New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
The fans at Amway Arena will be treated to a game between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Knicks cruised past the Suns 126-99 on Tuesday night.
New York cashed as 7-point home underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 227-point total set by oddsmakers.
The Magic defeated New York 114-102 as a 6.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (205).
Dwight Howard scored 20 points to go along with 14 rebounds for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis added 18 points in the win.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 4-14 SU, 8-10 ATS
Orlando: 14-4 SU, 11-7 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 1-9
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 6-4
After a win are 3-7
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Golden State are 8-2
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games on the road
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games at home
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Orlando is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
New York at Atlanta, Friday, December 4
Orlando at Golden State, Saturday, December 5
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Verizon Center.
Andrew Bogut went for 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks to lift the Bucks past the Bulls 99-97 on Monday night.
Milwaukee couldn't cover as 3-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 194-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Antawn Jamison went for 30 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Wizards past the Raptors 106-102 on Tuesday night.
Washington cashed as 6-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 213.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS
Washington: 6-10 SU, 5-11 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Milwaukee at Detroit, Friday, December 4
Washington home to Toronto, Friday, December 4
Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
Steve Nash had 20 points and eight assists to lead Phoenix in its 126-99 loss to New York on Tuesday night.
New York cashed as 7-point home underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the 227-point total set by oddsmakers.
LeBron James went for 25 points and dished out 12 assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 111-95 victory over the Mavericks on Saturday. The Cavaliers covered the 6.5-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Mo Williams also netted 25 points for the Cavaliers, who also got 15 points from Anderson Varejao.
Team records:
Phoenix: 14-4 SU, 12-6 ATS
Cleveland: 12-5 SU, 8-9 ATS
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing New York are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Phoenix is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Phoenix is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cleveland is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix home to Sacramento, Saturday, December 5
Cleveland home to Chicago, Friday, December 4
Toronto Raptors vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Philips Arena.
Chris Bosh led Toronto with 22 points and 14 rebounds in its 106-102 loss to Washington on Tuesday night.
Washington cashed as 6-point road underdogs, while the game played UNDER the 213.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
The Hawks lost to Detroit 94-88 as a 6.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (187).
Josh Smith led Atlanta with 23 points and Jamal Crawford netted 20 points.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 7-12 SU, 8-11 ATS
Atlanta: 12-5 SU, 12-5 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Washington are 9-1
After a loss are 4-6
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Next up:
Toronto at Washington, Friday, December 4
Atlanta home to New York, Friday, December 4
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Jersey Nets
The Dallas Mavericks and the New Jersey Nets will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Izod Center.
Dirk Nowitzki dropped 28 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Mavericks over the 76ers 104-102 on Monday night.
Dallas failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 199-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Nets lost to the Lakers 106-87 as a 15-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (193).
Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Devin Harris dropped in 16 points.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 17 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 13-5 SU, 11-7 ATS
New Jersey: 0-17 SU, 5-11-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Memphis are 9-1
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 0-10
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Jersey's last 12 games
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at Memphis, Friday, December 4
New Jersey home to Charlotte, Friday, December 4
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Ford Center.
Willie Green had 23 points and eight rebounds for Philadelphia in its 104-102 loss to Dallas on Monday night.
Dallas failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 199-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Thunder lost to Oklahoma City 100-91 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196).
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Russell Westbrook had 20 points.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 5-13 SU, 8-10 ATS
Oklahoma City: 9-8 SU, 10-7 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 4-6
After playing Dallas are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 3-7
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Oklahoma City's last 20 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia at Charlotte, Saturday, December 5
Oklahoma City home to Boston, Friday, December 4
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
The Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at United Center.
The Pistons defeated Atlanta 94-88 as a 6.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (187).
Rodney Stuckey scored 23 points and handed out eight assists fro Detroit, while Will Bynum added 19 points in the win.
John Salmons scored 23 points for Chicago in its 99-97 loss to Milwaukee on Monday night.
