NBA News and Notes Wednesday 2/18

CLEVELAND (40 - 11) at TORONTO (21 - 34)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 8-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

INDIANA (21 - 33) at CHARLOTTE (21 - 31)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 6-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MINNESOTA (17 - 34) at MIAMI (28 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 94-116 ATS (-33.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-42 ATS (-18.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 57-75 ATS (-25.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CHICAGO (23 - 30) at MILWAUKEE (26 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 27-43 ATS (-20.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 203-259 ATS (-81.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 44-63 ATS (-25.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ORLANDO (38 - 13) at NEW ORLEANS (30 - 20)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 78-64 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
ORLANDO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 3-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DENVER (36 - 17) at PHILADELPHIA (27 - 24)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 31-21 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
DENVER is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-34 ATS (-21.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 3-2 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

NEW JERSEY (24 - 29) at DALLAS (31 - 21)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 20-39 ATS (-22.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 204-144 ATS (+45.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MEMPHIS (15 - 37) at PORTLAND (32 - 20)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ATLANTA (31 - 21) at SACRAMENTO (11 - 43)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 2-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 2-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LA LAKERS (42 - 10) at GOLDEN STATE (19 - 35)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PHOENIX (28 - 23) at LA CLIPPERS (13 - 40)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
Cleveland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland

INDIANA vs. CHARLOTTE
Indiana is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana

MINNESOTA vs. MIAMI
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Miami is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Minnesota

CHICAGO vs. MILWAUKEE
Chicago is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chicago is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago

DENVER vs. PHILADELPHIA
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver

ORLANDO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Orlando is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
New Orleans is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games at home

NEW JERSEY vs. DALLAS
New Jersey is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Dallas
New Jersey is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games at home

ATLANTA vs. SACRAMENTO
Atlanta is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Sacramento is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
Memphis is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Portland
Memphis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

LA LAKERS vs. GOLDEN STATE
LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Golden State
LA Lakers are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

PHOENIX vs. LA CLIPPERS
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
LA Clippers are 5-20 SU in their last 25 games
LA Clippers are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games at home

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won five of their last seven games. Toronto won its last two games, after losing its previous six.
-- Bobcats covered their last three games as a favorite.
-- Bulls are 7-1-1 vs spread in their last nine games. Bucks won three in a row, covered six of last seven games.
-- 76ers won four of their last five games. Nuggets won nine of last 11.
-- Mavericks won six of their last eight games.
-- Memphis covered five of its last seven games.
-- Portland won its last five home games (4-1 vs spread).
-- Hawks won three of their last four road games.
-- Warriors won four of their last five games. Lakers won eight of last nine games (6-2-1 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Pacers are 1-4-1 vs spread in game after their last six wins.
-- Minnesota lost five in row, eight of last nine games. Heat lost six of its last nine games.
-- Hornets covered two of their last nine games. Magic lost three of their last four road games.
-- Nets lost last three games, by 17-15-26 points.
-- Kings lost twelve of their last fourteen games.
-- Suns are 3-10-1 vs spread in game after their last 15 wins. Clippers lost by 40 in Phoenix last night; teams meet again in LA.

Totals
-- Three of last four Cleveland road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight New Orleans games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Chicago games went over the total.
-- Last three Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dallas home games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Warrior games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Clipper games went over the total.

Back-to Back
-- Charlotte is 7-8 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 5-4 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Hornets are 3-1 vs spread at home if they were on road night before.
-- Bucks are 4-3 vs spread at home if they played on road night before.
-- 76ers are 2-3 vs spread at home if they played the night before.
-- Nets are 9-3 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Memphis is 3-7 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Hawks are 7-3-1 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Lakers are 8-4 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Clippers are 4-7 vs spread if they played the night before.

Denver (36-17, 30-22-1 ATS) at Philadelphia (27-25, 25-25-2 ATS)

After a full week off, the Nuggets return to the court when they resume an eight-game road trip with a stop at the Wachovia Center for a matchup with the 76ers.

Denver entered the All-Star break on a 9-2 SU run and an 8-4 ATS surge, including consecutive wins and covers in Florida last week – a 99-82 rout of Miami as a 1½-point favorite and an 82-73 victory at Orlando as a seven-point pup. The normally defensively inept Nuggets have held eight of their last 11 opponents under triple digits, and George Karl’s club is 7-3 in its last 10 road games (6-4 ATS).

