Inside the Paint - Wednesday
By Chris David
The NBA playoffs are nearing and it’s safe to say that 14 of the 16 slots are locked up while one spot in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are still up for grabs but window is closing quickly. Charlotte trails Chicago by two games for the eighth and final spot in the East, while the Mavericks hold a 3 ½-game lead over the Suns in the West.
Larry Brown and the Bobcats only have nine games left and six are on the road, plus seven are against playoff-caliber teams too. Phoenix seems to have a better shot with five of its last eight games set up against non-playoff clubs, but the Suns just came out flat in a horrible loss to the Kings on Sunday.
Wednesday’s card features nine games on tap and while some are worth watching, we do have a couple contests that are only viewable if you have a vested interest.
Let’s take a closer look at all nine battles.
Toronto at Orlando: The Raptors are playing out the string with some extra confidence, evidenced by their recent four-game winning streak, both straight up and against the spread. Offense has been the catalyst for Toronto lately, watching the team average 115.3 points per game over this stretch. The Magic have been just as hot, putting together six wins in a row (3-3 ATS). Orlando has won and covered two of three against Toronto this season, with the victories coming by 13 and 23 points. Another double-digit spread is expected, but the Magic could be looking ahead to a big showdown against Cleveland on Friday.
Charlotte at Boston: Must-win spots here on out for Charlotte, who continues to strive for its first franchise playoff spot. Heading to Boston after hosting the L.A. Lakers yesterday is never good news for any team and that’s the dilemma the Bobcats face. Charlotte is 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS versus Boston this year, but both games were in Carolina. The Celtics were burning gamblers lately but have recently posted a 5-1 run both SU and ATS. However, Boston’s Kevin Garnett (knee) is projected to miss at least four games. It seems like the Celtics have all but conceded the No. 2 seed to Orlando and are trying to get ready for the playoffs. It’s tough to lay heavy numbers against a hungry ‘dog, right? Just when you start believing that, Doc’s troops run you out of the building.
Detroit at New Jersey: Stick a fork in the Nets folks because they’re done! New Jersey has dropped five in a row, three coming at home as well. The club had a chance to make the playoffs and isn’t mathematically eliminated but the offense can’t muster up any points lately. Most pundits were about to write the Pistons off too yet they’ve responded with two straight wins after losing six of seven. Detroit is far from a great team yet it’s had New Jersey’s number recently, going 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS in the last nine. The Nets are the only team in the NBA to have an equal or better record on the road than at home this season. Maybe things will be better in Brooklyn?
L.A. Lakers at Milwaukee: The Lakers wrap up their seven-game road trip on Wednesday and this battle will be a back-to-back spot and their third game played in four nights. Los Angeles started 4-1 both SU and ATS, with three of the victories by double digits. The Bucks have been fading down the stretch, going 3-10 SU and 2-11 ATS in the last 13. Los Angeles is clearly the more talented team than Milwaukee, but its just 2-7-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings against the Bucks. Phil Jackson’s team is a solid 13-4 SU and 12-5 ATS when playing on zero days rest this year. Win or lose tonight, the Lakers are clearly still the best team in the West and this writer believes they’ll reach the finals in 15 games or less.
Washington at Memphis: If you’ve followed the piece “Down the Stretch” then you’ve been doing well playing ‘over’ tickets in meaningless games at the end of the season. This battle here tonight fits that role and the number seems doable. However, the Wizards’ backcourt won’t have Gilbert Arenas, Mike James and Juan Dixon available. Another reason not to run to the counter so quickly is Memphis, who is a very inconsistent offensive team. The Grizzlies just finished up a four-game (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) road trip and the team posted 82, 113, 66 and 114 points. These two just met on Feb. 2 and Memphis blasted Washington 113-97 as five-point road ‘dogs. Keep in mind that the past two seasons, the series has always ended in a split. Play on the Wizards?