Milwaukee couldn't cover as 3-point home favorites, while the game played OVER the 194-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 6-11 SU, 9-8 ATS
Chicago: 6-9 SU, 5-10 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games
Detroit is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Detroit is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to Milwaukee, Friday, December 4
Chicago at Cleveland, Friday, December 4
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Wednesday.
O.J. Mayo dropped 20 points for Memphis in its 120-93 loss to Utah on Monday night.
Utah covered as 9.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 206.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
The Timberwolves defeated Denver 106-100 as a 14.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (214).
Ryan Gomes scored 27 points for Minnesota, while Corey Brewer and Jonny Flynn each added 16 points.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 6-12 SU, 8-10 ATS
Minnesota: 2-15 SU, 5-11-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Utah are 1-9
After a loss are 3-7
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a win are 1-9
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Memphis's last 21 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games at home
Minnesota is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Memphis
Next up:
Memphis home to Dallas, Friday, December 4
Minnesota at New Orleans, Friday, December 4
Indiana Pacers vs. Sacramento Kings
The Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at ARCO Arena.
Danny Granger led Indiana with 22 points and seven boards in its 126-107 loss to Golden State on Monday night.
Golden State covered as 2.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 228.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
The Kings defeated New Orleans 112-96 as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (207.5).
Sergio Rodriguez deposited 24 points for Sacramento and Jason Thompson added 22 points and 14 rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 2 straight games.
Sacramento has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 6-9 SU, 6-9 ATS
Sacramento: 8-8 SU, 11-5 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Indiana is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Sacramento is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Indiana at Utah, Friday, December 4
Sacramento at Phoenix, Saturday, December 5
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Rockets defeated Oklahoma City 100-91 as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196).
Carl Landry scored 21 points to go along with 10 rebounds for Houston, while Aaron Brooks also netted 21 points in the win.
The Clippers defeated Memphis 98-88 as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (197.5).
Eric Gordon scored a game-high 29 points for the Clippers and Marcus Camby had 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 9-8 SU, 10-7 ATS
Los Angeles: 8-10 SU, 6-12 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a win are 2-8
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Houston is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Houston is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Houston at Golden State, Thursday, December 3
LA Clippers home to Indiana, Saturday, December 5
Phoenix (14-4, 11-7 ATS) at Cleveland (12-5, 8-9 ATS)
The Suns will attempt to bounce back from last night’s ugly loss in New York as they conclude a four-game road trip with a visit to Quicken Loans Arena, where they will battle LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Phoenix took a four-game SU and ATS winning streak into Madison Square Garden on Tuesday and left with a 126-99 loss as a 7½-point road favorite. It was the first time all season and the first time in their last 21 games that the Suns failed to score at least 100 points. Phoenix, which had won its previous four games over Detroit, Memphis, Minnesota and Toronto by margins of 19, 25, 15 and 25 points, still leads the NBA in scoring at 111.3 ppg. It has also still reached the century mark in 52 of the last 59 contests, tallying 109 or more 38 times.
Cleveland followed up Friday’s 94-87 loss at Charlotte with Saturday’s 111-95 rout of the Mavericks, covering as a 9½-point home chalk. Since dropping its first two games of the season the Cavaliers have won 12 of their last 15, reaching triple digits nine times during this stretch. Cleveland has been playing solid defense of late, too, allowing an average of 92.6 ppg in the last five after a four-game stretch in which it yielded 105.8 ppg.
The Cavaliers swept the season series from Phoenix last year, winning 109-92 as a nine-point home favorite and 119-111 as a 4½-point road chalk, and those two victories ended Phoenix’s 4-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry. The favorite has cashed in nine straight head-to-head clashes, the home team is on a 7-3 ATS run and the SU winner has covered the spread in 11 consecutive meetings.
