NBA News and Notes Wednesday 4/7

Game of the day: Spurs at Suns
By Sean Murphy

History lesson

This will be the third and final regular season meeting between the Spurs and Suns.

The home team has won both previous matchups, but the Suns have gone a perfect 2-0 ATS, most recently dropping a 113-110 decision as 4-point underdogs in San Antonio on the final day of February.

They’ve met five times since their 2008 first-round playoff series, which the Spurs won in five games. San Antonio has gone 3-2 ATS in the teams’ last five regular season meetings with the over cashing at a 3-2 clip.

Streaking Spurs

San Antonio has caught fire down the stretch, winning 16 of its last 21 games overall entering Tuesday’s action.

Pointspread success has gone hand-in-hand with the Spurs’ high level of play. They’ve posted a 15-4 ATS record over their last 19 contests.

Manu Ginobili is encouraged by his team’s recent strong play, and he’s the biggest contributing factor. Ginobili has scored over 20 points in eight of his last nine games.

“Two months ago, it wasn’t even in our wildest dreams to come here and win a game by 18 against the Lakers,” Ginobili said after the Spurs knocked off the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday. “But we’re doing better now and we’re playing hard. Our defense has really stepped up, and the difference was that we made the shots we had to make.”

Suns rising

The Suns are in a four-way tie behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings, but they won’t be able to move any higher than fourth place because the Lakers already have the Pacific division wrapped up.

That’s important because the winner of the No. 4 and No. 5 first-round matchup will likely play Kobe and Company in the second round.

The Suns just completed a five-game road trip that saw them win the first four contests before dropping a lopsided decision in Milwaukee on Saturday. The loss didn’t come as much of a surprise for Steve Nash.

“This is the worst team to play on the last game of a long trip,” Nash said. “They needed this win and we’ve been on a long road. It’s a tough team to face at this juncture of a trip.”

That marked the end of the Suns’ 10-game winning streak, but they remain an impressive 24-6 straight up dating back to Jan. 28.

Point of attack

Both teams are dealing with key injuries right now.

The Spurs were already thin at the point with Tony Parker sidelined, but now they’re going to have to go without George Hill. There’s talk that Hill could even miss the rest of the season after spraining his ankle in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Hill had emerged as a consistent scorer off the bench and was a steady force in the starting lineup while Parker was out. Hill had reached double figures in scoring in 20 of his last 22 games before leaving Sunday’s game.

Ginobili slid over to point in the second half against the Lakers with Keith Bogans occupying the other guard spot. Roger Mason Jr. is the first option off the bench at the point but he’s playing with a torn ligament in his right hand.

“You're not going to hear me say it's affecting my ball handling,” Mason s told the San Antonio Express-News. “But I have a torn ligament, you know?”

Fortunately for the Spurs, Parker returned to action against the Kings on Tuesday but he will have to be eased back into playing shape after missing 16 consecutive games.

The Suns continue to play without starting center Robin Lopez. He’ll be re-evaluated later in the week, but may not be able to return until the playoffs.

Lopez was having a fine sophomore campaign, averaging 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Key trends

The Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games played away from home.

The under is 12-4-1 in the Spurs’ last 17 games played on no rest, as is the case here.

The Suns are 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 games against the West, but just 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 played on three or more days’ rest.

The over is a perfect 7-0 the last seven times the Suns have returned home from a road trip lasting at least a week.

Denver (50-27, 32-39-6 ATS) at Oklahoma City (48-29, 46-31 ATS)

The Thunder try to rebound from last night’s heartbreaking loss in Utah when they take on the rival Nuggets in a key Northwest Division battle at the Ford Center.

Denver has posted a pair of home victories in its last two starts (1-1 ATS), following a 1-5 SU and 0-5-1 ATS nosedive, in which the last five of those games were on the highway. On Saturday, the Nuggets rallied from a halftime hole to drop the Clippers 98-90, but fell short as a hefty 13½-point home favorite. Carmelo Anthony and Co. have lost five of their last six on the road (0-5-1 ATS) to drop three games under .500 as a visitor at 18-21 (14-20-5 ATS), averaging 103.1 ppg and giving up just a shade more (103.5).