Miami at Dallas: The Mavericks’ magic number to clinch the last spot in the West is five. Any combination of their wins and Suns’ losses will get them to the next dance and a battle against the Lakers. Dallas looked horrible against Cleveland on Sunday in the second-half and will be playing two games in two nights after facing Minnesota on Tuesday. The Mavs are 7-7 both SU and ATS on zero days rest. Dallas has won five in a row against Miami, including a 111-96 win on Jan. 31 this season. The Heat were coasting along for a while and seemed like a lock for the fourth or fifth seed, but now might fall to No. 6, which means a possible first round matchup against Orlando or Boston. Can you say early exit?
Houston at Phoenix: The Suns can only blame themselves this year for not making the playoffs and their recent three-game skid has all but put the final nails in the coffin. Phoenix does return home but a battle against a quality Houston team smells like trouble. The Rockets have already defeated the Suns twice this year, including a 94-82 win on Nov. 12 in the desert. Houston has gone 13-8 since Tracy McGrady (knee) went down for the year and the team has recently rallied with five wins in its last six. The Rockets still have a shot to claim the second seed in the West so don’t expect them to pack it in here. Oddsmakers opened the Suns as short 1 ½-point favorites, which says a lot about both teams. Gamblers can watch this one live on ESPN at 10:05 p.m. EDT.
Sacramento at Golden State: This game fits the same situation as the Wizards and Grizzlies above. Golden State has been plagued by injuries lately and the team has suffered five consecutive (1-4 ATS) losses during this stretch. Stephen Jackson is done for the season and Corey Maggette (head) is ‘questionable’ against the Kings tonight. Fortunately for Golden State it catches Sacramento in a back-to-back spot and it’s posted a miserable 3-16 SU and 9-10 ATS ledger on zero days rest. On another note, the Kings are 3-2 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five encounters against the Warriors. The total will be high and the pace should be there, yet be aware that the ‘under’ is on a 4-2 run in this series.
New Orleans at L.A. Clippers: This late-night clash is another toss up and you might be better off saving your money. Tyson Chandler and James Posey are expected to miss for New Orleans, while Peja Stojakovic is listed as ‘doubtful’ for tonight. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ Baron Davis is ‘questionable’ and Marcus Camby is ‘out’. Looking past the injuries, this series has been all about New Orleans, who has won and covered eight in a row against Los Angeles. Another serious trend for the Hornets has been the ‘under’, which has cashed in nine straight. It’s hard to argue an ‘over’ play tonight, considering the offensive talent that could be on the shelf. The Clippers just wrapped up a six-game road trip (1-5 SU, 2-4) ATS and all of their losses came by double digits. First game back after a long stint is usually a good fade spot. Can you say nine straight for the Hornets?
vegasinsider.com
Hot and Cold Bets
By Matt Fargo
The NBA regular season is winding down fast and the games are becoming that much more important. Matt Fargo has been 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 – Sacramento Kings at Golden St. Warriors 10:30 PM ET
The Warriors got off to a horrible start this season but since January 11th, they have gone 15-19 (19-13-2 ATS) which is far from playoff material but considering the start to the season was 10-28, this has been a huge turnaround.
It is no coincidence that Golden St. has played better since Monta Ellis has been back in the lineup. The Warriors are 11-11 (14-6-2 ATS) in the 22 games he has played in so they are no doubt a better ballclub with Ellis on the court. Sacramento plays at home against New Orleans on Tuesday before heading to Golden St. the next night. That puts the Kings in one of their worst spots this season. They have played back-to-back games on 19 previous occasions and of those, they have registered only three wins (9-10 ATS). Sacramento has been decent as an underdog, going 28-30 ATS, but it has trouble with the smaller lines, going 4-13 ATS when getting fewer than six points. Keep an eye on this line to see if we catch a number in this range.
Game of the day: Rockets at Suns
By ASHTON GREWAL
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns (-1, 224.5)
You know you suck when…
If the Suns don’t end up making the playoffs this season they’ll look back and pinpoint their last two losses as the nail in their coffin.
Phoenix overcame a 21-point third quarter deficit against the Jazz and appeared set to leave Utah Saturday night with a much-need road win. But a few costly turnovers coupled with an inability to stop Deron Williams in the final minute, allowed the Jazz to force overtime and steal the game back.
And just when Steve Nash thought things couldn’t get any worse, he and his teammates fell to the lowly Sacramento Kings the following night, 126-118.