Philadelphia had its four-game winning streak halted in Tuesday’s 100-89 at Indiana as a two-point underdog. The 76ers’ four-game run (2-1-1 ATS) had all come at home, and they’re still 14-5 in their last 19 overall and 12-6-2 ATS in their last 20. During this run, Philadelphia is 10-3 at home, with the three losses – to the Celtics, Nets and Mavericks – coming by a total of five points. Like the Nuggets, the 76ers are playing great defense, holding seven of nine opponents to 94 points or less.

The Nuggets edged Philadelphia 105-101 on Dec. 26, but failed to cover as a 6½-point home favorite. The host has won the last three meetings SU, but the visitor is 6-1 ATS in the last seven clashes, with Denver going 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in its last three trips to Philly. Finally, the winner has scored at least 105 points in each of the last five meetings.

Denver is on pointspread runs of 12-2 against the Atlantic Division and 4-1 versus the Eastern Conference, but it is 1-4 ATS in its last five games after taking three or more days off. Philadelphia is on ATS streaks of 4-0 against winning teams and 5-1 on Wednesday, in addition to its 12-6-2 overall ATS run.

The under is on runs of 5-2 for the Nuggets on the road, 5-2 for the Nuggets against the Eastern Conference, 5-0 for the 76ers overall, 35-16-1 for the 76ers at home, 5-0 for the 76ers against the Western Conference and 5-2 for the 76ers when playing on back-to-back nights. However, the over is 4-1 in Denver’s last five against the Atlantic Division, 4-1 in Philly’s last five versus the Northwest Division and 6-3-1 in the last 10 meetings in this rivalry, including 3-1 at the Wachovia Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Orlando (39-13, 33-18-1 ATS) at New Orleans (31-20, 21-28-2 ATS)

Two teams coming off narrow victories last night get together in the Big Easy, as the Hornets host the Southeast Division-leading Magic at New Orleans Arena.

New Orleans held off Oklahoma City 100-98 on Tuesday, failing to cover as a 3½-point road chalk. Although the Hornets snapped a two-game skid with the victory, they’re still mired in slumps of 3-6 overall and 2-7 ATS, and they’re 2-4 SU and ATS at home during this rut.

Orlando needed overtime to dispatch Charlotte last night, winning 107-102 but coming up short as an 8½-point home chalk. The Magic have alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in their last seven games overall and their last four on the road. However, Orlando still owns one of the best road records in the NBA at 18-7 SU and 17-7-1 ATS, including 5-2 SU and ATS in the last seven.

Although both teams failed to cover the spread in victories last night, the SU winner is still 11-1 ATS in the Hornets’ last 12 games overall, 9-0 ATS in its last nine at home, 16-1 ATS in Orlando’s last 17 overall and 14-0 ATS in Orlando’s last 14 on the road. In fact, the winner is 22-2-1 ATS when the Magic hit the highway this season.

The Magic hammered the Hornets 88-68 as a five-point home favorite back on Christmas Day, and these clubs have alternated SU wins in the last seven clashes going back to 2005. The ‘dog is on an 8-1-1 ATS run in this rivalry, and the visitor is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head battles, with the Magic cashing in four of their last five trips to New Orleans.

Orlando carries positive ATS trends of 23-9 overall, 50-24-3 on the road, 35-17-1 against the Western Conference, 6-1 on Wednesday and 5-1 when playing back-to-back contests. However, the Magic have failed to cover in four of their last five against winning teams. New Orleans is 36-17 ATS in its last 53 games on Wednesday, but otherwise the Hornets are in ATS funks of 1-4-1 against the Southeast Division and 1-4 when playing on consecutive nights.

These teams have stayed under the total in nine of the last 10 meetings, including the last five in a row overall and the last five in a row in New Orleans. Furthermore, Orlando is on “under” streaks of 4-2 overall, 4-1 against the Western Conference and 5-0 against winning teams. Also, the Hornets are riding “under” streaks of 12-5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 7-1 against the Southeast Division and 7-0 versus winning teams.

Conversely, the over is 7-3 in the Magic’s last 10 road games, 4-1 in the Hornets’ last five at home and 7-3 in the Hornets’ last 10 on Wednesday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER

Gametimepicks.com

Second-Half Contenders
By Josh Jacobs

With the second-half of the season beginning on Tuesday, teams in both conferences are preparing to draw first blood. Minus the Lakers (42-10 straight up, 27-25 against the spread) in the West and the Celtics (44-11 SU, 31-24 ATS) in the East, there’s plenty of teams left to dissect.