Despite Tuesday’s upset defeat in New York, the Suns are on ATS hot streaks of 10-5 overall (4-1 last five), 6-3 on the road and 5-2 against the Eastern Conference, but they’re just 3-2 ATS as an underdog this season. The Cavs have covered just three times in their last eight games – all as a favorite – alternating spread-covers in their last five, and they’re also in ATS funks of 1-4 at home and 3-7 against Pacific Division foes. On the positive side, Cleveland is on ATS upticks of 6-0 against winning teams, 10-3 when coming off three or more days’ rest and 5-2 versus the Western Conference.
Phoenix is on “under” runs of 5-1-2 overall, 4-0-1 on the road and 4-1-1 against Eastern Conference opponents, but the over is 35-16-1 in their last 52 versus the Central Division and 24-8 in their last 32 on Wednesday. Cleveland carries “over” streaks of 7-2-1 overall, 4-1 against Pacific Division opponents, 5-1 on Wednesday and 4-0 after three or more days of rest. Finally, eight of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry have topped the total, including the last five in a row at Quicken Loans Arena.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Houston (9-8, 10-7 ATS) at L.A. Clippers (8-10, 7-11 ATS)
The Clippers try for their first three-game winning streak of the season when they welcome the Rockets to Staples Center for a Western Conference clash.
Houston has been struggling with consistency since a 3-1 start to the season, going 6-7 SU in its last 13 games. However, the Rockets snapped their first two-game SU slide and three-game ATS slump of the year with Sunday’s 100-91 upset victory over the Thunder as a three-point road underdog. Rick Adelman’s squad has won five of eight on the road, going 6-2 ATS, including 4-0 ATS in the last four.
Los Angeles has rebounded from a 4-9 start to the campaign by winning four of its last five, including consecutive wins and covers in its last two – Friday’s 104-96 victory in Detroit as a 3½-point road underdog and Sunday’s 98-88 rout of Memphis as a 3½-point home favorite. The Clippers have held five straight opponents under 100 points (91.2 ppg average, 43.2 percent field-goal defense), and during their current 4-1 SU surge they’ve won three in a row at home (2-1 ATS).
Houston took three of four from the Clippers last season and has won eight of the last nine meetings while going 6-2 ATS (all as a favorite). L.A.’s one victory over the Rockets last year came at home (95-82 as a four-point underdog), ending Houston’s 4-0 SU and ATS run at the Staples Center. The SU winner is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings, and the visitor has gotten the money in 19 of the last 26.
Along with their 4-0 ATS run on the highway, the Rockets have cashed in four of five on Wednesday and are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 when going on two days of rest and 6-2 ATS in their last eight versus losing teams. Los Angeles is mired in ATS slumps of 19-39 overall, 21-44 at home, 9-25 against Western Conference opponents, 7-21 against teams from the Southwest Division, 13-38 after a SU win and 1-5 on Wednesday.
The over is 7-1 in Houston’s last eight games after a SU victory and 8-1 in its last nine after a spread-cover, but the Clippers sport “under” trends of 5-1 overall, 5-0 at home, 4-0 against the Western Conference, 4-0 on Wednesday and 6-2-1 when coming off two days’ rest. Finally, the under has cashed in four of the last five meetings between these teams in Hollywood.
ATS ADVANTAGE: HOUSTON and UNDER
Key-Defense
By SportsPic
Big Diesel takes on his former team Wednesday night when league-leading Phoenix Suns close a four game road swing at Quicken Loans Arena. Cavaliers one of the better defensive teams in the league allowing 94.6 PPG on 44.4% from the field, 31.8% from long range will need to be at their very best. No team has held Suns under the century mark this season as they're netting a blistering league-high 112.0 points per game on 50.7% from the field, a deadly 44.5% from outside. Get involved in a run-gun affair Sir James and his Cavaliers are in dangerous territory, Cleveland is just 4-11 ATS at home the past three seasons when both teams score 100+ points. Allow Suns to go wild from outside, more bad news for Cavs, they're 3-9 ATS last twelve on Quicken Loans Arena hardwood allowing =>35% from long range. However, keep Suns contained and at 105 or under Cavaliers would be well served, they're 29-16 ATS at home performing the feat. Make sure Suns score 105 or less while hitting =<35% from outside Cavaliers improve to 20-8 ATS. Not out of the question considering Cavaliers won both meetings last season including the one on this floor holding Suns to a miniscule 92 points and 27.3% from long range.