“I don’t know what to say,” the Suns point guard told the Sacramento Bee. “We just laid an egg. That’s very frustrating. No offense to that young team over there, but we weren’t playing the Lakers or the Celtics.”
Sunday’s setback was Phoenix’s third in a row dropping the club even farther outside the playoff picture.
Unfinished work
The Suns’ loss allowed the Rockets to secure a playoff spot but don’t expect Yao Ming to start a celebratory break dance.
“You think to make the playoffs is a big celebration for us. No. We’ll save that,” Yao told the Houston Chronicle.
The Rockets have been bounced from the opening round of the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and haven’t reached the second round since 1997.
“Everyone knows,” Yao said. “Second round. At least.”
Totally different
Houston and Phoenix are polar opposites when it comes to style of play. The Rockets are all about relentless defending and grind-it-out offense while the Suns go-to defensive play is quickly inbounding the ball after their opposition knocks down an uncontested shot.
It should be no surprise than Phoenix’s totals are among the highest set each night while Houston’s are normally rock bottom on the board.
The Rockets played under the total in five straight before a 3-1 over spurt in their last four matches.
The Suns non-existent defense has a way of dominating the pace of a game and not surprisingly oddsmakers pushed the over/under number to 224.5 for tonight’s tilt.
The Rockets and Suns played over the 226 total the last time the two sides faced off during a Phoenix four-point win on March 6th at Houston.
These two clubs had played below the total in six of the nine meetings before that game with the average over/under line at 202.
Welcome back
If the Rockets have an extra boost tonight it’ll be due to the return of reserve forward Carl Landry. He returned and practiced with his teammates for the first time since he was shot a half month ago.
“Carl is as happy go-lucky as they come,” Shane Battier said of his popular teammate. “The enthusiasm is infectious. A great guy to be around.”
NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, April 1
Toronto at Orlando (7 p.m. EDT). The Magic have won six straight games and are percentage points ahead of the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
STARS
Tuesday
— David West, Hornets, matched his career high with 40 points to help New Orleans beat Sacramento 111-110.
— LeBron James, Cavaliers, made two crucial three-point plays down the stretch and finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds as Cleveland beat Detroit 79-73 for its 13th straight victory.
— Gerald Wallace, Bobcats, had 21 points and 13 rebounds as Charlotte continued its surprising mastery of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 94-84 victory.
— LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers. Aldridge scored 26 points, Roy had 25 points and 11 assists, and Portland beat Utah 125-104.
— Kevin Durant, Thunder, scored 31 points to lead Oklahoma City over San Antonio 96-95.
— T.J. Ford, Pacers, hit the go-ahead jumper with 3.9 seconds left and had 22 points and nine assists in Indiana’s 107-105 victory over Cleveland.
POSTSEASON PLANS
Two more teams clinched playoff berths in the Western Conference. Denver locked up its spot with a 111-104 victory over the New York Knicks. The Nuggets also moved into second place in the West. San Antonio earned a place later Tuesday despite a 96-95 loss to Oklahoma City. The Nuggets and Spurs, along with Dallas and Detroit, are the only teams to have made the playoffs every season since 2003-04.
SWEET 16
Cleveland became just the sixth team in NBA history to win 16 games in one month with its 79-73 victory over Detroit. Not bad for a team that won only 17 total in the season before LeBron James arrived.
SURPRISING SUCCESS
Charlotte completed a season sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 94-84 victory Tuesday. The Bobcats have won six of seven against the Western Conference champions. … Oklahoma City has defeated the playoff-bound San Antonio Spurs twice in about two weeks following its 96-95 victory on Tuesday.
SMASHING SUCCESS
Portland routed Utah 125-104 on Tuesday, winning its third consecutive game by at least 20 points. The Trail Blazers (47-27) blitzed the Jazz with torrid shooting, hitting a season-high 61.6 percent (47-of-76) from the field. It was the first time Portland has won three consecutive games by at least 20 points since March 24-28, 1992.
SHUT DOWN
Kevin Garnett will miss at least the next four games with a sore right knee and may return for the final three games of the Boston Celtics’ regular season. Coach Doc Rivers said after practice Tuesday that the team would be “shutting down” Garnett for most of the remaining seven regular season games because of continued soreness in the knee, first injured Feb. 19 at Utah. Garnett has missed 15 of the last 19 games, including the last two.
