday night.
Houston covered as 8.5-point road favorites as the teams played over the 182-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 3 straight games.
Oklahoma City has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 1-9 SU, 1-9 ATS
Oklahoma City: 1-10 SU, 5-6 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After playing San Antonio are 3-7
After a loss are 1-9
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 4-6
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 19-6 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Philadelphia, Friday, November 21
Oklahoma City home to New Orleans, Friday, November 21
Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs
Linas Kleiza drained 25 points off the bench to lead the Nuggets over the Bucks 114-105 on Tuesday night.
Denver covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 191.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Roger Mason scored 21 points to lead the Spurs over the Clippers 86-83 on Monday night.
San Antonio covered as 1.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 177-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Denver has won 3 straight games.
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 7-4 SU, 8-3 ATS
San Antonio: 5-5 SU, 4-6 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Utah are 8-2
After playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Denver's last 12 games when playing San Antonio
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Antonio's last 12 games when playing Denver
Next up:
Denver at LA Lakers, Friday, November 21
San Antonio home to Utah, Friday, November 21
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz
Charlie Bell led the way with 25 points for Milwaukee in its 114-105 loss to Denver on Tuesday night.
Denver covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 191.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Carlos Boozer scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Jazz over the Suns 109-97 on Monday night.
Utah covered as 1-point home underdogs as the teams played over the 196-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS
Utah: 7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 1-9
Before playing New York are 2-8
After playing Denver are 1-9
After a loss are 3-7
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing Utah
Milwaukee is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games
Milwaukee is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to New York, Friday, November 21
Utah at San Antonio, Friday, November 21
Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose scored 25 points and dished out nine assists to lead the Bulls in their 116-109 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles couldn't cover as 12-point home favorites as the game played over the 197.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Greg Oden had 22 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Portland in its 111-106 loss to Golden State on Tuesday night.
Golden State covered as 1-point home favorites as the teams played over the 203.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Chicago: 5-6 SU, 7-4 ATS
Portland: 6-5 SU, 6-5 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing on the road against Portland
Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Portland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Portland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chicago
Portland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Chicago at Golden State, Friday, November 21
Portland at Sacramento, Friday, November 21
Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won their last eight games (6-2 vs spread). Pistons are 3-1 in their last four games.
-- 76ers' won last three games, by 10-2-25 points.
-- Mavericks won last two games, scoring 112 ppg, after losing previous five contests. Rockets won three of their last four games.
-- Nuggets won five of their last seven games. Spurs won last three in a row, by 2-2-3 points.
-- Milwaukee covered five of its last six road games.
-- Blazers is 3-0 at home, winning by 1-2-4 points.
Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost last four games, after winning their first six. Wizards lost seven of their first eight games this season.
-- Miami is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win. Raptors lost five of their last seven games.
-- Minnesota lost seven of last eight games, covered three of last four.
-- Hornets lost four of last six games (1-5 vs spread).
-- Raptors lost three of last four games, with losses by 7-10-13 points.
-- Clippers lost three in row, nine of first ten games. Thunder lost their last eight games (0-4 vs spread in last four).
-- Kings covered six of their last eight games.
-- Bulls are 0-4 on road, losing by 16-3-14-7 points.
Totals
-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Atlanta games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Toronto's six road games.
-- Six of last seven Cleveland games all went over the total.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Thunder's last last five games all went over the total.
-- Last six New Orleans games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in the last eight Dallas games. .
-- Spurs' last five games all stayed under the total.
-- Seven of Bucks' last eight games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Portland games went over the total.
