Wednesday's NBA Preview
By Josh Jacobs
Since last Saturday underdogs have dropped eight of 22 games. But backers have strolled to the window after these same ‘dogs combined to produce a 15-8 against the spread record.
There are nine games on the board in Wednesday’s card. Two ESPN televised games will headline the mid-week showdown. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST, Atlanta will play host to the hot and heavy Celtics, while the evening closes with a tip-off between San Antonio and New Orleans.
Can the underdogs continue to cover the spread?
Boston at Atlanta – 7:00 p.m. EST
The jury is still out on what value books will set for this contest so stay tuned as lines become available. But we can still make the case that the Hawks (15-9 SU, 13-11 ATS) are a fired up 10-3 ATS when installed as underdogs this season. And then there’s Atlanta’s 7-2 ATS (2-0 ATS at home) rap sheet when facing teams above the .500 mark.
Before we get to the backboard shattering Celtics, the Hawks are coming off an 83-79 win over Charlotte on Monday. Joe Johnson led the charge with 28 points and Josh Smith supplemented the defense with five blocks and seven rebounds. It was the staunch defensive effort that held the Bobcats to shooting a poor 38.8 percent from the field. But this shouldn’t be a surprise as Atlanta is eighth best, allowing 44.1 percent shooting and seventh best by giving up 94.8 PPG.
Boston (23-2 SU, 14-11 ATS) is in a league of its own. Not only have the Celtics dropped just two games this season but a defense allowing 90.5 PPG separates this club from the rest of the pack.
'Capping this team has been tricky. Boston is 8-9 when books have installed them as eight to 14-plus point favorites. But we can’t say anything bad about the 15-game winning streak. During this run the Celtics have covered 10 of those contests since dropping four straight against the spread from Nov. 10 to Nov. 15.
In their last 10 games, Boston has honed in on the net by dropping in 49.5 percent of its shots. The best part separating this crew from the rest of the NBA is holding opponents to 44.2 percent shooting in the last 10 and 41.5 percent on the season. In-fact they’ve allowed teams to post triple-digit scoring numbers on the board just five times this season.
Boston's Paul Pierce suffered a knee injury in Monday's win over Utah (100-91) and has caused a delay in books posting lines for this contest. Stay tuned.
Off one-day of rest the Celtics are 7-4 ATS in 2008 versus the Hawks’ 4-5 ATS record.
San Antonio at New Orleans – 9:30 p.m. EST
Two teams with a combined 28-15 record will have a chance to settle divisional bragging rights on Wednesday. The Spurs (15-8 SU, 12-11 ATS) have ripped off six wins in a row and are 4-2 ATS during the stretch. But San Antonio will travel into New Orleans (13-7 SU, 9-10-1 ATS), going up against the Hornets who are 7-3 at home.
Sunday’s 109-104 win over Oklahoma on Sunday was a microcosm of what San Antonio has been able to achieve. With Tim Duncan and Tony Parker combining for 42 points, the Spurs went on to hit 41 of 80 shots (51.2 percent). This has reflected upon a 49.4 percent success rate from the hardwood in the last five games.
The Spurs are 6-4 ATS on the road, 4-2 ATS in the division and 2-1 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record. In road victories this season, San Antonio is 10-4 on the ‘under’ and 5-1 on the ‘under’ with a total installed between 180 and 184.5 points.
In the five games that have gone ‘under’ the 180-184.5 total, the Spurs have shot 44.3 percent from the field and have scored 84 PPG while giving up just 86.2 PPG. Thus the excellent ‘under’ record in this total range.
It’s been mentioned before but since Manu Ginobili has returned to the mix San Antonio has accomplished a 9-2 ledger (7-4 ATS). Ginobili has logged in 15.5 PPG with 3.5 APG since returning to the court.
The Hornets bounced back from a 94-82 loss in Boston last Friday with a 99-91 victory over Toronto to end the weekend. Shooting 48 percent in Sunday’s win complements New Orleans’ 6-2 ATS record in the last eight.
Equally as effective is the Hornets’ defense holding down opponents to scoring just 92.4 PPG on the season and 91.2 PPG at home. There are conflicting numbers however, as New Orleans has gone ‘under’ the total seven times in 10 road games verses the ‘over’ at 6-4 in home contests.
While San Antonio will get a day of rest coming into this contest, New Orleans will be coming off a road contest in Memphis. The Hornets are just 1-3-1 ATS in five back-to-back games.