VLADE’S DAY
Vlade Divac’s No. 21 jersey was retired Tuesday night at Arco Arena, his home for six seasons. He was the starting center on the Kings’ back-to-back division champs and the 2002 Western Conference finalists. Divac, who is the second-leading rebounder in the franchise’s Sacramento history, said during a halftime ceremony that the best days of his 16-year NBA career came in Sacramento.
HEALTHY HOWARD
Josh Howard had 14 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes in his return from an 11-game absence in the Mavericks’ 108-88 victory in Minnesota. He had not played since March 5 because of a sore left ankle and has missed a total of 28 games due to various injuries this season.
SPEAKING
“I can play 18 minutes with my eyes closed and a 100-pound truck on my back. I’m wondering what the rush was to get me back. It’s a bad time for me mentally. I’m just trying to get through it without starting a whole bunch of nonsense. I’m looking at the big picture, if I vent my frustrations, then it’s on. Being who I am, fingers are going to be pointed at me. People are going to make a big deal out of it. I’m just trying to laugh as much as I can and stop from crying.”—Allen Iverson, frustrated with his playing time while coming off the bench in two games since returning from a back injury to rejoin Detroit.
Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
The Raptors defeated Chicago 134-129 in overtime as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (208.5).
Chris Bosh scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for Toronto, while Jose Calderon added 22 points and 19 assists in the win.
Dwyane Wade had 42 points and four steals for Miami in its 101-95 loss to Orlando on Monday night.
Orlando covered as 3-point road favorites as the game played over the 193-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 4 straight games.
Orlando has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 28-45 SU, 28-42-3 ATS
Orlando: 55-18 SU, 46-26-1 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New York are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 15 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Toronto at New York, Saturday, April 4
Orlando home to Cleveland, Friday, April 3
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics
Gerald Wallace went for 21 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks to lead the Bobcats over the Lakers 94-84 on Tuesday night.
Charlotte cashed as 5-point home underdogs as the game played under the 192-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Celtics defeated Oklahoma City 103-84 as a 10.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (191.5).
Paul Pierce scored 27 points for Boston and Glen Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds
Current streak:
Charlotte has won 3 straight games.
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 34-40 SU, 45-29 ATS
Boston: 56-19 SU, 39-36 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 3-7
After playing LA Lakers are 5-4
After a win are 8-2
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Charlotte is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 8 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte home to Miami, Friday, April 3
Boston home to Atlanta, Friday, April 3
Detroit Pistons vs. New Jersey Nets
Richard Hamilton paced Detroit with 13 points and six rebounds in its 79-73 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday night.
Cleveland couldn't cover as 10-point home favorites as the game played under the 178.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Reserve Chris Douglas-Roberts netted 14 points to lead New Jersey in its 107-78 loss to Milwaukee on Monday night.
Milwaukee cashed as 5.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 197.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 36-38 SU, 32-42 ATS
New Jersey: 30-44 SU, 37-36-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 9-1
Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Jersey
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing New Jersey
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing Detroit
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Next up:
Detroit at Philadelphia, Saturday, April 4
New Jersey at Chicago, Saturday, April 4
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Kobe Bryant dropped 25 points for Los Angeles in its 94-84 loss to Charlotte on Tuesday night.
Charlotte cashed as 5-point home underdogs as the game played under the 192-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Richard Jefferson dropped 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Bucks slammed the Nets 107-78 on Monday night.
Milwaukee cashed as 5.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 197.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 58-16 SU, 37-36-1 ATS
Milwaukee: 32-43 SU, 37-36-2 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Charlotte are 5-4
After a loss are 7-3
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 1-9
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Lakers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
LA Lakers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games
Milwaukee is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Houston, Friday, April 3
Milwaukee at Philadelphia, Thursday, April 2
Washington Wizards vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Wizards lost to Indiana 124-115 as a 9-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (207.5).
Caron Butler led Washington with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Antawn Jamison deposited 29 points.
O.J. Mayo went for 24 points and 10 assists to lead the Grizzlies past the Warriors 114-109 on Monday night.
