Wednesday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
NBA on ESPN will be disrupted by a pairing of college basketball games on Wednesday but not to fret. Whether you make your way out to the local watering hole or have the ability to catch the 11 games on satellite we still have plenty of opportunity to rake in the cash with the holidays quickly approaching.
As it stands right now the Lakers and Celtics have picked up the momentum left on the court from last season. Aside from the obvious leaders in the East and West, Cleveland has been taking books to the cleaners. The Cavaliers have taken five straight against the spread, improving their overall record to 13-4 ATS. And for total players a 6-3 record on the ‘over’ at home gives extra reason to cheer.
Playing host to the Knicks (8-8 straight up, 7-9 against the spread), Cleveland (14-3 SU, 13-4 ATS) will attempt to remain undefeated at home (9-0 SU). Statistically, that scenario is looking good. New York is just 2-5 SU and ATS on the road mainly due to the fact that opponents are shooting 48.6 percent for 106.1 PPG.
The Knicks are a major improvement over last season’s debacle of a team but continue to rank at the bottom of the list in defensive statistics. As a result of the wet paper bag ‘D’, the ‘over’ is 7-2 in the last nine.
On the flip side the Cavaliers have not only been money against the spread but are 5-2 on the ‘under’. Total players following this run have witnessed Cleveland holding down teams at 88.4 PPG in the five ‘under’ games mentioned.
The Cavs are coming off a 97-85 win over Milwaukee last Saturday. LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas combined for 55 points in that contest. The defensive effort was also a contributing factor, allowing the Bucks to hit 39 percent from the field. The piece of information to note is that Cleveland is 3-1 ATS off three days of rest (the time in-between the Milwaukee game and Wednesday’s action).
New York has listed point guards Chris Duhon (back) as ‘probable’ and Nate Robinson (groin) ‘questionable’. Newly acquired guard, Cuttino Mobley will undergo at least one more test on his heart before being activated.
Bodog.com has installed the Cavaliers as a hefty 14-point home favorite with a total initially set at 218. Game time is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. EST.
L.A. Lakers at Philadelphia – 7:00 p.m. EST
Eight times this season the Lakers (14-1 SU, 9-5 ATS) have been installed as double-digit favorites and on Wednesday should be the same (stay tuned as odds become available). In those spots L.A. has gone 4-4 ATS with the last ‘W’ cashing tickets against Toronto (112-99) as a12-point favorite.
Center Andrew Bynum has picked up right where he left off last season. His 12.4 PPG and 9.1 RPG (15.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG in the last five) has helped the Lake Show’s 7-2 ‘over’ record cash at home.
And the money keeps on coming as the ‘over’ is now on a four-game run for L.A. (coincidentally all four games have had the Lakers as double-digit faves). When you’re a team scoring triple-digits in seven straight and are averaging 108.6 PPG in the last 10, books have been hard pressed to install a viable, high valued total.
In defense of the 76ers (7-10 SU, 6-10 ATS) able to cover this game… we’ll that’s a tough argument to make. Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last six. The ‘Sixers have scored 87.4 PPG in their last five and are draining just 28.8 percent of their shots from behind the arc.
Again, total players begin studying off the fact that Philly’s total at home combined with L.A.’s on the road has gone a combined 10-3-1 on the ‘under’.
Most books have opened the ‘Sixers as a surprising seven-point home ‘dogs. A total of 200 points is available for gamblers to wager under or over.
Road Woes
Several teams participating on Wednesday’s card will be playing with records inducing nausea on the road.
Leading this group is Memphis (4-13 SU, 6-11 ATS) and Oklahoma City (2-16 SU, 9-9 ATS), two teams with a combined 2-15 SU performance for the season. The Thunder are actually an acceptable 5-3 ATS on the road this season thanks to the mix of books installing this team at an average of 12-point underdogs per contest (in the mentioned seven games). A good reason rests with Oklahoma allowing an overwhelming 111 PPG in the aforementioned five games that have cashed.
Covering the spread or not, the Thunder ended a 14-game losing streak on Saturday, beating Memphis 111-103 as 7½-point ‘dogs.
