Wednesday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Lakers at Raptors**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Los Angeles as a 6 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over Toronto, with the total set at 212. This game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Los Angeles (38-9 straight up, 24-23 against the spread) continues its six-game road trip riding a three-game SU and ATS winning streak. The Lakers upended New York Monday as a six-point road favorite, 126-117, while the combined 243 points soared ‘over’ the 223 ½-point closing total. The ‘over’ has cashed the last four games for Los Angeles.
-The Lakers won the battle on the boards, 52-41, while shooting a blistering 52 percent (44-of-84) from the field. Kobe Bryant led the charge with 61 points on 19-of-31 shooting, while Pau Gasol added 31 and 14 rebounds.
-Los Angeles is 15-5 SU and 11-9 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 11-9. The Lakers have been winning their road endeavors by an average score of 108-101.
-Toronto (19-31 SU, 19-28 ATS) has dropped three games in a row SU and ATS after Tuesday's setback to Cleveland as an 11-point road underdog, 101-83. The combined 184 points went 'under' the 194-point closing total.
-Toronto is just 9-14 SU and 7-15 ATS on its home court, with the ‘over’ going 12-10. The Raptors have been losing their home endeavors by an average score of 100-99.
-Los Angeles is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS the previous three meetings with Toronto after winning the lone encounter this year November 30 as a 12-point home ‘chalk,’ 112-99. The combined 211 points toppled the 208-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 3-0 the last three games in this series.
-Los Angeles center Andrew Bynum (knee) is ‘out’ for the next 8-12 weeks.
**Cavaliers at Knicks**
-LVSC opened Cleveland as a 5 ½-point road favorite over New York, with the total listed at 207. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET.
-Cleveland (38-9 SU, 32-15 ATS) is playing its second game in as many nights after Tuesday's victory over Toronto. The 'under' has gone 3-1 its previous four outings.
-The Cavaliers are 15-9 SU and 14-10 ATS on the road, with the ‘under’ going 15-9. Cleveland has been winning its road endeavors by an average score of 97-92.
-New York (21-26 SU, 27-20 ATS) had won three games in a row SU and four consecutive contests ATS before Monday’s setback to Los Angeles, 126-117. The ‘over’ is 4-1 the past five games for the Knicks.
-New York is 14-10 SU and ATS at Madison Square Garden, winning those games by an average score of 109-108.
-Cleveland is 3-0 SU and ATS the last three meetings with New York after winning the latest matchup December 3 as a 15-point home favorite, 118-82. The combined 200 points never seriously threatened the 216-point closing total, ending a string of five straight ‘over’ outings in this series.
-Cleveland guard Sasha Pavlovic (flu) is ‘questionable’ versus the Knicks.
**Suns at Warriors**
-LVSC lists Phoenix as a 2 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over Golden State, with the total set at 228 ½. This Pacific Division contest is scheduled to begin at 10:35 p.m. ET.
-Phoenix (26-20 SU, 16-29 ATS) snapped a two-game SU and ATS losing skid by routing Sacramento Monday as a 15-point home favorite, 129-81. The combined 210 points went ‘under’ the 222 ½-point closing total, snapping back-to-back ‘over’ outings.
-The Suns dominated the Kings on the boards, 59-35, and shot a robust 51 percent (45-of-88) from the field. Amare Stoudemire paced the offense with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Jason Richardson added 24 and five.
-Phoenix is 13-10 SU and 9-13 ATS away from home, with the ‘over’ going 13-9. The Suns have been winning those games by an average score of 104-103.
-Golden State (15-34 SU, 22-26 ATS) has dropped consecutive contests SU (1-0-1 ATS) after falling to San Antonio in overtime Monday as a five-point home underdog, 110-105. The combined 215 points went ‘over’ the 213-point closing total, snapping a five-game ‘under’ streak.
-The Warriors were out rebounded by the Spurs, 52-43, while shooting 47 percent (44-of-94) from the field. Stephen Jackson accounted for 33 points and 11 assists in the setback, while Monta Ellis added 17 and eight rebounds.
-Golden State is now 10-12 SU and 13-8 ATS at home, with the ‘over’ going 15-6. The Warriors have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 112-110.