During the two most recent road games, New Orleans’ David West has scored a total of 52 points with 23 rebounds. When West scores 20 or more points his Hornets’ team is 4-5-1 ATS.
Quick Hitter
-- Dallas (13-10 SU, 9-14 ATS) will look to recover from a 98-88 loss against the Nuggets over the weekend when it travels to Toronto (10-14 SU, 9-15 ATS) in a three-game road trip for the week.
-- The Mavericks have dropped five straight games ATS (installed anywhere from two-point underdogs to 13-point favorites) and are responsible for hitting the ‘under’ six times in the last eight even after scoring 102.4 PPG in the last five.
-- The Raptors are a disappointing 2-4 ATS at home versus teams playing above .500 ball and are an overwhelming 3-9 ATS at home overall this season (at least that’s a tad better then Dallas’ 2-11 ATS record at home).
-- Toronto has lost two in a row, coming off a 94-87 defeat against New Jersey on Monday. In their last seven losses the Raptors have struggled on both sides of the ball. On offense the team has scored just 92.6 PPG versus a defense coughing up 109 PPG.
-- The Raptors have had the best of the Mavericks, covering three straight and five of the last six for backers. Winning straight up has been a dominant Dallas team going 8-2 in its last 10 head-to-head matchups.
-- Watch out in backing the home team here as Toronto is a slumping 3-11 ATS when coming off a day worth of rest.
-- The Raptors are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games, while the ‘over’ has been a dominant 11-4-1 in the last 16 head-to-head meetings.
-- Dallas is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following an ATS loss and is 1-4 ATS in its last five versus a team with a losing SU record.
vegasinsider.com
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Boston at Atlanta (7 p.m. EST). Days after snapping Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak, the Hawks will try to end the Celtics’ 15-game run. Boston, off to a 23-2 start, lost three times at Atlanta during the first round of last season’s playoffs.
STARS
Tuesday
— Tracy McGrady, Rockets, notched his fourth career triple-double and first this season with 20 points and season highs of 14 rebounds and 10 assists in Houston’s 108-96 victory over Denver.
— Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored nine of his 28 points in the last 7 1/2 minutes, and Los Angeles rallied from a 15-point halftime deficit to beat New York 116-114.
— Zach Randolph, Clippers, had 22 points and 13 rebounds as Los Angeles won its third straight by beating Oklahoma City 98-88.
— D.J. Augustin, Bobcats, scored a career-high 29 points while outplaying fellow rookie point guard Derrick Rose, helping Charlotte snap a seven-game losing streak with a 110-101 overtime victory over Chicago.
— Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers, scored 29 points before sitting out the fourth quarter of Portland’s 109-77 victory over Sacramento.
STEALS
New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul tied the NBA record for most consecutive games with a steal on Tuesday night in a 91-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Paul’s theft came after a bad pass by Grizzlies forward Darko Milicic with 3:33 left in the first quarter. That gave Paul 105 straight games with a steal, pulling him even with Alvin Robertson’s mark set between November 1985 and December 1986.
SALUTE
The Portland Trail Blazers retired Terry Porter’s No. 30 jersey during their game against Sacramento at the Rose Garden. Porter, who played for the Blazers from 1985-95 and is their career leader in assists (5,319), will be back in the building Thursday with his Phoenix Suns.
STRUGGLES
Chicago’s Derrick Rose had a rare bad game in what’s been a remarkable rookie season for the No. 1 overall pick, who was held to six points on 3-of-16 shooting in the Bulls’ 110-101 overtime loss at Charlotte. Rose had a potential game-winning shot blocked by Emeka Okafor at the end of regulation and Okafor blocked him again in overtime.
STRONG LANGUAGE
Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for making inappropriate comments toward a fan in a win at Charlotte. Iverson made the remarks to the fan with 6.2 seconds remaining in the third quarter during the Pistons’ 90-86 victory over the Bobcats on Saturday.
SPEAKING
“I must have blinked too hard or something.”—No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose, after being called for a foul on D.J. Augustin’s 3-point attempt with 19 seconds left in regulation. Augustin made all three free throws to tie the game, and Charlotte beat Chicago 110-101 in overtime.
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Rajon Rondo led Boston in scoring with 25 points to win 100-91 over Utah for their 15th straight win on Monday night.
The Celtics failed to cover the 10-point spread, while the combined score played just UNDER the posted total of 191.
It was not pretty but Atlanta pulled out a 83-79 win over Charlotte thanks to 28 points from Joe Johnson on Monday night.
The Hawks failed to cover the 8.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 185.5.
Current streak:
Boston has won 15 straight games.