Most books have opened Oklahoma City as 8½-point underdogs when they tip-off against Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Grizzlies are in the same boat with one sole win on the road and a 3-6 ATS stint to boot. Memphis is in a six-game slide SU and ATS and is 1-10 SU in its last 11. If there’s an angle or trend to mull over it’s the Grizzles 10-3 record on the ‘over’ in their last 13.
Memphis is coming off a 111-103 loss on Saturday (to Oklahoma City by the way) in which the team shot a high 57.7 percent from the field. The problem came from 18 turnovers (the team is 24th worst in turnovers) coupled with sending the Thunder to the line 32 times.
On an individual note, O.J. Mayo has found the way to the hoop for 26.6 PPG in his last five. He’s logged in back-to-back games of scoring 30 points plus in the last two.
The Grizzlies will pair up against Atlanta at 7:00 p.m. EST. The Hawks have taken the last four games in head-to-head play and are also 4-0 ATS. Sportsbetting.com has opened Memphis as a nine-point favorite with a total set at 196.
A Different Team
Gone are the days when Phoenix (11-7 SU, 8-10 ATS) drove to the bucket or fired from the hardwood for 110.1 PPG (last season’s average). These days the Suns are still averaging triple-digit figures (100.6 PPG) but own a minor plus-0.9 point difference versus last year’s margin of plus-five.
The Suns will get a shot at hooping it up against New Orleans (9-6 SU, 5-9-1 ATS) at 8:00 p.m. EST. Brobury Sports has listed the Hornets as five-point home favorites with a total sitting at 198.
Phoenix has seen success against conference opponents with a 7-4 record. One problem that seems to be unavoidable (and what remains a ghost of Mike D’Antoni’s days with the team) is a lack of defense. In just the last seven games, the Suns have coughed up 104 PPG.
The last loss to New Jersey on Sunday had Phoenix giving up a season high 117 points. The Nets were also allowed to hit 50 percent from the field. It’s a double edge sword in the Suns case. Led by Amare Stoudemire scoring 21.9 PPG, Phoenix has is hitting 50.3 percent of its own shots. You might think that the total would be a solid angle but a 5-4 record on the ‘over’ on the road isn’t the case.
This is only the second time this season that books have installed the Suns as underdogs. It was back on Nov. 17 that Phoenix lost to the Jazz 109-97 as a slight two-point ‘dog.
New Orleans is just 1-5-1 ATS at home (4-5 SU). The Hornets are struggling on offense by scoring 94.4 PPG at home. Phoenix enters Wednesday on a 3-8 ATS slide in its last 11 overall.
vegasinsider.com.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks
Memphis was upset 111-103 by Oklahoma City last time out, as 8-point favorites at home. That game's 214 points sailed OVER the posted total of 198.
O.J. Mayo had 30 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort.
The Hawks held off a late surge to defeat the Wizards 102-98 on Saturday, as slight 1.5-point road underdogs. That game's 200 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 200.
Al Horford had a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Mike Bibby added a team-high 21 points in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 4-13 SU, 6-11 ATS
Atlanta: 10-6 SU, 8-8 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 1-9
After a loss are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 3-7
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Memphis is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Memphis
Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to LA Clippers, Friday, December 5
Atlanta home to New York, Friday, December 5
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Chris Duhon led New York with 23 points and 13 assists in its 104-97 loss to Portland on Tuesday night.
The game resulted in a push with Portland as 7-point road favorites, as the teams played under the 212-point total listed by oddsmakers.
LeBron James netted a game-high 32 points as the Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 97-85 on Saturday. The Cavaliers managed to cover the 7-point spread, but the 182 points fell UNDER the posted total of 195.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas shot 11-for-17 from the field with 23 points and 17 rebounds.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 8-9 SU, 7-9-1 ATS
Cleveland: 14-3 SU, 13-4 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Portland are 1-9
After a loss are 4-6
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Indiana are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
New York is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New York at Atlanta, Friday, December 5
Cleveland home to Indiana, Friday, December 5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic
Randy Foye paced Minnesota with 23 points in its 100-90 loss to Charlotte on Monday night.