-Phoenix has won the past two meetings with Golden State SU and ATS, but this is the first meeting this season. The ‘over’ has cashed the previous six games in this series.
-Golden State guard Monta Ellis (ankle) is ‘probable’ against the Suns.
vegasinsider.com
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Feb. 4
L.A. Lakers at Toronto (7 p.m. EST). Kobe Bryant follows up his 61-point performance against the Knicks with a trip to Toronto, the Atlantic Division’s last-place team.
STARS
Tuesday
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, scored 33 points to eclipse 12,000 for his career, and Cleveland improved to 23-0 at home with a 101-83 win over Toronto.
— Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets, scored 35 points in a 104-96 win over San Antonio.
— Ray Allen, Celtics, had 23 points and hit a baseline 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left to give Boston its 12th straight victory, 100-99 over Philadelphia.
— Vince Carter, Nets, had 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple double in New Jersey’s 99-85 win over New Jersey.
— Yao Ming, Rockets, scored 28 points in Houston’s 107-100 win over Chicago.
CHART BUSTER
LeBron James became the fastest player in NBA history to reach the 12,000-point plateau when he scored 33 points in a 101-83 victory over Toronto. At 24 years, 35 days, he did it quicker than Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who did it at 25 years, 220 days.
RUDE HOMECOMING
Richard Jefferson, who spent his first seven seasons with the Nets, made his return to New Jersey after being dealt for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian this past summer. Although he started off the night by missing his first three shots, Jefferson finished by hitting 7-of-16 from the field to lead Milwaukee with 27 points in a 99-85 loss to the Nets.
STREAKS
Ray Allen took a perfect pass from Paul Pierce and buried a baseline 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left to give the Celtics their 12th straight victory, 100-99 over the 76ers. … Cleveland beat Toronto 101-83 for its 23rd consecutive home win. … Houston won its sixth straight, 107-100 over the Bulls.
SHORT-HANDED
The Spurs were without Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in a 104-96 loss to Denver. Ginobili has a bruised hip, and coach Gregg Popovich said he decided to give Duncan and Parker the night off following the Spurs’ overtime win at Golden State on Monday night.
SPEAKING
“To be truthful, Larry is one of my favorite people in basketball. I would just as soon not beat his team, but if the options are beating his team or my team losing, I would much rather beat his team.”—Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale on Minnesota beating Indiana, whose team president is Larry Bird, McHale’s longtime Celtics teammate.
LA LAKERS (38 - 9) at TORONTO (19 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
LA LAKERS are 81-67 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 85-57 ATS (+22.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 25-5 ATS (+19.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in home games this season.
TORONTO is 24-40 ATS (-20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 4-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (10 - 38) at ORLANDO (36 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 53-76 ATS (-30.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 44-65 ATS (-27.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 52-73 ATS (-28.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 59-36 ATS (+19.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
ORLANDO is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 25-8 ATS (+16.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-1 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (21 - 27) at WASHINGTON (10 - 38)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 224-272 ATS (-75.2 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (37 - 9) at NEW YORK (21 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (26 - 21) at DETROIT (25 - 21)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 55-72 ATS (-24.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (29 - 19) at MEMPHIS (12 - 35)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (31 - 16) at OKLAHOMA CITY (11 - 37)
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DENVER is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA (27 - 20) at MINNESOTA (16 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (21 - 27) at NEW ORLEANS (28 - 17)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (30 - 17) at DALLAS (28 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 202-144 ATS (+43.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (26 - 20) at GOLDEN STATE (15 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 56-73 ATS (-24.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-58 ATS (-19.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 34-58 ATS (-29.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-3 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS vs. ORLANDO
LA Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Orlando is 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
LA LAKERS vs. TORONTO
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
Toronto is 3-7-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
Toronto is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
NEW JERSEY vs. WASHINGTON
New Jersey is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
CLEVELAND vs. NEW YORK
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
MIAMI vs. DETROIT
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
ATLANTA vs. MINNESOTA
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
CHICAGO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Chicago is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 13 games at home
DENVER vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games on the road
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
HOUSTON vs. MEMPHIS
Houston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
PORTLAND vs. DALLAS
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games at home
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
PHOENIX vs. GOLDEN STATE
Phoenix is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Tips and Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
Cavs (-5.5, O/U 208.5): Cleveland star LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 12,000 points on Tuesday, scoring 33 in a 101-83 rout of Toronto. “He’s still going to get better,” Cavs head coach Mike Brown said. “That’s the scary thing.” However, James has been getting a lot of help from point guard Mo Williams lately. Williams is averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists in the last five games and has helped make up for the loss of Delonte West, who is out with a broken wrist.