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 23-2 SU, 14-11 ATS
Atlanta: 15-9 SU, 13-11 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a win are 10-0
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Boston
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston home to Chicago, Friday, December 19
Atlanta home to Golden State, Friday, December 19
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Michael Redd led a balanced attack to give Milwaukee a 98-83 road win against Miami on Monday night.
The Bucks covered the 3.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's post total of 197.5.
Elton Brand went for 27 points and nine rebounds as the 76ers defeated the Wizards 104-89 on Saturday. The 76ers covered the 5.5-point spread, while the game's combined 193 points fell UNDER the posted total of 195.5.
Louis Williams added 15 points, while Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala had 14 apiece in the win.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 11-15 SU, 17-8-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 10-14 SU, 9-15 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 2-8
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 1-9
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games on the road
Milwaukee is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Philadelphia's last 18 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at New York, Friday, December 19
Philadelphia at Washington, Friday, December 19
Golden State Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers
Andris Biedrins was the leading scorer for Golden State with 23 points in a 109-98 loss to Orlando on Monday night.
The Warriors did not cover the 3.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the posted total of 220.5.
Danny Granger led the way with 27 points and nine boards as Indiana thumped Washington 118-98 on Monday night.
The Pacers covered the 1-point spread, while the final score played just OVER the day's posted total of 212.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 7-18 SU, 10-15 ATS
Indiana: 8-16 SU, 12-11-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 1-9
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing Washington are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Golden State's last 23 games on the road
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State
Next up:
Golden State at Atlanta, Friday, December 19
Indiana home to LA Clippers, Friday, December 19
Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors
Dallas was led by Dirk Nowitzki with 27 points and 10 boards in a 98-88 loss to Denver on Monday night.
The Mavericks failed to cover the 2.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 210.5.
Chris Bosh and Jason Kapono led Toronto with 17 points each in a 97-87 loss to New Jersey on Monday night.
The Raptors failed to cover the 4.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 202.5.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 13-10 SU, 9-14 ATS
Toronto: 10-14 SU, 9-15 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at New Jersey, Friday, December 19
Toronto at Oklahoma City, Friday, December 19
Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons
Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison scored 26 points as Washington got blown out by Indiana 118-98 on Monday night.
The Wizards failed to cover the 1-point spread, while the final score played just OVER the day's posted total of 212.
The Pistons were severely outplayed in the fourth quarter, but managed to hold on for a 90-86 victory over the Bobcats on Saturday. The game's combined 176 points fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
Allen Iverson led the way with 20 points and four rebounds, while Richard Hamilton chipped in with 18 points in the win.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 4-18 SU, 9-13 ATS
Detroit: 13-9 SU, 10-12 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Detroit's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games at home
Detroit is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Philadelphia, Friday, December 19
Detroit home to Utah, Friday, December 19
Utah Jazz vs. New Jersey Nets
Paul Millsap totaled 32 points and 10 boards for Utah in a 100-91 loss to Boston on Monday night.
The Jazz did cover the 10-point spread, while the combined score played just UNDER the posted total of 191.
Ryan Anderson led three Nets who all scored at least 20 points as New Jersey upset Toronto 94-87 on Monday night.
The Nets covered the 4.5-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 202.5.
Current streak:
Utah has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 15-11 SU, 14-12 ATS
New Jersey: 12-11 SU, 13-10 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Utah's last 12 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah at Detroit, Friday, December 19
New Jersey home to Dallas, Friday, December 19
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Cavaliers were defeated 97-92 by the Hawks last time out, as 4-point favorites. The 187 points went as a PUSH against the posted total of 187.
LeBron James tossed in a game-high 33 points with six boards and nine assists.
Al Jefferson put up 22 points and seven boards for Minnesota in a 118-103 loss to Sacramento on Monday night.
The T-Wolves did not cover the 4-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 200.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 10 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 20-4 SU, 19-5 ATS
Minnesota: 4-20 SU, 9-15 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a loss are 9-1
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Sacramento are 4-6
After a loss are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home
Next up:
Cleveland at Denver, Friday, December 19
Minnesota home to Houston, Saturday, December 20
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls
Zach Randolph had 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Clippers over the Thunder 98-88 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles covered as 5-point road favorites as the game played under the 198-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Ben Gordon led Chicago with 25 points in its 110-101 overtime loss to Charlotte on Tuesday night.