NBA RoundUp For 12/2
By Dan Bebe
Sometimes watching Steve Nash, I start to think, to quote a rather famous film, that he's a "sophisticated [dribbling] robot sent from the future" to destroy defenses, but every once in a while it's nice to know he can't singlehandedly beat everyone. But I'll be damned if the Suns aren't still one of the best shows out there.
Sports Wagering
Magic/Knicks - Orlando by 13.5 with a total of 210.5. This line looks enormous right off the bat, and I think we'll see plenty of money on the Knicks as a result, a great deal of which will come because of New York laying a beating on the Phoenix Suns. I'm not a huge fan of this game, and with New York in a very bad situation, staring an emotional letdown right square in the face, this game could get opened up to 20 points in a hurry, and then if we're on Orlando we'll be sweating the backdoor, and if we're on New York we'll be praying Orlando lets up a little in the 4th quarter. This is just all bad. Orlando comes into this one having won 3 straight, and their last win was actually in New York. So the Magic have had plenty of time to rest up for the rematch, but we have to remember that it is not easy to play the same teams over and over again. Slight lean to the Magic, as I see Orlando hitting the free throw line a ton in this one, and the total staying Under. These are very weak leans, I reiterate.
Wizards/Bucks - Wizards at home by 2.5 with a total of 196.5. This game has an absolute ton of factors worth handicapping, so we'll try to spend some time on it both now and throughout the day. First, the Wizards. Washington has really been bouncing between good and terrible performances, though frankly, the terribles have outnumbered the goods. Washinton beat Miami on the road 2 games back, got waxed by the Bobcats at home, then went on the road and outplayed Toronto in the 4th quarter to get a tough win in Canada. Now, the very next day, they have to travel all the way home, where they're just 3-4, to host a Bucks team that can't BUY a road win. Mathematically, this is a very tough spot for the Wizards, but the Bucks are just 2-5 on the road (7-2) at home, so it makes them a tough sell. Andrew Bogut returned to the lineup with a monster game against the Bulls, a game that saw the Bucks completely blow what looked like a sure cover in the waning moments, and surely a conclusion that has left some unpleasant flavors in the mouths of bettors everywhere. Since neither team looks well-prepared for this one, I simply have to lean slightly to the home team. The total might contain the better value, though, as Milwaukee has gone Over the total in 7 straight games; not always by a ton, but they're going Over no matter how you cut it. The Wizards, meanwhile, have gone Under in 3 straight, and I'm inclined to believe the fatigue factor, and the return of the Bucks big man should slow this one down a bit, and I lean Under.
Hawks/Raptors - Atlanta by 9 with a total of 211.5. When will Toronto get its act together? This team is far too talented to hit tailspins like this one, and while we've already seen the 0-17 New Jersey Nets fire their head coach, Jay Triano of the Raptors might be next. At 7-11 on the season, this loaded club is easily, in my opinion, the biggest disappointment in the NBA. The Raps have lost 3 straight, and have failed to cover in all of them. Moreover, this team is 2-8 on the road, and just 3-7 ATS. This is also a pretty bad spot for Toronto, given they're coming off a 4th quarter meltdown at home against the Wizards, and now they have to travel roughly 1000 miles South to Atlanta for what's sure to be a tough, tough game with the Hawks. I also like the fact that the Raptors next game is in Washington, a rematch of a game they just lost, so there is the slight possibility that they might not be 100% invested in this one, perhaps a bit still annoyed with the home loss to the Wizards. On Atlanta's side of things, this team hasn't been playing quite as well over the last week as they did beforehand. Yes, the record is still solid at 12-5, and the home mark of 7-1 is one of the best in the NBA, but the Hawks have actually lost 3 of 4, and only covered in the one win mixed in there. One angle on this is that we have a little more value with Atlanta since the line won't be quite as inflated as if they were on a 6-game win streak, but at the same time we need to be careful because teams don't lose 3 of 4 unless they're slumping a bit. Still, I lean Atlanta to win a late blowout, and I lean to the Over with Toronto's miserable defense in the mix.