Cavs are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games vs. Atlantic Division.
The UNDER is 13-6 in Cleveland's last 19 games vs. Atlantic Division.
Key Injuries - G Sasha Pavlovic (flu) is questionable.
G Delonte West (wrist) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 107
Knicks: New York surrendered a Madison Square Garden-record 61 points to LA's Kobe Bryant on Tuesday and already gave up 50 points to Cleveland's LeBron James there last March 5th. In fact, James also totaled 10 assists, eight rebounds and four steals in that 119-105 victory, but he has scored a combined 47 points in two meetings with the Knicks this season - both wins. “Kobe made a lot of tough shots,” New York center David Lee said. “I’m sure LeBron will probably do the same thing and we’re going to need to play our best ball.”
Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-1 in New York's last 8 games vs. Central Division.
Key Injuries - C Eddy Curry (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 101
Hot Teams
-- Magic won three of its last four games.
-- Nets won last two games, covered five of last seven.
-- Lakers won seven of their last eight games.
-- Miami won four of its last six games.
-- Cavaliers won seven of their last eight games. Knicks won six of their last eight games (7-1 vs spread).
-- Bulls won three of last four games (4-0-1 vs spread in last five).
-- Minnesota won seven of its last ten games.
-- Rockets won nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Nuggets won eight of their last ten games. Thunder is 11-1 vs spread in its last twelve home games.
-- Mavericks won last three games, all by 10+ points. Portland won its last five games.
Cold Teams
-- Clippers lost their last six games (0-6 vs spread).
-- Wizards covered just three of their last fifteen games.
-- Raptors lost last three games, by 11-23-18 points.
-- Pistons lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Hornets lost last three games, by 4-13-8 points.
-- Hawks lost four of their last five games.
-- Grizzlies lost 12 of their last 13 games.
-- Warriors lost five of their last seven games. Suns are 2-5-1 vs spread in their last eight road games.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Clipper games went over the total.
-- Six of Nets' last seven games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Laker games all went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five New York games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Chicago games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Houton games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dallas home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Warrior games stayed under the total.
Back-to Back
-- Nets are 8-2 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Lakers are 3-2 vs spread if playing first of two straight nites on road.
-- Cavaliers are 8-2 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Bulls are 2-3 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 2-3 vs spread at home if it was on road the nite before.
-- Rockets are 3-4 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Denver is 2-5 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Dallas is 0-2 vs spread at home if it plays on road the next night.
Miami (26-21, 22-23-2 ATS) at Detroit (25-21, 19-27 ATS)
The freefalling Pistons go back to work after two days off when they welcome the Heat to the Palace of Auburn Hills for an Eastern Conference battle.
Detroit fell apart in the fourth quarter against LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Sunday, getting outscored 32-14 en route to a 90-80 loss as a 4½-point home underdog. Overall, the Pistons have dropped two in a row, four of their last five and nine of their last 12, with the SU winner covering the spread in each game. During this 12-game rut, Detroit is 1-6 SU and ATS at home, including 0-4 SU and ATS in the last four at the Palace.
Miami put an end to a two-game SU and ATS mini slump with Monday’s 119-95 rout of the dreadful Clippers, covering as a 9½-point home favorite. The Heat are 8-5 SU and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games, including 4-3 (5-2 ATS) on the highway. The SU winner is 10-0 ATS in the team’s last 10 contests and 14-1 ATS in the last 15, and the winner is 19-3-1 ATS in Miami’s 22 roadies.
This is the first meeting this season between these longtime rivals. Last year, Detroit swept the four-game series (2-2 ATS) and it has won the last five against the Heat (2-2-1 ATS). However, Miami is still 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 head-to-head battles, including 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to Motown. The visitor has cashed in each of the last four meetings.