Charlotte cashed as 1.5-point home underdogs as the teams played over the 189.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 7-17 SU, 10-14 ATS
Chicago: 11-13 SU, 11-13 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 10-0
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
LA Clippers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing Chicago
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Chicago is 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Indiana, Friday, December 19
Chicago at Boston, Friday, December 19
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Spurs defeated Oklahoma City 109-104 as a 15.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (196.5).
Tim Duncan had 20 points and 11 rebounds for San Antonio, while Tony Parker scored 22 points in the win.
Chris Paul went for 18 points, nine assists, and five steals to lead the Hornets past the Grizzlies 91-84 on Tuesday night.
New Orleans covered as 4.5-point road favorites as the game played under the 192-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 6 straight games.
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 15-8 SU, 12-11 ATS
New Orleans: 14-7 SU, 10-10-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 9-1
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Sacramento are 1-9
After playing Memphis are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Orlando, Thursday, December 18
New Orleans home to Sacramento, Saturday, December 20
Hot Teams
-- Bucks won last two games by 18-15 points; they're 9-3-2 vs spread in their last 14 road games.
-- Hawks won their last seven home games. Boston won its last 15 in a row- their last loss was 37 days ago.
-- Mavericks won 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Cavaliers had 11-game win streak snapped in last game Saturday.
-- Clippers won four of last five games, covered eight of last ten.
-- Hornets won nine of their last eleven games. Spurs won their last five games (4-1 vs spread).
Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Warriors lost three in row, 11 of their last 13 games. Pacers lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Raptors lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Nets lost three of their last four games. Jazz lost six of last eight on the road.
-- Pistons covered one of their last five games. Wizards lost eight of last nine games (0-3 vs spread in last three).
-- Minnesota lost its last ten games (3-2 vs spread in last five).
-- Bulls covered one of their last seven games.
Totals
-- Three of last four Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Golden State games stayed under the total; ten of last thirteen Indiana games went over.
-- Six of last eight Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-4 in Detroit's last thirteen games.
-- Three of last four Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Clipper games stayed under the total
-- Last three New Orleans games stayed under the total.
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
DALLAS vs. TORONTO
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
GOLDEN STATE vs. INDIANA
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
UTAH vs. NEW JERSEY
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Utah is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
WASHINGTON vs. DETROIT
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Washington is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Detroit is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
LA CLIPPERS vs. CHICAGO
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Chicago
LA Clippers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW ORLEANS
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Boston (23-2, 14-11 ATS) at Atlanta (15-9, 13-10-1 ATS)
The Celtics take their NBA-best 15-game winning streak down south to Atlanta for a meeting with the Hawks in a rematch of last year’s thrilling opening-round playoff series.
Boston pulled away late on Monday against the Jazz, prevailing 100-91 for its 15th straight victory but coming up just shy as a 9½-point home favorite. The Celtics have allowed 91 points or fewer in seven of their last nine games, and they’re 10-5 ATS during their winning streak, but only 3-3 ATS on the road.
The Hawks rallied from a six-point halftime deficit against Charlotte on Monday, allowing just 31 second-half points en route to an 83-79 victory, failing to cover as an 8½-point home favorite to end a 3-0 ATS run. Atlanta will be trying to snap an opponent’s long winning streak for the second time in five days, having ended Cleveland’s 11-game run in Saturday’s 97-92 upset victory at home.
The Hawks took the eventual defending champs to the brink last spring, eventually succumbing in seven games, with the host going 7-0 SU and ATS during the first-round series. These teams also met on Nov. 12 in Boston, with Paul Pierce hitting a fallaway jump shot with 0.5 seconds left to give the Celtics a 103-102 win, but Atlanta easily got the cash as an 11-point road underdog.
Boston is riding a bunch of ATS streaks, including 10-4 overall, 10-4 on the road, 7-2 against the Eastern Conference, 5-1 against winning teams, 6-1 after a day of rest and 4-0 after a non-cover, but Doc Rivers’ squad has failed to cash in four of its last five trips to Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight at home and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 versus the Eastern Conference, but otherwise they’re on pointspread runs of 7-2 overall, 6-1 as an underdog, 5-2 on Wednesday and 4-1 against winning teams.
The over is 5-1 in the last six Hawks-Celtics clashes overall and 5-1 in the last six meetings in Atlanta. Also, the over is on runs of 14-6 for the Hawks at home, 5-1 for the Hawks against winning teams, 7-2 for the Celtics against the Southeast Division and 6-1 for the Celtics on Wednesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Dallas (13-10, 9-14 ATS) at Toronto (10-14, 9-15 ATS)
A pair of playoff-caliber squads off to disappointing starts meet up north of the border at the Air Canada Centre, where the Raptors host the Mavericks.