Kevin Durant poured in 45 points and point guard Russell Westbrook added 27 Tuesday night in Utah, but it wasn’t enough as Oklahoma City suffered a 140-139 overtime loss when the Jazz hit the game-winner at the buzzer. The loss snapped the Thunder’s four-game winning streak, but they did cash as a six-point underdog and they’re still 6-2 SU and ATS in their last eight games. Oklahoma City has followed up a 10-1 SU run at home (including a six-game winning streak) by going just 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five at the Ford Center.

The Nuggets are a half-game behind the Jazz in the Northwest Division standings, with Oklahoma City sitting 2½ games back in third place. Only 3½ games separate the second- and eighth-place teams in the Western Conference.

Denver is 6-1 SU in the last seven meetings in this rivalry, but Oklahoma City had cashed in seven in a row before going to Colorado on March 3 and getting crushed 119-90 as a seven-point road underdog. Still, the Nuggets have failed to cash in their last four trips to the Ford Center, and the underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last eight matchups.

The Thunder, who have the league’s third-best spread-covering record, are on ATS upticks of 6-2 overall, 8-3 in the Western Conference and 11-3 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, but they are 1-5 ATS in their last six starts when playing on consecutive nights. The Nuggets are on ATS runs of 8-3-3 against foes with a win percentage above .600 and 12-3-1 after three or more days off, though they carry negative pointspread streaks of 1-9-1 overall, 0-5-1 on the road and 1-4-1 against winning teams.

Oklahoma City is on “over” rolls of 5-0 overall, 9-2 against winning teams and 23-9-1 when going on no rest, and the over for Denver is on streaks of 5-1 after a break of three days or more and 4-1 in division play. However, the under is 8-2 in the Nuggets’ last 10 overall and 4-1 in their last five on the road.

Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in 19 of the last 26 meetings overall and six of the last seven in Oklahoma City.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA CITY and OVER

Memphis (39-38, 38-37-2 ATS) at Dallas (50-27, 32-44-1 ATS)

The Mavericks, battling with a host of teams for second place in the Western Conference, take on the freefalling Grizzlies at American Airlines Center.

Memphis is coming off Tuesday’s 113-103 home loss to Houston, falling outright as a 4½-point favorite. The Grizzlies, who have officially been eliminated from postseason contention, are in a 1-5 SU and ATS funk. They’ve also lost four straight and five of their last six on the road (all SU and ATS). The SU winner has covered the spread in each of Memphis’ nine games overall and each of its last 16 on the highway.

Dallas has followed a 4-1 SU and ATS surge by losing its last two games SU and ATS, both on its home court. Last Thursday, the Mavs got belted 97-82 by Orlando as a 2½-point underdog, and on Saturday, they lost to Oklahoma City 121-116 as a three-point favorite. Dallas is 26-13 at home despite outscoring visitors by just 1.5 ppg (101.8-100.3), but Rick Carlisle’s club has been a pointspread disaster at American Airlines Center, going 9-29-1 ATS overall, including 5-26-1 ATS in the last 32.

The Mavericks lead the Southwest Division by two games over San Antonio, and they’re tied with Denver and Phoenix for the third spot in the Western Conference standings.

These teams met just a week ago, with Dallas rallying from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to nab a 106-102 overtime victory as a two-point road chalk, snapping a 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS run by Memphis in this rivalry. The home team is still 5-2 ATS in the last seven contests, and the underdog has cashed in four of the last five meetings.

The Grizzlies are on ATS slides of 1-5 overall, 0-5 against winning teams, 1-4 on the road, 0-5 as an underdog and 2-7 in division games. Meanwhile, In addition to going just 5-26-1 ATS in its last 31 home games, Dallas is on further pointspread dips of 12-30-1 as a favorite, 5-25-1 as a home chalk, 6-19-1 when laying five to 10½ points at home, 2-6-1 in Southwest Division play and 5-15-1 after three or more days off.

The under is on surges of 9-4 for Memphis against winning teams, 5-2 overall for Dallas, 4-1 for Dallas at home and 5-2 with the Mavs returning from a break of three or more days. Also, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in 10 of the last 14 overall and six of eight in Dallas.