Cleveland (40-11 SU, 33-18 ATS) conquered the first 51 by fielding the No. 1 defense in the league, allowing 91.1 PPG, a field goal percentage of 42.8 and forcing 14.7 turnovers per game. Hanging onto 100.9 PPG on offense has helped backers collect on a 9-1 ATS record against the Atlantic division, 7-1 ATS record versus teams in the Northwest and a sparkling 19-6 ATS performance at home. Ok, so the last 10 games have seen the Cavaliers go an average 5-5 ATS but an up-and-coming schedule against Toronto (Feb. 18), Milwaukee (Feb. 20), Detroit (Feb. 22) and Memphis (Feb. 24) could help gamblers begin the second-half of the season on the right foot (Cleveland went 4-0 SU and ATS in their last matchups against the aforementioned opponents). Coming off the all-star break, the Cavaliers are a tough 4-1 ATS with three or more days of rest.

Beginning the season on a 7-10 limp in the first 17 games, Philadelphia (27-24 SU, 25-24-2) has since surprised the East. If the playoffs were to begin on Tuesday of this week then the 76ers would catch the No. 6 seed. But that’s why they play the full 82 games. On an investment level, Philly is 14-4 SU and 11-5-2 ATS in the last 18 tip-offs. The best bets have been in situations where the club is 4-2 ATS off two days of rest, 4-2 ATS as home underdogs and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 road games. On the total side of things, backing the ‘under’ at home as yielded a 17-9-2 record and a sharp 18-7-3 record as the home favorite on the ‘under’ has been rewarding. The look ahead schedule will have the ‘Sixers tipping the ball off against Denver at home (Feb. 18) followed by three road games in Miami (Feb. 21), New Jersey (Feb. 23) and Washington (Feb. 25). In-fact, beginning on Saturday, Philadelphia will play 11 road games in the next 16.

Orlando (38-13 SU, 33-17-1 ATS) faltered down the stretch, dropping three of the last five games to close out the first-half of the season. But the more important point to press is the Magic’s 11-5 ATS record in the last 16, a 6-2 ATS run in the last eight road games and 19-6 ATS versus Western Conference opponents. But even up 7 ½-games in the Southeast, Orlando is no doubt concerned about losing point guard, Jameer Nelson (shoulder) for the season. His 16.7 PPG and 51 steels will be sorely missed as Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue will split time filling in the point guard position. If it’s any indication of things to come, the Magic are 3-1 on the ‘under’ since Nelson’s departure. If you’ve banked off Orlando this season, hope that a 17-7-1 ATS record at home is high. The next few weeks will be integral for this club’s future in 2009. Games in New Orleans (Feb. 18) and Charlotte (90-85) will give way to a home game against Miami (Feb. 22) to conclude the week.

Can the Nuggets (36-17 SU, 30-22-1 ATS) continue to build on an 18-6 record in their last 24? Will 12 of the 24 teams remaining on Denver's schedule with a record under .500 open the door for a wise investment to end the season? Those answers are to be determined but a 13-8 ATS record (5-3 ATS at home and 8-5 ATS on the road) versus teams with a losing record might be a preview for what’s to come. And after an ATS win, Denver has been able to follow up the next contest with a convincing 24-10 ATS record. The Nuggets return to the court in Philadelphia (Feb. 18) followed by two more road games in Chicago (Feb. 20) and Milwaukee (Feb. 22). Denver resumes action from the all-star game on a three-game ‘under’ run and a 6-4 performance in the last 10.

Finally, the Spurs (35-16 SU, 25-24-2 ATS) may be worth an extra look not only against the spread but in the totals department as well. This is a team that entered the mid-season break with a 20-6 SU record in the last 26 games and a 6-1-1 ATS run in the last eight. But maybe more impressive was the 7-1 ‘over’ rout in the last eight and a 7-2 ‘over’ record in the last nine home games. Looking at future wagers just before the season starts up again, San Antonio is looking at a +350 price tag to take the Western Conference Championship and are at +800 to take the NBA Championship. The Spurs will go into Detroit (Feb. 19) and Washington (Feb. 21) this week.

ESPN Game Night

Orlando and New Orleans (30-20 SU, 21-27-2 ATS) will begin the first of a two-game set on ESPN, tipping-off at 8:00 p.m. EST. Breaking news coming out of Hornets’ camp has injury plagued forward, Tyson Chandler going to Oklahoma in exchange for Chris Wilcox, Josh Smith and the draft rights to Devon Hardin. It was on Dec. 25 that Orlando last met New Orleans, taking the contest straight up and against the spread (as five-point favorites) by the final of 88-68. The underdog is 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings while the road team has gone 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10. The Hornets left the first-half of the season on a terrible 2-6 SU and ATS slide. And take into consideration that New Orleans has recorded a slumping six ATS losses in 10 home games versus teams with a winning record this season.