Dallas wrapped up a seven-game homestand with Monday’s lethargic 98-88 loss to the Nuggets as a 2½-point home favorite. The Mavericks did go 5-2 on the homestand, but 1-6 ATS, including five consecutive non-covers in the last five games. Although Rick Carlisle’s club had its two-game winning streak snapped with the loss to Denver, it is still 11-3 SU in its last 14 after starting the season 2-7. Also, Dallas is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last five on the highway.
Toronto is coming off back-to-back home losses to the Hornets on Sunday (99-91 as a two-point underdog) and the Nets on Monday (94-87 as a 4½-point chalk). The Raptors, who fired coach Sam Mitchell last week, are 4-9 SU and 3-10 ATS in their last 10 contests, including 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS at home.
These teams split their season series last year, with Dallas winning 105-99 at home and the Raptors getting revenge with a 92-76 rout in Canada, with Toronto cashing in both games as an underdog. The Raptors are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings (all as a ‘dog), but prior to their SU home win last year, they had lost eight consecutive games to the Mavericks. Also, in this rivalry, Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last six trips north of the border, and the host has cashed in five of the last seven series clashes.
In addition to its current 0-5 ATS rut, the Mavericks are in the midst of pointspread slumps of 6-11 as a favorite, 0-4 when playing on one day of rest, 1-4 against sub-.500 teams and 2-7 against the Eastern Conference. But they’re 4-0 ATS in their last four on Wednesdays and 5-0 ATS in their last five after a double-digit home loss.
Toronto carries nothing but negative ATS trends, including 18-37 overall, 3-10 at home, 8-20 against the Western Conference, 1-4 against the Southwest Division and 17-35 when playing on one day of rest.
The over is 11-4-1 in the last 16 series meetings, 8-3 in Toronto’s last 11 when playing after one day of rest and 5-2 in Toronto’s last seven against the Western Conference. However, the under is on stretches of 4-0 for the Raptors overall, 8-2 for the Raptors against the Southwest, 5-1 for the Raptors at home, 4-1 for Dallas overall, 7-2 for Dallas against the East and 35-16-1 for Dallas when going on one day of rest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
San Antonio (15-8, 11-11-1 ATS) at New Orleans (14-7, 9-10-2 ATS)
Two of the top three teams in the crowded Southwest Division clash for the first time since last year’s Western Conference semifinal series, with the Hornets getting the first crack at revenge on their home court.
New Orleans knocked off Memphis on Tuesday 91-84, pushing as a seven-point road favorite. The Hornets have been rolling, winning nine of their last 11 (7-3-1 ATS), including four consecutive victories at home (3-1 ATS). Byron Scott’s defense has done the damage during this 8-2 stretch, giving up an average of 91.1 ppg.
San Antonio arrives in the Big Easy with a six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS), most recently toppling the Thunder 109-104 on Sunday, but never threatening to cover as a 16-point home favorite. Beset by injuries early in the season, the Spurs have rebounded from a 2-5 start by going 13-3 in their last 16 games (11-5 ATS), including 6-1 SU and ATS on the highway. Gregg Popovich’s club is in a virtual three-way tie with the Hornets and Rockets atop the Southwest Division.
The Hornets jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over San Antonio in last year’s best-of-7 Western Conference semifinal series and led 3-2 after five games. However, the Spurs won Game 6 at home then went to New Orleans for Game 7 and prevailed 91-82 as a 4½-point road underdog. Prior to that Game 7, the home team had been on an 8-0 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry, with New Orleans going 4-0 SU and ATS against San Antonio at home. The chalk has cashed in six of the last seven series tussles.
In addition to ATS runs of 11-5 overall and 6-1 on the road, the Spurs are on pointspread streaks of 4-1 against the West, 4-1 within the division and 6-1 when playing on two days’ rest, but they’re 1-5 ATS in their last seven on Wednesdays. Meanwhile, New Orleans is on ATS upticks of 20-9-1 at home, 37-18-1 on Wednesdays, 4-1 against the Western Conference and 27-10-3 when playing on back-to-back nights.
The under is 4-0 in the last four series meetings overall, 4-1-1 in the last six head-to-head clashes at New Orleans Arena, 5-1 in the Hornets’ last six divisional games, 23-9 in San Antonio’s last 32 overall, 7-3 in San Antonio’s last 10 against the Southwest Division and 4-0 in the Spurs’ last four on Wednesday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Gametimepicks.com