Conversely, the over is on stretches of 20-9 for the Grizzlies as a road underdog, 16-7 for the Grizzlies against teams with a winning home record, 4-1 for the Grizzlies on Wednesday, 4-0 for the Mavs in divisional games, 10-3 for the Mavs as a favorite of 5 to 10½ points and 4-1 for the Mavs on Wednesday.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

San Antonio (48-29, 42-34-1 ATS) at Phoenix (50-27, 44-32-1 ATS)

The red-hot Suns go after their 19th win in their last 23 games when they play host to the surging Spurs at the U.S. Airways Center.

San Antonio took a three-game SU and ATS winning streak streak to Sacramento on Tuesday and knocked off the Kings 95-86, barely covering as a 7½-point favorite. The Spurs have also won and covered six of their last seven games and they’re 16-5 SU in their last 21 games and 16-4 ATS in their last 20. During this stretch, Gregg Popovich’s squad is 8-4 SU and 9-3 ATS on the highway. That said, San Antonio remains just 20-18 SU and 19-19 ATS on the highway.

Phoenix had its 10-game winning streak snapped Saturday night in a 107-98 loss at Milwaukee as a two-point pup in the finale of a five-game road trip. That marked only the second time in the past 11 games that the Suns were held below 109 points, as they reached that mark nine times during their winning streak, including four efforts of 120 or more. Phoenix has won five in a row (4-0-1 ATS) at U.S. Airways Center, where the team is 29-9 (22-15-1 ATS), outscoring foes by more than nine ppg (112.3-103.2).

The Suns are tied with Dallas and Denver for the third spot in the Western Conference, a half-game behind Utah. San Antonio is now tied with Oklahoma City for seventh place, one game ahead of Portland.

Phoenix has cashed in the last two meetings in this rivalry (1-1 SU), after a three-game SU and ATS stretch by San Antonio. In the most recent clash, the Spurs won 113-110 at home, but the Suns narrowly covered as a four-point ‘dog. In fact, the underdog is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

The Spurs are on several ATS upswings, including 6-1 overall, 9-3 on the road, 5-0 against winning teams, 10-1 in the Western Conference, 4-0 as an underdog, 7-2 as a road pup and 12-5-1 against the Pacific Division. The Suns are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five against winning teams and 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 after a break of three days or more, but the ATS streaks turn upward from there, including 21-8-1 overall, 4-0-1 at home (all as a favorite), 8-1-1 when laying five to 10½ points, 6-1 against Southwest Division foes and 15-6-1 versus the Western Conference.

Phoenix is on “under” strings of 4-1 after three or more days off and 6-2 against teams with a win percentage above .600, and the under is 4-0-1 in San Antonio’s last five on the road, 9-2-1 in its last 12 as a road underdog and 12-4-1 in its last 17 when playing on back-to-back nights. The over, though, is on a 7-0 run at home for the Suns following a road trip of seven or more days and is 8-3 in Phoenix’s last 11 against the Southwest Division.

Also, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in four of the last six overall (3-1 last four), with the last two meetings topping the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX

NBA RoundUp For 4/7
By Dan Bebe

Celtics @ Raptors - Boston by 1 with a total of 208. Toronto needs this one like you wouldn't even believe. I know the table was set for a clunker in Cleveland yesterday, as all the potentially resting starters threw the Raptors for a loop, but I honestly believe that with both teams on back-to-back, and Boston playing on the road, in Canada, with very little to prove, you've got to think Toronto finally wins an important one. If not now, when? However, the elbow to Chris Bosh's face last night puts a wrinkle into things. If Bosh plays, I like Toronto, if not, the air might come out of the balloon completely. On the total, this looks awfully high, but with both teams tired, we might see some fast-breaking. I think this total is accurate, and I'd advise a pass.

Knicks @ Pacers - Indiana by 8 with a total of 218. Knicks are coming off a sweet home upset of the Boston Celtics, but something tells me they get their comeuppance in this one. The Pacers are straight dominating teams at home, including a 30+ point win over the Rockets on Sunday. Bottom line, Indiana is dangerous, especially against a team that's not playing any defense. New York is just 6-10 ATS on back-to-backs, and they chuck a ton of threes, so to be playing without rest, and coming off a tough home win over the Celts is very difficult. I have no choice, I'm afraid, despite the fact that the value isn't all that great, but to lean to Indy. This total is inflated, but it might very well get there. I know the Pacers have been playing better defense, lately, and I wonder if this one doesn't sneak just Under the total, and we're talking about just barely.