Charlotte covered as 4-point home favorites as the game played over the 184-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Rashard Lewis led the way for Orlando with 30 points in its 107-88 loss to Boston on Monday night.
Boston cashed as 8-point home favorites as the teams played over the 189.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 4-12 SU, 6-10 ATS
Orlando: 13-5 SU, 9-8-1 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 2-6
After a loss are 3-7
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Oklahoma City are 3-7
After playing Boston are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Orlando is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Orlando is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota at New Jersey, Friday, December 5
Orlando home to Oklahoma City, Friday, December 5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles with 28 points and seven boards in its 118-117 loss to Indiana on Tuesday night.
Indiana cashed as 8-point home underdogs as the game played over the 211-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Andre Miller drained 28 points to lead the 76ers past the Bulls 103-95 in overtime on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia covered as 3-point road underdogs as the game played over the 195-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-2 SU, 10-6 ATS
Philadelphia: 8-10 SU, 7-11 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 2-8
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 14 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Washington, Friday, December 5
Philadelphia at Detroit, Friday, December 5
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Washington Wizards
Brandon Roy went for 23 points and six assists to lead the Trail Blazers over the Knicks 104-97 on Tuesday night.
The game resulted in a push with Portland as 7-point road favorites, as the teams played under the 212-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Caron Butler had 22 points and 10 assists to lead the Wizards past the Nets 108-88 on Tuesday night.
Washington covered as 6-point road underdogs as the game played under the 210-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Portland has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 13-6 SU, 11-7-1 ATS
Washington: 3-12 SU, 5-10 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 2-8
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Washington
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Washington's last 23 games at home
Washington is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Portland
Next up:
Portland at Boston, Friday, December 5
Washington home to LA Lakers, Friday, December 5
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Oklahoma City snapped a 14-game losing skid with a 111-103 upset win over Memphis on Saturday, as 8-point underdogs. The 214 points sailed OVER the posted total of 198.
Kevin Durant led the way with 30 points and seven rebounds, while Jeff Green added 22 in the victory.
Jason Richardson scored 25 points to lead the Bobcats past the Timberwolves 100-90 on Monday night.
Charlotte covered as 4-point home favorites as the game played over the 184-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 2-16 SU, 9-9 ATS
Charlotte: 6-11 SU, 11-6 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 1-9
After a win are 2-8
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 3-5
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 12 games
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Charlotte's last 14 games
Next up:
Oklahoma City at Orlando, Friday, December 5
Charlotte at Milwaukee, Friday, December 5
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics
Troy Murphy's tip-in at the buzzer lifted the Pacers over the Lakers 118-117 on Tuesday night.
Indiana cashed as 8-point home underdogs as the game played over the 211-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Paul Pierce dropped 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds, as the Celtics got past the Magic 107-88 on Monday night.
Boston cashed as 8-point home favorites as the teams played over the 189.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Boston has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 7-10 SU, 9-7-1 ATS
Boston: 17-2 SU, 10-9 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Portland are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Indiana at Cleveland, Friday, December 5
Boston home to Portland, Friday, December 5
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Derrick Rose led the way for Chicago with 24 points and six rebounds in its 103-95 overtime loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Philadelphia covered as 3-point road underdogs as the game played over the 195-point total posted by oddsmakers.
The Bucks were defeated 97-85 by the Cavaliers last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 182 points fell UNDER the posted total of 195.
Richard Jefferson had 19 points with six rebounds in that loss.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 8-10 SU, 10-8 ATS
Milwaukee: 7-12 SU, 12-6-1 ATS
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Chicago is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Chicago
Milwaukee is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 15 games
Milwaukee is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games
Next up:
Chicago home to Washington, Saturday, December 6
Milwaukee home to Charlotte, Friday, December 5
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Suns lost to New Jersey 117-109 as an 8.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (207).
Steve Nash led the Suns with 26 points and nine assists and Amare Stoudemire had 25 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets lost 101-86 to the Trail Blazers on Friday, as 5-point underdogs. The 187 points fell just UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Peja Stojakovic tossed in a team-high 21 points from 8-for-14 shooting in the loss.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 11-7 SU, 8-10 ATS
New Orleans: 9-6 SU, 5-9-1 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Memphis are 7-3
After playing Portland are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Phoenix is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
New Orleans is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Phoenix at Dallas, Thursday, December 4
New Orleans home to Memphis, Saturday, December 6
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
Zach Randolph went for 27 points and 10 boards for Los Angeles in its 100-98 loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.