In addition to their 9-4 ATS run overall, the Heat are on positive pointspread streaks of 4-1 against the Central Division, 5-2 on the road and 6-1 after one day of rest, but they’re also on ATS nosedives of 9-19-1 on Wednesday, 5-14 as a road underdog of less than five points, 13-32-3 after a SU win and 3-8-2 after a double-digit win. Although the Pistons are in ATS funks of 8-20 at home, 6-14 as a chalk, 1-4 against the Eastern Conference, 0-6 against winning teams and 3-11 after a SU loss, they’re 8-1 ATS in their last nine Wednesday contests and 4-1 ATS in their last five after a double-digit home defeat.
For Miami, the over is on streaks of 10-4 overall, 7-1 on the road and 6-2 when playing on one day of rest. Conversely, the Pistons are on a bevy of “under” runs, including 26-10-1 overall, 7-3-1 at home, 38-18 against the Eastern Conference, 5-0 against the Southeast Division, 7-1 on Wednesday, 16-5-1 versus winning teams and 20-7-1 when going on two days’ rest. Also, the under is 9-4 in Miami’s last 13 against the Central Division, 20-8-1 in the Heat’s last 29 against winning teams, 20-6-1 in the last 27 meetings in this rivalry and 5-2 in the last seven head-to-head battles in Motown.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI and UNDER
Portland (30-17, 24-22 ATS) at Dallas (28-19, 22-25 ATS)
The Mavericks return home from a successful two-game swing through Florida as they put a three-game SU and ATS winning streak on the line against the red-hot Blazers.
Since suffering an ugly 124-100 loss at Boston back on Jan. 25, Dallas has ripped off three straight double-digit wins over the Warriors (117-93 as a seven-point home chalk), Heat (111-96 as a two-point road favorite) and Magic (105-95 as a 7½-point road underdog). In Monday’s victory in Orlando, Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points as the Mavs shot 53.4 percent from the field and held the sharp-shooting Magic 42.7 percent, including a woeful 3-for-20 effort from three-point range.
Portland overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit at New Orleans on Monday, outscoring the Hornets 38-15 in the final stanza to win 97-89 as a three-point road underdog. The Blazers are on a 5-0 SU and ATS run, including consecutive wins and covers on the road after going 2-5 SU in their previous seven on the highway and 2-9 ATS in their previous 11 as a visitor.
Dallas has scored at least 100 points in five straight games (4-1 SU and ATS), averaging 109 ppg on 52 percent shooting while giving up 99.8 ppg on 44.8 percent shooting. Meanwhile, the Blazers are putting up 104 ppg (50.1 percent) and allowing just 89.2 ppg (46 percent) during their five-game winning streak.
The SU winner is 9-0 ATS in Dallas’ last nine games (3-0 at home) and 24-1 ATS in Portland’s last 25, including 12-0 ATS in the last 12 and 9-0 ATS on the road.
The Mavericks took the first meeting this season 102-94 in Portland as a 4½-point road underdog. That snapped a six-game winning streak by the home team in this rivalry (4-2 ATS). Dallas has won eight of the last 10 head-to-head battles, but the Blazers are 4-2 ATS in the last six, including 2-1 ATS in their last three trips to Dallas. Also, the underdog has covered in five of the last six in this rivalry.
The Blazers have cashed in four straight games against Western Conference foes and they’re 8-2 ATS in their last 10 against the Southwest Division and 4-1 ATS in their last five after one day of rest, but they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five on Wednesday and 2-5 ATS in their last seven as a pup. Dallas is 6-2 ATS in its last eight on Wednesday, but 6-16 ATS in its last 22 at home, 7-19-1 ATS in its last 27 as a favorite of less than five points and 4-11 ATS in its last 15 against the Northwest Division.
The under is on streaks of 55-26 for Dallas against Northwest Division opponents, 16-7 for Portland against the Southwest Division, 44-19-1 for Portland on Wednesday, 21-7 for Portland as an underdog and 12-3 for Portland against winning teams. Additionally, 12 of the last 16 meetings in this rivalry have stayed low, with the under going 8-0 in the last eight clashes in Dallas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND and UNDER
Gametimepicks.com