Cavaliers/Suns - Cleveland by 8 at home with a total of 213.5. Call me crazy, but I think it's Suns or nothing in this one. That may be a little nuts, given the circumstances, but I'm not sure I can back the Cavs to beat a really, really good team by 9 points or more. Of course, we've seen spots like this before, where the big underdog getting points seems too good to be true, and we've been burned before, so let's go through some breakdown and see if we can't change our own minds. The Cavs have been playing pretty well, that's where we'll start. Cleveland has won 9 of 11 games, but have covered just 6 of those same 11 games, so we can't take a great deal from that. Looking at the individual games over the last week or two gives us a little more information. Cleveland's 2 losses in those 11 games have come in Charlotte and in Washington, where the Wizards always give the Cavs fits, and the Bobcats put something in the water. So, really, the Cavs, when focused, have been dominant. Still, you very rarely see a Suns team go from a 7-point favorite on the road to an 8-point underdog the very next day, and that really gives me pause. The 6.5 points the Mavs were getting weren't even close to enough when they got blown out in Cleveland. Is this that point in the season where the Cavs go on a vicious run? Well, as a final thought, the Suns have been 7.5-point underdogs on the road twice before, and twice they've been absolutely blown out (Lakers, Magic). Weird game here, and it'll take more of our time to really figure it out. In terms of the total, I think you have to lean slightly to the Over, with Cleveland doing a much better job of scoring lately.
Nets/Mavericks - Mavs laying 7.5 on the road with a total of 188.5. The counter just keeps clicking north on the Nets, losers of their first 17 games, and now being forced to deal with a very good team from Dallas. The Mavs have been slumping a little bit, lately, though, getting blasted in Cleveland before eking one out at home over the undermanned 76ers. This, coming after blowout wins at Houston and at Indiana, so the Mavs still haven't really settled into the December consistency we like to see when handicapping. I don't think they lose this game, but covering seems tough given their recent play. We all know what the Nets have been doing, so I won't get into all the details. Suffice it to say they're coming home after losing all 4 games of their just-concluded road trip, so they're not necessarily in a good spot to get their first win. Also worth noting is that the Nets have been an Under team so far, but the Mavs have hit 4 straight Overs, so this game might just be a wash all the way across. No leans.
Bulls/Pistons - This line is OFF, and for once I don't blame oddsmakers. The Pistons are about 25% dead, so the potential return of any of their stars (or semi-stars) is reason enough to wait on putting a line out. I'm not seeing anything to indicate guys playing or not playing, so we'll just have to wait, but given the Pistons lack of firepower and stink-tacular 2-7 road mark, it's tough to envision this thing opening at anything less than Bulls by 5 or 6. Time will tell. Interestingly, the Pistons have been something of an Over team after starting the year with 4 straight Unders, so we'll keep an eye on the total. The Bulls, remember, haven't done much, either, so we're looking at two floundering clubs in this one -- the Pistons, because they've lost 3 starters, and the Bulls, because, well, they're just struggling. This is Chicago's first game back home after a 1-5 road trip, so they'll be dealing with the typical adjustment period, but I almost feel like the relief of being back where fans cheer for you should outweigh the sluggishness that comes from trying to recalibrate yourself to family life. Let's wait on the line, then make some decisions.