Memphis cashed as 5-point road underdogs as the teams played over the 218.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 17-58 SU, 28-44-3 ATS
Memphis: 19-54 SU, 32-40-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Indiana are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Golden State are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Next up:
Washington home to Cleveland, Thursday, April 2
Memphis home to Dallas, Friday, April 3
Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks
Dwight Howard went for 22 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Magic past the Heat 101-95 on Monday night.
Orlando covered as 3-point road favorites as the game played over the 193-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and 12 rebounds, as the Mavericks drilled the Timberwolves 108-88 on Tuesday night.
Dallas cashed as 8-point road favorites as the game played under the 200-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Miami: 39-35 SU, 35-38-1 ATS
Dallas: 44-30 SU, 36-38 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Memphis are 9-1
After playing Minnesota are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Dallas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games at home
Next up:
Miami at Charlotte, Friday, April 3
Dallas at Memphis, Friday, April 3
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
Yao Ming netted 21 points with 15 rebounds to lead the Rockets to a 110-93 victory over the Clippers on Saturday. The Rockets covered the 15-point spread, and the combined 203 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Aaron Brooks also had 21 points for the Rockets, and Shane Battier added 15 in the win.
The Suns lost to Sacramento 126-118 as a 6-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (236.5).
Steve Nash led Phoenix with 31 points and 14 assists and Shaquille O'Neal had 24 points.
Current streak:
Phoenix has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 48-26 SU, 36-37-1 ATS
Phoenix: 40-34 SU, 31-42-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 8-2
After playing LA Clippers are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 7-3
After playing Sacramento are 8-2
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston at LA Lakers, Friday, April 3
Phoenix home to Sacramento, Friday, April 3
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors
Andres Nocioni finished with 23 points and six rebounds for Sacramento in its 111-110 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday night.
New Orleans failed to cover as 7-point road favorites as the game played over the 203-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Monta Ellis netted 29 points for Golden State in its 114-109 loss to Memphis on Monday night.
Memphis cashed as 5-point road underdogs as the teams played over the 218.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Golden State has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Sacramento: 16-57 SU, 35-38 ATS
Golden State: 25-49 SU, 35-38-1 ATS
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing New Orleans are 3-7
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Sacramento's last 25 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Next up:
Sacramento at Phoenix, Friday, April 3
Golden State home to New Orleans, Friday, April 3
New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
David West had 40 points, nine rebounds, and six assists to lift the Hornets past the Kings 111-110 on Tuesday night.
New Orleans failed to cover as 7-point road favorites as the game played over the 203-point total listed by oddsmakers.
The Clippers fell 110-93 to the Rockets last time out, as 15-point road underdogs. The 203 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Eric Gordon had 17 points for the Clippers, and Zach Randolph had 12 points with eight boards in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Orleans has won 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 46-27 SU, 31-40-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 18-56 SU, 29-45 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Sacramento are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 1-9
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans at Golden State, Friday, April 3
LA Clippers at Denver, Saturday, April 4
TORONTO (28 - 45) at ORLANDO (55 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 28-42 ATS (-18.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games this season.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
TORONTO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ORLANDO is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-7 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-7 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE (33 - 40) at BOSTON (56 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 106-76 ATS (+22.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 82-65 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-38 ATS (+10.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-32 ATS (+17.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 29-19 ATS (+8.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 8-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (36 - 37) at NEW JERSEY (30 - 44)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 31-42 ATS (-15.2 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 76-56 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 69-83 ATS (-22.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-1 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (58 - 15) at MILWAUKEE (32 - 43)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 94-79 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 52-33 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
LA LAKERS are 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 32-13 ATS (+17.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-47 ATS (-24.7 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 146-187 ATS (-59.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 73-101 ATS (-38.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-0 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (17 - 58) at MEMPHIS (19 - 54)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 28-44 ATS (-20.4 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-34 ATS (-13.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 32-40 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 31-45 ATS (-18.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 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
MEMPHIS is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI (39 - 35) at DALLAS (43 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 67-87 ATS (-28.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 58-86 ATS (-36.6 Units) in April games since 1996.