Sixers @ Heat - This line is OFF. The Sixers got stomped last night, at home, by the Pistons. If you want to see a team that has all but given up on the season, Philly appears to be right there. Miami has locked down on defense in both games this year against the Sixers, though the obvious concern here is that the line is going to be quite large, with Philly on back-to-back, and Miami rested. The Heat are a nice bet, as they've won 8 in a row, and crush teams with defense, allowing them to win by double digits pretty often. This line is probably going to be too big to bet, but I have to lean Heat at this stage of the season, especially since they can lock up the 5th spot with a few more wins. Lean to Miami, and lean to the Under; Miami is imposing its will on teams, and Philly is going to have a whale of a time hitting jumpers when completely exhausted.

Hawks @ Pistons - This line is OFF. I'm actually a little confused as to what to expect here. I feel like the Hawks got caught by surprise by a strong, tenacious Bobcats team that seemed to want the win more than Atlanta expected. Also, the injuries to the Hawks regulars (Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby) clearly took a toll as the youngster Teagues was ill-prepared for the Bobcats' level of intensity. That won't be the case again, here. I know it's a public play, but I actually happen to think the Hawks, who just barely snuck by the Pistons at home, will come out and just stomp Detroit right from the outset. Detroit has no gas on back-to-back games, and Atlanta's strength and size is going to be awfully tough for the Pistons to deal with, not to mention Detroit shot 63% last night in Philadelphia. Lean to the Hawks, and with both teams playing ultra high-scoring games last night, this total is going to come out inflated. Lean to the Under.

Nets @ Bucks - Milwaukee by 8 with a total of 190. Milwaukee played way above themselves in a huge road win over Chicago last night, and now they come home and are only laying 8 points to the Nets, courtesy of the back-to-back 2-point shift and the fact that they're playing without Andrew Bogut, and believe it or not, I happen to think they get the job done. Milwaukee has absolutely crushed New Jersey this season, and we saw the kind of effort they gave in Washington. The Nets are playing with a little purpose at home, but they don't look all that concerned with competing on the road. On top of that, Milwaukee has disposed of the Nets like the refuse they are in every meeting this year. One team just knows how to stop the other, lean to the Bucks. The total of 190 will likely come down as a result of Milwaukee's low-scoring game with Chicago, and unfortunately, that takes the value out of it. I liked the Under in the past tense, but once this thing drops, which it very likely will, we might be out of luck on the value side of things.

Wizards @ Magic - Orlando by 14.5 with a total of 194. Washington is coming off a nice home win over Golden State, and has actually played well in a few in a row. This is just too many points no matter what teams are playing. It's Washington or nothing, but there's easily a 50/50 shot that Orlando blows Washington right out of the water. I'd pass on this side. The total of 194 is probably pretty accurate, though I get the feeling on back-to-back, the Wizards might struggle to break 85. With that in mind, I'd have to err towards the Under, though the Magic could easily half-ass this one, and let Washington have some easy buckets early.

Warriors @ Timberwolves - This line is OFF. This game intrigues me, and I'd love to see a line. The Warriors got thumped in Washington last night, as they just didn't shoot the ball well, and seemed to be in a strange daze. I'm a little nervous for such a short-handed team playing on the back-to-back in Minnesota. We know the Warriors want this game quite a bit, since they play the Clippers next, and wins against Minnesota and LA would give Don Nelson the record for most wins for a Coach. Still, Minnesota has been playing a little bit better, covering 4 of 5 games, and I fear they might actually play to win this one at home. Still, I can't fight against the motivational angle, and I think the Warriors lay it on the line to tie the record. Lean to Golden State. This total could be outrageously high. I wouldn't touch it.

Nuggets @ Thunder - Oklahoma by 3 with a total of 211. This line is going to come down, courtesy of the Thunder's overtime loss (and non-call) against the Utah Jazz. Going into this game, I loved Oklahoma, but with overtime as an issue, this is probably a game I'd avoid. It's tough to know if Oklahoma City is going to truly bring it, try to outscore the Nuggets, or really, how they're going to play this one. We know Denver's not that great on the road, but they have won 2 in a row, and considering the home team has had a huge edge in this series, this seems like a great spot to take a pass. Still, it's tough to imagine the Thunder having the energy to compete with even a middling road team like Denver, so I have to switch my lean over to the Nuggets. I know, blasphemy. On the total, look for this number to jump due to the crazy score in Oklahoma's game with Utah last night. I wouldn't touch this total with someone else's money.