The final contest on national television will commence at 10:30 p.m. EST when the Lakers and Warriors (19-35 SU, 25-26-3 ATS) meet in Oracle Arena. Golden State is 4-1 SU and 4-0-1 ATS in its last five and has impressed backers by going an impressive 11-3-1 ATS as a home underdog. If you’re thinking about fading the out matched Warriors then a 5-13 ATS fall after coming off a SU win could be what the doctor ordered. Golden State’s offense was free flowing before entering the all-star break, averaging 118.8 PPG in the last five games, complemented by nailing 49.4 percent of its perimeter shots. In-fact four of the last six wins have seen the Warriors shooting 49 percent or better from the field. This will be the third meeting between these two clubs as the L.A. looks for the trifecta. Their last meeting on Jan. 7 had the Lakers outscoring Golden State in three of the four quarters for a final of 114-106. L.A. covered the contest as a skinny, one-point visiting favorite as the total went ‘under’ the 226 mark.

vegasinsider.com.

Rough roads: The NBA's toughest second-half schedules
By MATT SOUTHARD

The National Basketball Association's balanced schedule has a way of separating the good from the bad and the pretenders from the contenders. And if you want to be successful wagering the NBA, analysis of what's coming up is critical to your long-term success. So on that note, here's a list of the teams facing the toughest remaining schedule.

New Jersey Nets

The fact the Nets are five games below .500 at this point should be discouraging for fans of the team. New Jersey faced the weakest schedule in the Eastern Conference with just a .486 winning percentage and emerged with a 24-29 record. But here comes their time of reckoning.

The second half of the season kicks off with a Texas road swing against Houston and Dallas on consecutive nights.

Then after a four-game home stand with playoff contenders like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Western Conference hopeful New Orleans, the Nets draw gets a resilient Milwaukee team on the road March 3, at home against Boston the next night, on the road versus Orlando on March 6 and the Knicks at home two days later. After that, a five-game road trip which starts on the West Coast and includes teams like resurgent Golden State, Portland and a high-caliber Denver Nuggets squad.

And this doesn't even touch the tail end of the schedule. After a home-and-home with Cleveland on March 22 and March 25, the Nets host the Lakers. In April, New Jersey faces eight teams all looking to make a late playoff push with two games against Detroit and a game each with Boston and Orlando, who may be competing for homecourt advantage.

Detroit Pistons

The grumblings in the Motor City are already at a high and Detroit coach Michael Curry is struggling for remedies. The Pistons (27-24 SU, 20-31 ATS) have already resorted to adding Antonino McDyess to the starting lineup. Perhaps Allen Iverson's shredding of the corn rows may provide some type of unseen magic for a late playoff push?

Well, it better be some good voodoo because the schedule spells disaster for the Pistons. The remainder of February is an absolute grinder with Milwaukee to open and a Thursday night tilt against San Antonio this week.

That's followed up by a five-game road trip against Cleveland, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando and culminating March 1 against Boston. The combined winning percentage of the teams on that road trip (.693) should be enough to distress any Pistons fan.

Memphis Grizzlies

You shouldn't be expecting too much from the Grizzlies (15-37 SU, 20-31-1 ATS) at this point and that won't change any time in the near future. Memphis has one of the worst records in the league and offers nothing more than potential fodder for the contenders in the league to boost their home court causes.

The Grizzlies encounter a playoff-hungry Utah Jazz team to kick off the second half and draws Portland the following night. And then a trip to Cleveland is even more unnerving.

The worst stretch comes in the middle of March. They start a four-game road trip on March 8 in Houston, travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves on March 11 and close out the road swing against Boston and Detroit on March 13 and 15.

But even a short home stint offers little relief. Denver and Portland come to town on March 16 and 17, followed by a game in New Orleans three days later, a one-night shot against Boston on March 21 and then a four-game West Coast road trip to close out the month.

The scheduling gods are really looking down on Memphis.

New York Knicks

Did you hear that slight buzz emanating from New York a couple of weeks ago? Yes, it was realistic playoff talk concerning the New York Knicks (21-31 SU, 30-22 ATS).

Well, that buzz was drowned out by a terrible six-game losing streak to close out the first portion of their schedule. But if you look at who they played, you can understand why it was so bad.