Timberwolves/Grizzlies - This line is OFF, too. But how about them Wolves? I'm really curious how the oddsmakers set this one up, since Minnesota finally got their second win this year, and it was a fluke road victory over the Nuggets, of all teams. Was that the start of a short win streak? Well, I usually do like to back a supremely young team coming off a long losing streak, just the way I like to fade a young team coming off a winning streak, so we'll see. The Grizzlies had a great road win in Portland, but then went to LA and had one of the worst 4th quarters I can remember. That bad "juju" carried right on into a game in Utah where the Grizz got blown out by 27 points. Obviously, a game against the Wolves is a nice time to get fat, but can Memphis get their act together in between road games? That's the issue at hand. The Grizzlies were just starting to play better before that epic meltdown in Los Angeles, so we know they have the talent, but they regressed a great deal in the last 5 quarters. I'd think this line opens with Memphis favored by a few points, since the Grizzlies are a better team than the Wolves, but might shade down towards Pick because of the Grizz's recent struggles.
Thunder/Sixers - Thunder by 6 with a total of 198. The Sixers are a terrible team that just keeps covering. It's almost a wonder of modern sports. They've lost 7 straight games, but they're 5-2 ATS over that same stretch, including back to back covers against the Spurs and Mavericks. That being said, this is a bad spot for Philly. You can only play tough teams close for so long before you get frustrated and take a night off. I think someone wins this game in a blowout, and I'm inclined to think it's the Thunder, but I'm not sold on it. Oklahoma has been playing excellent ball on their home court, though the Rockets outrebounded them by 12, and that led to a rare home loss for the Thunder. You might be surprised to notice that Oklahoma is actually 9-8 on the season, and has been equally good both at home and on the road, and that truly comes with playing a little defense. You just have to like where this team is headed, but we're not concerned with where the Thunder are in 4 months; we care about tonight. I do lean slightly to the Thunder, but we need some line confirmation on anything. I also like the Under, since I feel the Sixers take this one off.
Kings/Pacers - Sacramento by 2 at home with a total of 217. This line seems a little odd, though looking at some of the numbers, the early money is coming in on Indiana, and the line did take a dip from -3 to -2. So, everyone needs to take a step back and be careful before pouring their life savings on the Kings. Sacramento looks like the obvious play, but things are rarely that simple. The Kings have won 3 straight at home and covered in all 3. The Pacers have lost and failed to cover in 6 of 7, yet they're getting just 2 points against one of the hottest teams in the NBA. This game smells like a trap. Indiana is getting healthy, and they simply won't be as bad as we've seen all season long. If Granger can stay out of foul trouble, and Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, and Roy Hibbert can all play even partly to their potential, the Pacers should actually be a team to reckon with. They've also played to 4 of 5 Overs. The Kings are 4-1-1 O/U with a push mixed in, as well, so the play might be on the Over. I think this game stays close down to the wire, against most people's predictions, which also leads to a possible Over.
Clippers/Rockets - This line is OFF. I must have missed something on this one, since I thought these guys were healthy. Hopefully someone can clear it up. In any case, the Clippers have actually been playing a bit better. I still expect to see the Rockets as a very slight road favorite, but LAC has managed to climb to only 2 games under .500 on the season thanks to winning 4 of 5. Wins in Detroit, and at home over Denver and Memphis were all relatively impressive, at least compared to how the Clippers usually perform. I'm not sure this is a team we can just call a fade or a no-play anymore. With Al Thornton and Eric Gordon both getting healthy, the Clippers starting 5 suddenly looking pretty formidable. If Blake Griffin ever gets on the court, I might actually kind of like the Clips. They've also been ratcheting up the defense, too, so the Under is in play. The Rockets, their opponent tonight, ended a short 2-game losing streak with a road win over the Thunder, and with the victory moved back to 1 game over .500. They are also riding a couple consecutive Unders.
Fantasy Advice
Mike Dunleavy - It might be time to start thinking about picking him up and stashing him on the bench for a week or two. His minutes are into the 20's, and it might be while he's with the second unit, but he's been taking almost a shot a minute.