MIAMI is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (48 - 26) at PHOENIX (40 - 34)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 283-231 ATS (+28.9 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 83-58 ATS (+19.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 31-42 ATS (-15.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-5 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (16 - 56) at GOLDEN STATE (25 - 49)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (45 - 27) at LA CLIPPERS (18 - 56)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 8-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 8-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO vs. ORLANDO
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
CHARLOTTE vs. BOSTON
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Charlotte is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
DETROIT vs. NEW JERSEY
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
LA LAKERS vs. MILWAUKEE
LA Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Lakers are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
WASHINGTON vs. MEMPHIS
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
HOUSTON vs. PHOENIX
Houston is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
NEW ORLEANS vs. LA CLIPPERS
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
SACRAMENTO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Sacramento is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Sacramento is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Golden State is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its last six games, covered seven of last ten. Toronto won and covered its last four games.
-- Celtics won six of their last seven games. Bobcats won three in a row, six of last eight games.
-- Mavericks won nine of their last ten home games.
-- Rockets won five of their last six games.
-- Hornets won five of their last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Pistons lost seven of their last ten games. New Jersey lost five in row and 11 of last 14 games.
-- Lakers lost last two games, after winning their previous five. Bucks lost five of their last six games.
-- Grizzlies lost six of their last eight games. Wizards lost seven of eight.
-- Miami lost last three games by 2-19-6 points.
-- Suns lost last three games, by 20-5-8 points.
-- Warriors lost their last five games (1-4 vs spread). Kings lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Clippers lost five of their last six games.
Totals
-- Six of last eight Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Detroit ganes went over the total; six of last seven New Jersey games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Laker games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Houston games stayed under the total.
-- 10 of last 12 Golden State games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Clipper ganes went over the total; seven of last ten New Orleans games stayed under.
Back-to Back
-- Hornets are 6-3 vs spread last nine times they played night before.
-- Detroit is 1-3 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Lakers are 5-1 vs spread on road if they played on road night before.
-- Kings covered two of last eight if they played the night before.
-- Dallas is 2-3 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Wizards covered four in row if they play again the next night.
-- Hornets are 2-6 on road if they played the night before.
TORONTO at ORLANDO
TORONTO: 9-18 ATS as a road underdog
ORLANDO: 11-2 ATS after 2+ consecutive overs
CHARLOTTE at BOSTON
CHARLOTTE: 9-1 ATS after allowing 85 points or less
BOSTON: 10-3 OVER when playing with 2 days rest
DETROIT at NEW JERSEY
DETROIT: 2-11 ATS after a division game
NEW JERSEY: 15-7 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6
LA LAKERS at MILWAUKEE
LA LAKERS: 8-1 ATS when playing their 2nd road game in 2 days
MILWAUKEE: 4-13 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6
WASHINGTON at MEMPHIS
WASHINGTON: 16-5 ATS when playing with 2 days rest
MEMPHIS: 1-8 ATS at home after playing 2 consecutive road games
MIAMI at DALLAS
MIAMI: 28-14 ATS off a home loss
DALLAS: 11-22 ATS off a road win
HOUSTON at PHOENIX
HOUSTON: 18-8 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less
PHOENIX: 8-19 ATS when playing 6 or more games in 10 days
SACRAMENTO at GOLDEN STATE
SACRAMENTO: 9-2 ATS vs. division opponents
GOLDEN STATE: 26-10 OVER at home
NEW ORLEANS at LA CLIPPERS
NEW ORLEANS: 2-9 ATS after a game committing 8 or less turnovers
LA CLIPPERS: 25-44 ATS as a home underdog
Tips and Trends
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks
Heat: Miami has not beaten a team with a winning record on the road in almost four months, dropping six of seven and 11 of 14 away from home. The Heat's last road win came at Utah last December 3rd, although Dallas is just 6-9 at home in its last 15 games against teams with a winning record. They will have to deal with Josh Howard, who returned in the Mavs' 108-88 rout of Minnesota on Tuesday, totaling 14 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes. Howard had missed the previous 12 games with an ankle injury. “He’s been through this a couple times now, so he’s familiar with it and we’re familiar with it,” Carlisle said. “He’s one of our best slashers and best drivers of the ball and one of our best runners.”