Dallas failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 195-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Rockets lost to Denver 104-94 as a 3.5-point underdog Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (194).
Yao Ming led the Rockets with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Rafer Alston netted 16 points.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 3-14 SU, 5-12 ATS
Houston: 11-7 SU, 9-9 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 1-9
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 4-6
After playing Denver are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
LA Clippers are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Houston is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Next up:
LA Clippers at Memphis, Friday, December 5
Houston home to Golden State, Friday, December 5
Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz
Dwyane Wade dropped 37 points and dished out 13 assists to lead the Heat past the Warriors 130-129 in overtime on Monday night.
Miami cashed as 3-point road underdogs as the teams played over the 212-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Deron Williams had 14 points and seven assists, as the Jazz nipped the Kings 97-94 on Tuesday night.
Utah covered as 2.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 209-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Team records:
Miami: 9-9 SU, 8-9-1 ATS
Utah: 12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing Golden State are 7-3
After a win are 1-9
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 10-0
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Miami is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Utah
Utah is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games at home
Next up:
Miami home to Oklahoma City, Saturday, December 6
Utah home to Toronto, Friday, December 5
MEMPHIS (4 - 13) at ATLANTA (10 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 42-57 ATS (-20.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-87 ATS (-34.7 Units) in December games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-0 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (12 - 6) at WASHINGTON (2 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (14 - 1) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 3-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS 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
MINNESOTA (4 - 12) at ORLANDO (13 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 76-100 ATS (-34.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 66-42 ATS (+19.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 2-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 2-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK (8 - 8) at CLEVELAND (14 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (2 - 16) at CHARLOTTE (6 - 11)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 2-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA (6 - 10) at BOSTON (17 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 77-49 ATS (+23.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-41 ATS (+12.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-73 ATS (-35.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (8 - 9) at MILWAUKEE (7 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 27-50 ATS (-28.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 33-54 ATS (-26.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (11 - 7) at NEW ORLEANS (9 - 6)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 62-46 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 45-31 ATS (+10.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
PHOENIX is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-0 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (3 - 13) at HOUSTON (11 - 7)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (9 - 9) at UTAH (11 - 7)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-0 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-1 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
LA Lakers are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
MEMPHIS vs. ATLANTA
Memphis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
MINNESOTA vs. ORLANDO
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Orlando is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
NEW YORK vs. CLEVELAND
New York is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
New York is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. CHARLOTTE
Oklahoma City is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 2-19 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Charlotte is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
PORTLAND vs. WASHINGTON
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Portland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
INDIANA vs. BOSTON
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
CHICAGO vs. MILWAUKEE
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chicago is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Chicago
PHOENIX vs. NEW ORLEANS
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA CLIPPERS vs. HOUSTON
LA Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
MIAMI vs. UTAH
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Utah is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami
Hot Teams
-- Hawks won five of six at home, but are just 2-4 as home favorites.
-- Portland won five in a row, covered nine of last twelve games.
-- Lakers won seven of last eight games, are 5-1 vs spread on the road.
-- Orlando won thirteen of its last sixteen games.
-- Cavaliers are 13-1 in last 14 games, covering last five.
-- Charlotte covered five in row, eight of last ten games.
-- Celtics won their last eight games (6-2 vs spread).
-- Bulls are 6-3 vs spread in game following a loss this season.
-- Hornets won four of their last five games.
-- Rockets won six of last nine games, but McGrady is out (knee).
-- Jazz won three of their last four games.
Cold Teams
-- Grizzlies lost their last six games (0-6 vs spread).
-- Wizards lost eleven of their first fourteen games, but split last four.
-- 76ers lost four of last five games, covered two of last eight.
-- Timberwolves lost three of last four games (0-4 vs spread).
-- Knicks lost six of their last eight games.
-- Thunder snapped 14-game skid in last game, but covered four of their last five games.