The Knicks hosted the NBA Powers Parade during a three-game home stretch in which they dropped contests to Los Angeles (Kobe's 61), Cleveland (LeBron's phantom triple double), and Boston (nothing notable but the 10-point beat down) and then hit the road for a West Coast trip in which they allowed 128 points.

That portion of the schedule was just a taste of what the Knicks have to deal with in the second half. Virtually every team in the month of March is fighting for some type of playoff positioning. The toughest stretch is a five-game road trip starting in New Jersey on March 8 and ending on March 15.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The "against the spread darling" of the NBA gambling world gets a chance to continue capitalizing on that name as the season winds down. But it's going to be rough sledding early on.

The Thunder (13-40 SU) open with New Orleans and travel Friday to Phoenix and play Golden State Saturday. Then games against the Lakers and Dallas next week and finishing the month out against Memphis on February 28.

March brings contests against Denver on March 11, Phoenix on March 14, a pair of games with San Antonio, and a trip to Boston on March 31.

And April doesn't look any easier. Another tilt with San Antonio looms, two games against Portland and yet another road game in Denver. On the bright side, with a surprising 33-20 ATS record and the chance that some of the teams might be sitting starters, there should be plenty of value to be found in the right lines.

NBA Hot and Cold Bets
Matt Fargo

The All-Star Break is history and the NBA is back in action this week as we head into the final two months of the regular season. Matt Fargo will be looking into Hot and Cold NBA bets throughout the season and he takes a look at four games that you will want to pay attention to coming up over the next few days.
NBA Hot Bets

Wednesday – Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Bobcats

Charlotte entered the break by winning its final two games and that was without two of its best players as Gerald Wallace and Raja Bell were both in street clothes. Those two victories came against two of the worst teams in the league in Washington and Los Angeles but wins are wins and the Bobcats are now 15-14 at home (17-12 ATS). They will be coming off a road game on Tuesday at Orlando and facing off here against the Pacers in a revenge game. Charlotte lost to Indiana by five points less than a month ago and will want to return the favor. The Pacers have been playing up and down and it has been mostly down on the road. Indiana is 6-22 away from home (13-14-1 ATS) and is currently riding a nine-game road losing skid (3-5-1 ATS). The Pacers are 6-9 in the second of back-to-back games (6-9 ATS) and this includes a 2-8 record (3-7 ATS) when that second game is on the road. Charlotte is 4-8 in the second of back-to-back games (6-6 ATS) but a more respectable 3-5 when the second game is at home (4-4 ATS).

Tips and Trends

Orlando Magic at New Orleans Hornets

Magic: Orlando got a huge performance from Dwight Howard on Tuesday en route to a 107-102 overtime win over Charlotte. Howard scored 45 points on 16-of-23 shooting and grabbed 19 rebounds while blocking eight shots. “We really needed this game off the break,” Howard said. “When my teammates see me bringing it at both ends every night, they will do the same. I have to start everything at both ends.” The team rallied back from a seven-point deficit in the third quarter to pull off the victory. “Dwight was unbelievable, unbelievable,” Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I mean phenomenal. He just put us on his back. That’s leadership right there, that kind of play on the floor. It kept everyone else motivated.”

Magic are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
The UNDER is 3-1 in Orlando's last 4 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96 (Side Play of the Day)

Hornets (-2, O/U 190): New Orleans dealt center Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after he missed the previous 12 games before the All-Star break with an ankle injury. The Hornets forwards Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith in the deal, but it's unclear whether or not either will play against the Magic. That could be a big problem against Orlando's Howard. “It just leaves a big question mark in the middle - I think we were all kind of looking forward to him getting back healthy and plugging that middle up for us. Now we just don’t know,” New Orleans All-Star forward David West said. “We hope that these guys coming in can come in and provide some presence.”

Hornets are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Morris Peterson (foot) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 93

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors

Lakers (-5, O/U 227): LA picked up where it left off on Tuesday with a 96-83 rout of Atlanta, the team's eight victory in nine games. Now the Lakers hit the road against a rested Warriors team that has gone 12-2-1 ATS in their last 15 home games. “Playing through a lot of road games, being consistent, not thinking this is a done deal yet,” LA head coach Phil Jackson said. “Getting off to a good start coming out of this break is also important to us.” The Lakers are 9-4 ATS when playing without rest this season.

Lakers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The OVER is 9-1 in LA's last 10 road games.

Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 118 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Warriors: Golden State put together a season-high three-game winning streak before the All-Star break and hopes to continue that momentum against the Lakers. Former LA reserve Ronny Turiaf has stepped up in three games since replacing injured center Andris Biedrins in the starting lineup, putting together his first double-double in almost two years with 14 points and 11 rebounds vs. Portland last Thursday. “I knew coming into this situation I was the backup center and I knew my position,” Turiaf said. “I’m just trying to hold the fort down for Andris.”

Warriors are 12-2-1 ATS in their last 15 home games.
The OVER is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Andris Biedrins (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 113

Wednesday Research
By Indiancowboy

Sixers vs. Pacers

This game really comes down to who you want to "ride"? After all, the Pacers were impressive in their win and cover over the Sixers but at the same time, the Bobcats were impressive in their near win at Orlando as they nearly led from wire to wire before falling short in OT. These two twice this year and Charlotte won the first meeting in OT back in November on the road, only to see Indiana win the next game at home by 5. Thus, in a way, a bit of a revenge game here for Charlotte as they look to bounce-back from their loss at Orlando. Charlotte will be a pleasant surprise in the second half of the season imo with Felton, Wallace, Diaw, Bell, Okafor and Augustin. The Pacers are still a bit banged up and likely will be without the services of Dunleavy.

Cleveland vs. Toronto

I've always said anytime you see 70% of the public on a game, it is reason to be wary. Such is the case here with Cleveland hitting the road to face Toronto. Let's not forget that Toronto beat the Spurs to close the first half of the year Outright in a similar spread at home. Why can theynot do it here against the Cavs? But - here is the catch, with no Bosh today, this team will still have the services of Calderon and new Raptor, Marion. Remember, in the win over the Spurs, this team team did not have Bosh, but still got it done. I think the Raps can hang tough here frankly and likely 70% of the public will take a hit. Remember, the Raps lost by 18 and 20 this year on the road at Cleveland so they certainly have those losses in their minds as they play the Cavs for the third time - Ben Wallace is questionable.

Phoenix vs. L.A. Clippers

I probably should have been on Phoenix yesterday with Gentry as the new head coach. After all, the Suns will look to run and gun from here on out. Remember, Gentry is the last hold out as an Assistant from the Mike D'Antoni era of Phoenix basketball and the experiment of a more defensive Suns unit failed. Remember, Steve Kerr tried this defensive tactic and failed miserably with the Suns as this team had 23 losses in the first half this year - when they had just a few more losses all of last year and the previous four years of D'Antoni. But, here is the catch, a home and home typically favors the team that just loss SU. In this case, the Clippers were lost 140-100. But, with Gentry at the helm now, looking for his 2nd win and Randolph facing a possible suspension today, why go against the Suns who are on a mission to say "a very big thank you" for getting Jerry Porter out and bringing the run and gun style with Gentry back in as they will continue to say thank you to the front office by putting up ridiculous points on the board.

Atlanta vs. Sacramento

Hawks lost by 13 on the road to the Lakers, failing to cover the 8.5 spread that was placed on them. The Kings come off a 12 point loss but a cover at Houston as a 13 point road dog. Note, the Hawks had beaten the Pistons Outright on the road prior to that game. These two teams have not met this year and I do lean on the Hawks, a bit on the under - after all, the under has gone down 3 points since the opening. Note, the public is on the Hawks' bounce-back to a tune of roughly 66%.

New Jersey vs. Dallas

There is history in this game. Note, that Jersey drilled Dallas at home last time out so the Mavs have huge revenge from that 121-97 loss at NJ. Devin Harris returns to his old stomping grounds and Jason Kidd faces his former team. But, Jersey has lost by 26 and DD to the Magic, and not to mention with the big revenge angle for Dallas who come off a home loss to Boston - no thanks. Note, that 75% of the public is on Dallas which makes this even less of a likely play.

Lakers vs. Golden State

This game reminds me an awful lot of the GS vs. Spurs line when GS took the Spurs to OT and ended up losing by 5. This game also reminds me of the Cavs game at GS when Ellis came back and GS lost by 1 point to a buzzer beater essentially to Lebron. Note, what is interesting about the line is back in January, the line was GS +9 at home against the Lakers, and now the line is +5 for the Warriors at home. GS comes into this spread 4-0-2 ATS over the last 6 games including beating the Blazers, Jazz and Knicks all at home and covering the spread. I have a rule not to bet against the Lake Show, even though 75% of the public are riding them. Watch for GS to be very game today in this game and take the Lakers to the wire imo. If GS can do that to the Spurs, Cavs and beat the Celtics Outright at home, I think they can take the Lakers to the limit here.