Bobcats @ Hornets - This line is OFF. This is a confusing one. The Bobcats are coming off a solid home win over the Hawks, but we know how poorly they've played on the road this year. We also know how solid the Bobcats have been in fatigue spots, so we have two contradicting situational angles, here. The Hornets appear to be about done with this season, making sure no one gets hurt and just sort of playing out the string. It's been pretty ugly the last 3 games, too. With apologies to Hornets fans, I just can't back this team right now, and we should get a decent number with the Bobcats having played last night. Lean to Charlotte to try to sneak into a 6th or 5th seed in the East. I happen to think Charlotte plays a lower-scoring game on the road, here, and I don't know that New Orleans will contribute many points to the cause. I'd probably avoid the total, since Charlotte is scoring more lately, but I do lean Under if we must make a selection.

Grizzlies @ Mavericks - Dallas by 8 with a total of 204. I don't like this side one bit. The Grizzlies are coming off losing to the Rockets again last night, now on the road on back-to-back with nothing left to play for. We might very well see Memphis roll over and play dead. We might also see them give max effort for just one more night. It's a tough call. For Dallas, this game actually means something as they fight for 2nd place in the West. Utah won last night, and Denver is playing in Oklahoma, so Dallas has a nice shot to put a little separation between itself and at least one other team fighting for 2nd. Maybe not, maybe they just keep pace, or maybe they lose. Memphis has played Dallas tough in all 3 meetings this year, but something about this one feels different. I lean Dallas, yes, even though they're at home. I also lean Over, as I can't see Memphis playing the same intensity of defense as they did in the last meeting, and Dallas will knock down some shots.

Jazz @ Rockets - Utah by 5 with a total of 214. This line will be dropping a point or two, thanks to overtime, so middle away, if you so desire. Houston got another win over the Grizzlies to finish a road trip, but we've seen how pathetic they've been on back-to-back situations this year, now 5-15 ATS. The Jazz should be pretty fatigued, as well, but they get layups while Houston shoots threes, and we all know what's tougher to make when your legs are tired. The Jazz are 12-4-1 ATS on back-to-back games, a good indicator that they get guys open no matter how tired they are, and they make those easy buckets. I wish I could say different, but once again, I lean to the team playing for something, and that's the Jazz, especially once this line drops a little. That total is going to be quite inflated from both teams' games last night, and I happen to think we see fewer points than most expect, and I lean to the Under.

Spurs @ Suns - Phoenix by 5.5 with a total of 212. Tough spot for the Spurs, as they did have to play at almost full speed to get by the Kings. Yeah, they ended up winning by a healthy margin and covering the spread, but San Antonio had to work for every bucket, and the flight from Sacramento to Phoenix isn't all that quick. This should be a tired Spurs team. The issue, of course, is that the Suns are playing their first game home off a 4-1 Midwest road trip. They had 3 days off to practice and gameplan, so that might counteract the effects of the first game home, but do be careful here. I can't see the Spurs keeping up all night, so I do lean Suns, but line movement is going to be key here. The total of 212 is pretty accurate, though without a point guard, I'm not sure the Spurs can break 105, so the Suns are going to have to get over 110 to clear that number. I'm not a fan of the total, but I lean just a tiny bit to the Over.

Trailblazers @ Clippers - This line is OFF. With the playoff chase so hot in the West, this might be one of those rare games where I don't really see a problem with backing road chalk. The only recent losses for Portland have come in Phoenix and in Denver (twice) - inspired competition and/or altitude sickness playing a large role. However, Portland just continues to clobber weak opponents, home and road, and they've been dispatching of these teams handily. I happen to think this line is going to come out too high to consider either side, really, but there's just no way the Clippers are a good play at this time of year, regardless of line. Tiniest possible lean to Portland. The Clippers also can't seem to score against a team playing anything resembling defense, which makes me think the Under is a distinct possibility, but we need to see where this line comes out, since Portland could score 105 themselves.