-- Pacers lost six of their last nine games, are 1-4-1 vs spread after a win.
-- Bucks lost last four games, but are 8-2-1 vs spread in their last 11.
-- Suns lost their last two games, allowing 112 ppg.
-- Clippers lost eight of last ten games, but covered their last three. .
-- Miami is 1-7 vs spread in the game following a win.
Totals
-- Over is 6-3-2 in last eleven Atlanta games.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in Portland's last six games.
-- Five of last seven Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Minnesota's last four games all went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten New York games went over the total.
-- Under is 13-3-1 in Charlotte games this season.
-- Five of last six Indiana games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4 in Milwaukee's last thirteen games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six New Orleans games.
-- Eight of last eleven Clipper games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Miami games went over the total.
Hot and Cold Bets - Week 5
By Matt Fargo
NBA Hot Bets This Week
Wednesday – New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has gotten off to an incredible start as it is 14-3 on the year (13-4 ATS) including a 9-0 record at home (7-2 ATS). It faces off against the Knicks for the second time in just over a week following an 18-point win in New York in the first meeting. The Cavaliers led by as many as 34 points while the Knicks never led so it is safe to say it was a dominating performance. The success the Cavaliers are having is driving their lines up but that isn’t fazing them at all. They have been a double-digit home favorite in four straight games and they have covered all of those games. Two of those covers only came by a bucket but Cleveland is showing it can win big at home and it will go for a fifth straight double-digit home cover. New York will try to play better this time around and starting the season 8-8 is definitely a good sign but going 2-5 on the road (2-5 ATS) will prove to be a problem against the Cavaliers once again.
L.A. Lakers (14-2, 10-6 ATS) at Philadelphia (8-10, 7-11 ATS)
One night after a stunning buzzer-beating loss at Indiana, the Lakers look to regroup when they head to Philadelphia for a matchup against the 76ers.
Los Angeles entered the fourth quarter last night with a 15-point lead, but couldn’t hold it, falling 118-117 as a nine-point favorite when a tip-in by Danny Granger rattled around the rim and dropped in as time expired. That snapped the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak (4-3 ATS) and was their first road loss of the season (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS). L.A. has scored at least 93 points in every game this year, topping triple digits in 13 of its 16 contests, including each of the last eight. However, Phil Jackson’s squad managed just 16 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday.
The 76ers snapped a four-game SU and ATS losing skid in Chicago last night, winning 103-95 in overtime as a two-point road underdog, the first time in six games that Philadelphia scored more than 96 points. Despite that triumph, the Sixers are still just 2-6 against the number in their last eight. They’ve also followed up a three-game home winning streak by losing consecutive contests (0-2 ATS) at the Wachovia Center.
Los Angeles swept the season series last year, including a 106-101 victory in Philly as a 2½-point road chalk. The host is on an 8-2 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry, with the Sixers going 4-1 SU and ATS the last five times they’ve hosted the Lakers. Finally, the favorite has cashed in five of the last six head-to-head battles.
The Lakers are on ATS upticks of 5-1 when playing the second game of a back-to-back, 5-2 on Wednesdays and 20-9 against losing squads, but they’re 2-7 ATS in their last nine against the Atlantic Division and 2-12 ATS in their last 14 versus the Eastern Conference. The Sixers are 1-6 ATS in their past seven Wednesday outings and 2-6 ATS in their last eight when playing on back-to-back nights.
For the Lakers, the over is on stretches of 10-3 overall, 7-0 against the Eastern Conference and 15-6 versus the Atlantic Division, but the under is 4-2 in their last six road games and 4-0 in their last four in back-to-back situations. Meanwhile, the over is 7-3 in Philadelphia’s last 10 games on Wednesdays and 12-5-1 in its last 18 back-to-backs, but otherwise the 76ers are on under stretches of 11-5-2 overall this season, 21-7-1 at home and 4-1 against the Pacific Division.