Heat are 4-11-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
The OVER is 10-3 in Miami's last 13 games vs. Western Conference.
Key Injuries - G Luther Head (hand) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
Mavs (-5.5, O/U 196.5): Dallas has won the last nine regular-season meetings with Miami, although that hardly takes away the pain from losing to the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals. Dirk Nowitzki has averaged 26.4 points per game during that stretch, and the Mavs shot a season-high 60.3 percent in the last meeting back on January 31st, resulting in a 111-95 victory. “They wouldn’t miss,” Wade said. “Our best game would have had trouble winning tonight.
Mavs are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The OVER is 7-1 in Dallas' last 8 home games.
Key Injuries - G Devean George (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 103
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns
Rockets: Houston is battling for playoff positioning after clinching a playoff berth and can finish anywhere between second and eighth in the Western Conference. The Rockets play five of their last eight games against potential playoff teams following a 110-93 rout of the Clippers on Saturday. “That will be a very good test for us,” Houston center Yao Ming said after the team's latest win. “How tough can we be in the playoffs? Obviously, a playoff team is much tougher than tonight.”
Rockets are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Houston's last 11 games overall.
Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (calf) is questionable.
F Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 113 (Side Play of the Day)
Suns (-1, O/U 224): Phoenix had won a season-high six straight before losing three in a row on the road and hopes home court will help again in the team's quest to make the playoffs. The Suns are coming off a disappointing 126-118 loss at Sacramento on Sunday and need to recover here if they have any hopes of making it to the postseason. “There’s some emotional hangover (from an overtime loss in Utah) and we’re tired, but we’ve still got to dig down and find a way to get it done,” Phoenix point guard Steve Nash said. “No disrespect for that young team, but we weren’t playing the Lakers or the Celtics. We laid an egg, it was very frustrating.”
Suns are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. Southwest Division.
The OVER is 9-4 in Phoenix's last 13 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - G Leandro Barbosa (knee) is probable.
C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 111
Wednesday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Toronto vs. Orlando
Orlando beat this team by 23 last time, Toronto has revenge, Orlando comes off a big win the Celtics at home and covered against the Heat on the road while Raps have won 4 straight and are playing better. Lean on the Raps.
Charlotte vs. Boston
Boston has revenge from losing to this team in OT earlier this year, Bobs have beat the Lakers 3 times in a row as they come off another win over L.A., Bobs have won 3 in a row and 6 of 8 while Boston has covered 5 of 6. Bobcats wanting to get into the playoffs, playing better, but C's with revenge. no thanks. Garnett is OUT for this game .
Detroit vs. New Jersey
Detriot is playing better covering against Cleveland, NJ comes off one of its performances in franchise history, I expect them to play better here, NJ has revenge as well, NJ has played in 6 of 7 Unders, a lean on NJ and the Under here, but I just don't trust NJ. They play hard half of every game (maybe due to lack of depth and tired legs late).
Lakers vs. Milwaukee
Lakers have lost 2 in a row, Milwaukee comes off a huge win at NJ as they came out of a 5 game losing streak, Lakers beat this team by 13 at home earlier, Bucks have covered 5 in a row in this series, I know the Lake show will be the public play, but Lakers coming off back to back losses I think is always at a decent value (not like this team didn't cover against the Bulls and Thunder on the road as huge public chalk/lay as well).
Miami vs. Dallas
Dallas beat this team by 15 on the road earlier this year, big revenge angle for Miami despite Dallas being at home, Miami coming off loss as well while Dallas comes off a big win. Lean on the Heat.
Houston vs. Phoenix
Houston beat this team by 4 at home earlier this year, Rockets come off a nice win over the Clips, Phoenix comes off back to back road losses, lean on the Suns here at home + revenge, but I just don't trust them. Houston has beat this team the last 3 times they have played. Line is short as Barbosa is Doubtful .
Sacramento vs. GS
Sac beat this team on the road in OT last time around and beat them at home. Sac comes off a 1 point loss to the Hornets at home, State is a bit banged up with Jackson, Belinelli, Beidrins and Wright all OUT. Maggette is Questionable (complete waste of money imo, you can put him and Arenas in the same useless class).