Trend Report - Wednesday
By Ed Meyer

Nets at Bucks – The Nets are 0-8 ATS (-9.9 ppg) since February 20, 2009 with at least one day of rest after a road loss in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted. The Nets are 0-7 ATS (-11.3 ppg) since November 29, 2009 after a double digit loss in which they had more turnovers than assists. The. The Bucks are 9-0 ATS (14.2 ppg) since January 23, 2010 when facing a team they beat in their previous same-season match-up and they have a revenge game next.

Trailblazers at Clippers – The Clippers are 0-10 ATS (-10.1 ppg) since January 29, 2003 with at least one day of rest off a loss as a favorite in which they led by 10+ points. The Clippers are 0-8 ATS (-14.1 ppg) since February 06, 2010 at home when facing a team they lost to on the road in their previous same-season match-up.

Sixers at Heat – The Heat are 0-9 ATS (-8.7 ppg) since May 23, 2005 at home when they won their last two games and both were on the road. The Heat are 0-7 ATS (-7.5 ppg) since January 30, 2009 when they have won and covered their last three games.

Bobcats at Hornets – The Bobcats are 0-5 ATS (-9.8 ppg) since January 05, 2010 when seeking revenge for a loss in which they led at the half. The Hornets are 0-7 ATS (-11.8 ppg) since November 10, 1995 with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they had at least 10 shots blocked.

Wizards at Magic – The Wizards are 0-10 ATS (-6.0 ppg) since January 02, 2009 when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which they were out-rebounded by double-digits.

Grizzlies at Mavericks – The Mavericks are 6-0-1 ATS (5.4 ppg) since February 03, 2004 with two or more days of rest after a game in which they had at least five more turnovers than their season-to-date average. The Mavericks are 0-8 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since November 24, 2009 at home with at least one day of rest after a game in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

Knicks at Pacers – The Knicks are 0-5 ATS (-16.0 ppg) since April 02, 2004 as a road dog after a home win in which they allowed at least 50% from the field. The Pacers are 8-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) since January 22, 2010 when they allowed one-hundred-plus points for two straight games.

Hawks at Pistons – The League is 0-8 ATS (-13.9 ppg) since March 17, 2008 as a road favorite with no rest after a game on the road after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent. The Pistons are 9-0 ATS (9.3 ppg) since January 25, 2008 at home after playing the Seventysixers.

Celtics at Raptors – The Celtics are 0-11 ATS (-8.5 ppg) since December 08, 2009 after a game on the road in which they shot at least 50% from the field. The Celtics are 6-0 ATS (5.8 ppg) since January 26, 2007 on the road versus the Raptors. The Raptors are 0-9 ATS (-8.4 ppg) since April 17, 2001 at home after a game on the road in which they were whistled for fewer than 15 personal fouls.

Jazz at Rockets – The Jazz are 10-0 ATS (12.8 ppg) since December 15, 2000 as a favorite with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which their DPA was at least plus 15 points. The Rockets are 0-8 ATS (-10.1 ppg) since November 25, 2009 when facing a team they lost to as a road dog in their previous same-season match-up.

Spurs at Suns – The Spurs are 9-0 ATS (10.3 ppg) since March 08, 2001 as a road dog when they won their last two games and both were on the road. The Suns are 5-0 ATS (13.1 ppg) since December 28, 2009 as a favorite with at least one day of rest after a game in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

Nuggets at Thunder – The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since February 18, 2009 on the road with 3+ days rest. The Thunder are 8-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since February 28, 2009 after a loss on the road in which Jeff Green played more than 40 minutes.

Warriors at Timberwolves – The Warriors are 8-0 ATS (13.1 ppg) since February 08, 2009 after a game on the road in which they had at least ten fewer assists than in the game before. The Warriors are 0-8 ATS (-10.1 ppg) since January 15, 2008 and when facing a team they beat in their first two match-ups of the season.

Tips and Trends

Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets

Jazz (-5.5, O/U 214): Utah has had an amazing 2nd half of the season, as they have surged up the Western Conference playoff standings. The Jazz have won 7 of their past 9 games SU, and currently stand at 51-27 SU this season. Utah is currently alone in 2nd place in the Western Conference, a half game ahead of 3 other teams. The Jazz have been sensational in the 2nd half of the regular season, going 20-10 ATS. The Jazz are 19-19 SU and 21-16-1 ATS in road contests this season. The Jazz have excelled in the small road favorite role, going 6-2 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 PTS this season. The Jazz have been an offensive powerhouse of late, scoring 100 PTS or more in 18 of their past 20 games. Utah is averaging more than 104 PPG as a team, the 4th highest average in the NBA. Utah is led by the dominating duo of PG Deron Williams and F Carlos Boozer. Williams averages 18.4 PPG and a team high 10.6 APG which is the 2nd most APG in the entire NBA. Boozer leads the Jazz with 19.6 PPG and 11.3 RPG this season. Both players are having All-NBA caliber seasons.