Finally, the over has hit in four of the last five Lakers-76ers battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS
Phoenix (11-7, 8-10 ATS) at New Orleans (9-6, 5-9-1 ATS)
The Hornets go for their sixth consecutive win over the Suns when these Western Conference powers clash in the Big Easy
New Orleans had a four-game winning streak (3-1 ATS) snapped in its most recent contest on Friday in Portland, falling 101-86 as a five-point underdog. The Hornets, who have played five of their last seven games on the highway, are kicking off a three-game stretch at New Orleans Arena, where they are just 4-3 SU and 1-5-1 ATS this season.
Phoenix hits the road after two surprising home losses over the weekend, a 107-92 setback to Miami on Friday as a seven-point chalk and a 117-109 setback to New Jersey on Sunday as a nine-point favorite. On the bright side, the Suns are 7-2 SU on the highway so far, but after starting out 4-1 ATS on the road, they have failed to cover in three of their last four as a visitor.
The Hornets went to the desert on Oct. 30 and routed the Suns 108-95 as a three-point road underdog. New Orleans not only has won five straight meetings in this series, it has covered in each of the last seven, going 3-0 ATS (2-1 SU) at home during this stretch. However, New Orleans has been a ‘dog six times during its 7-0 ATS run against Phoenix.
The Suns are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after a non-cover, but otherwise the trends are all negative for Terry Porter’s team, including 3-8 overall, 2-6 against the Western Conference, 2-5-1 against the Southwest Division, 1-4 when playing on two days’ rest and 0-6 after scoring in triple digits the previous game.
The Hornets are in negative ATS slumps of 3-8-1 overall, 0-5-1 at home, 0-5 on Wednesdays and 4-9 against the Western Conference, but they’re 20-7 ATS in their last 27 against the Pacific Division, 37-18-2 in their last 57 after a SU defeat and 41-18-1 in their last 60 following an ATS setback.
The over is 11-4 in Phoenix’s last 15 Wednesday outings, 4-0 in its last four against winning teams, 11-5 in New Orleans’ last 16 on Wednesdays and 4-0 in New Orleans’ last four versus winning clubs. However, for the Hornets, the under is on stretches of 9-3 overall and 8-1 following a SU loss.
Finally, the over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in this rivalry, but the under is 4-1 in the last five clashes in the Big Easy.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS
Miami (9-9, 7-10-1 ATS) at Utah (12-7, 10-9 ATS)
The Heat will try to climb back over .500 when they close out a five-game Western Conference road trip against the Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City.
Miami earned a thrilling 130-129 overtime win at Golden State on Monday, but failed to cover as a 2½-point road favorite, moving to 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS on this road swing. The Heat have won consecutive games just once this season, and they’re just 4-8-1 ATS in their last 13 contests (2-4-1 ATS on the highway).
Utah traveled to Sacramento last night and rallied for a 99-94 victory as a two-point road favorite, rebounding from Saturday’s embarrassing 105-88 home loss to the Nets as an 8½-point home chalk. Prior to the last two games, the Jazz had scored at least 100 points in four straight contests and six of their previous seven, going 5-2 SU and ATS during that streak. The SU winner has cashed in each of Utah’s last 14 outings.
Surprisingly, Miami has had its way with the Jazz in recent years, winning eight of the last nine meetings both SU and ATS, covering the spread in seven straight head-to-head battles, including four in a row in Utah. Last year, the Heat prevailed 104-102 as a one-point home underdog and lost 110-101 in Salt Lake City, but barely cashed as a 10-point underdog.
In addition to its current 1-4 ATS slump, the Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last five games on Wednesdays, 1-5 ATS in their last five against the West and 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 against winning teams. As for the Jazz, they’re 45-20-2 ATS in their last 57 home games, but otherwise are riding negative pointspread skids of 1-5 against the Eastern Conference, 4-11 versus the Southwest Division and 2-5 when playing on back-to-back nights (1-3 in that situation this year).
In this rivalry, the over is on stretches of 5-1 overall and 4-1 in games played at Energy Solutions Arena. Also, the over is on runs of 8-3 for the Jazz overall, 6-2 for the Jazz at home, 6-2 when the Jazz play on back-to-back nights, 8-2 for the Jazz on Wednesdays, 6-1 for the Heat overall and 20-7-1 for the Heat against Northwest Division foes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI and OVER
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