WASHINGTON (1 - 7) at ATLANTA (6 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 64-91 ATS (-36.1 Units) in November games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 109-143 ATS (-48.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 110-148 ATS (-52.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
ATLANTA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO (5 - 5) at MIAMI (6 - 5)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (9 - 2) at DETROIT (7 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-5 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-6 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA (5 - 5) at MINNESOTA (1 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 74-95 ATS (-30.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-52 ATS (-24.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (1 - 9) at OKLAHOMA CITY (1 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 38-60 ATS (-28.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) first half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (4 - 8) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 59-43 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 4-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS (4 - 7) at HOUSTON (7 - 4)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (7 - 4) at SAN ANTONIO (5 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 97-135 ATS (-51.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 295-242 ATS (+28.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-4 ATS (+15.6 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 51-29 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-5 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
10 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (5 - 7) at UTAH (7 - 4)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (5 - 6) at PORTLAND (6 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 2-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 2-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Washington at Atlanta
Washington: 13-4 ATS after a division game
Atlanta: 9-21 ATS after 3+ consecutive overs
Toronto at Miami
Toronto: 27-18 ATS against Southeast division
Miami: 9-19 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a road underdog
Cleveland at Detroit
Cleveland: 7-18 ATS AWAY after a DD win
Detroit: 12-3 ATS at home after 1+ consecutive losses
Philadelphia at Minnesota
Philadelphia: 26-10 ATS in a road game where the total is between 180 and 189.5
Minnesota: 4-13 ATS at home in the first half of the season
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City
LA Clippers: 1-9 ATS in all games
Oklahoma City: 5-1 OVER after 2 consecutive games as a dog
Sacramento at New Orleans
Sacramento: 13-4 OVER AWAY when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
New Orleans: 18-6 ATS at home when the total is between 190 and 194.5
Dallas at Houston
Dallas: 5-19 ATS off a DD road win
Houston: 8-1 UNDER as a home underdog
Denver at San Antonio
Denver: 17-7 ATS when playing 6 or more games in 10 days
San Antonio: 8-19 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
Milwaukee at Utah
Milwaukee: 5-1 ATS as a road underdog
Utah: 1-4 ATS in non-conference games
Chicago at Portland
Chicago: 11-23 ATS AWAY in the first half of the season
Portland: 25-15 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
TORONTO vs. MIAMI
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
DALLAS vs. HOUSTON
Dallas is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Houston is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Dallas
Houston is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Dallas
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Clippers are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games
LA Clippers are 1-16 SU in their last 17 games
Oklahoma City is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
PHILADELPHIA vs. MINNESOTA
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
SACRAMENTO vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games at home
New Orleans is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
DENVER vs. SAN ANTONIO
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Denver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing at home against Denver
MILWAUKEE vs. UTAH
Milwaukee is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
CHICAGO vs. PORTLAND
Chicago is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Portland
Portland is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Portland is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Chicago
NBA RESEARCH REPORT
By Indiancowboy
Quick notes on yesterday: Charlotte still is horrible and can't close the door, heck, they were down 0-15 at point in that first quarter, Indiana is great at home and continues to be one of the best covers at home, their hard work from last year is paying off, Toronto played early but Orlando came on strong and got it done at home, the Wizards couldn't get revenge on the Heat at home from essentially a home and home loss to them, New Jersey continues to be inconsistent as ever and Cleveland continues to show their dominance and ability to cover on the road - give the Cavs some credit, they are a solid road team, New York and Boston go over the total but Boston gets gets the cover late, Memphis lays the wood on the Kings at home, Denver and Milwaukee push as the total goes way over, the Blazers are ready for a bounce-back after the Warriors won against them at home and Lakers do defeat the Bulls but Chicago comes in for the backdoor in some ways as they were down by 16 going into the 4th quarter only to lose by just 6.
Washington vs. Atlanta
I love my Hawks but they are struggling a bit now. Frankly, I lean on them now at home over the Wizards regardless of the big spread. The Wizards just suck. I mean this team is that bad. The Hawks remember have had some frustrating losses of late and find themselves 6-4 after a fast 6-0 start and are looking to pound somebody, anybody - enter the Wizards. I hate laying this many points though, but the Hawks would certainly be my lean here for a big home win.
Cleveland vs. Detroit
The line opened up at -5 for Detroit and has quickly gone down to -3.5. Cleveland continues to be a great buy on the road. Cleveland has covered 3 straight, but Detroit comes off that ugly loss to the Suns on the road. This can go either way.
Toronto vs. Miami
I would like to lean on the Raps after the loss here but they beat Miami by double-digit earlier this year so this is a revenge game for Miami, no thanks.
Dallas vs. Houston
Dallas just walloped Charlotte on the road only to face Houston now. Remember, Houston defeated this team 112-102 on the road so this is a revenge game for Dallas as they fight back to .500 as they sit at .500. No line for this game is released, but I wouldn't want to go against Dallas here with the revenge tag, haing said that, Houston has covered back to back games and has been playing solid ball. no thanks.
Sacramento vs. New Orleans
This is Sacto's 13th game of the year already as they are just rolling along quickly through their season. New Orleans has played 6 straight unders, they return home after the 9 point loss to Houston, and although Sac has lost back to back games, they have yet to lose 3 covers in a row as this is a game they should be able to hang in and cover imo.
Clippers vs. Oklahoma City
Really? Between these two teams, their record is 2-19. They should call this the ****ter bowl. Keep in mind though that usually when two horrible teams decide to play each other, games go over the posted total as offense usually takes precedence over defense in a crapshoot.
Milwaukee vs. Utah
I won't even begin to speculate on this game given that I have already noted that I think Milwaukee is going to be a great road team this year and they have been and Utah is rock solid at home. no thanks.
Chicago vs. Portland
What makes this game interesting is that both teams come off a loss and Portland in particular comes off a tough loss on the road at Golden State - Chicago pretty much was done at L.A. before the 4th quarter and earlier in fact. Chicago has yet to win a road game, Chicago has covered 3 straight while Portland had covered 4 straight before the lost to GW and have not lost back to back covers since the start of the season.