Jazz are 12-3-1 ATS last 16 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 4-1 last 5 road games.

Key Injuries - F Andrei Kirilenko (calf) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 113 (OVER - Total of the Day)

Rockets: Houston is still fighting hard to finish the season with a winning record. In a season that started with low expectations, finishing the season with a winning record would be an achievement for this Rockets squad. With a completely new lineup, the Rockets are still learning to play together. The Rockets are back home after completing a 4 game road trip that saw them go 2-2 both SU and ATS. Houston beat the Grizzlies last night in convincing fashion to complete the season sweep of Memphis. Houston has really struggled of late defensively, allowing each of their past 5 opponents to score at least 103 PTS. Houston is 39-38 SU and 34-43 ATS overall this season. The Rockets are 21-17 SU and 16-22 ATS in home games this season. The Rockets are 18-20 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Houston is also 1-2 ATS as a home underdog between 3.5 and 6 PTS this year. The Rockets are a paltry 12-18 ATS in the 2nd half of the season. Guards Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks are carrying this squad, as they combine for more than 40 PPG since becoming teammates. Houston will have revenge on their minds, as they lost to the Jazz by 23 PTS in their last meeting.

Rockets are 5-17 ATS last 22 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 4-0 last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Key Injuries - F Shane Battier (knee) is out.
C David Andersen (back) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 109

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns

Spurs: The old veteran group known as San Antonio is quietly flying under the radar as the playoffs draw near. The Spurs have won 6 out of their last 7 games SU, and are only 2 wins away from yet another 50 win season. The Spurs are 48-29 SU and 42-34-1 ATS overall this season. The Spurs are 9-8 ATS as the listed underdog this season, and they are facing one of their highest underdog spreads of the season tonight. The Spurs have done well against the Pacific Division this year, going 11-5 ATS. San Antonio just got back PG Tony Parker from injury, yet lost their all world fill in PG George Hill. The Spurs are led by the trio of C Tim Duncan, Parker, and G Manu Ginobli. Most people don't realize just how good this Spurs bench is though, as it's been an offensive weapon for this team all season long. San Antonio has been one of the highest scoring bench units in the NBA, with much thanks to Ginobli. Ginobli averages 16.6 PPG this season, including 126 made 3 pointers this season. Each game the Spurs play is critical for them, as they are doing everything they can to avoid the #8 seed in the West as they are attempting to avoid facing the Lakers in the 1st Round of the playoffs.

Spurs are 4-0 ATS last 4 games as an underdog.
Under is 12-4-1 last 17 games playing on 0 days rest.

Key Injuries - F Antonio McDyess (knee) is questionable.
G George Hill (ankle) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 103 (Side of the Day)

Suns (-6.5, O/U 210.5): Phoenix fans must be happy that Amar'e Stoudemire stayed with the Suns during the trading deadline, because the Suns have the look of a championship contender of late. Phoenix has won 10 of their past 11 games SU, as they've surged all the way up into a logjam of teams competing for the #2 seen in the Western Conference. The Suns have been winning of last on the road, as they went 5-1 SU during a recent 6 game stretch. The Suns have scored more than 100 PTS in 17 of their past 20 games. Phoenix leads the NBA in scoring, as the only team averaging more than 110 PPG with 110.4 PPG this season. The Suns are 50-27 SU and 44-32-1 ATS overall this season. The Suns are 29-9 SU and 21-15-2 ATS in home games this season. The Suns have played well in the role of favorite, going 30-21 ATS this season. Phoenix has been dominant in the 2nd half of the regular season, going 19-8 ATS during this stretch. All 5 starters average at least 11 PPG this season for the Suns. PG Steve Nash averages 16.6 PPG and an NBA high 11 APG this season for Phoenix.

Suns are 4-12-1 ATS last 17 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Over is 7-0 last 7 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.

Key Injuries - C Robin Lopez (back) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 104