NBA Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, April 8
Utah at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EDT). The Jazz, losers of 12 of their last 14 at Dallas, lead the Mavericks by one game for seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
STARS
Tuesday
— Yao Ming, Rockets, had 20 points and 16 rebounds, outplaying Dwight Howard and leading Houston past Orlando 93-83.
— Chris Paul, Hornets, had 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists as New Orleans clinched a playoff spot by beating Miami 93-87 in overtime.
— Tim Duncan, Spurs, had 25 points and 15 rebounds to help San Antonio beat Oklahoma City 99-89.
— Pau Gasol, Lakers, had 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead Los Angeles over Sacramento 122-104.
— Raymond Felton and Gerald Wallace, Bobcats. Felton scored a career-high 32 points and Wallace added 29, including the final four of the game, as Charlotte snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Philadelphia 101-98.
— Ryan Gomes, Timberwolves, had 24 points and 13 rebounds in Minnesota’s 87-77 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
PLAYOFF PLANS
The New Orleans Hornets clinched their second straight playoff berth with a 93-87 overtime victory in Miami. Still in the running for home-court advantage in the first round, the Hornets could realistically finish anywhere from third to eighth.
SPUR STEPPING UP
Drew Gooden scored 20 points for his highest total since joining the Spurs last month, helping San Antonio beat Oklahoma City 99-89 on Tuesday. It was the Spurs’ first game since learning Manu Ginobili would be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Gooden, claimed off waivers from Sacramento in early March, played his most minutes since joining the Spurs and went 7-for-14 from the field and made all six of his free throws.
FAMILIAR FACES
Houston’s Carl Landry played for the first time since he was shot in the left calf in a late-night altercation on a city street on March 17. Wearing an elastic sleeve on his calf, Landry swished his first shot, a jumper from the free-throw line, and played 20 minutes in the Rockets’ 93-83 victory over Orlando. Also back on the Toyota Center court was Rafer Alston, who scored 15 points with three assists in his first game in Houston since he was traded to Orlando on Feb. 19 in a deal that brought Kyle Lowry to the Rockets. Alston was the first Orlando player introduced and got mostly cheered. He ran to the Rockets’ bench and slapped hands with his former teammates, then shook hands with team owner Leslie Alexander and embraced Houston’s five starters before the opening tip.
HURTING HASLEM
The Miami Heat will likely be without forward Udonis Haslem for the remainder of the regular season because of a deep cut on his right thumb. Haslem was injured Friday in Charlotte while trying to block a shot. He needed six stitches to close the gash, and they’re not scheduled to be removed until at least April 16—one day after the season finale.
DENG DONE?
Chicago forward Luol Deng likely is out until at least the playoffs. Deng hasn’t played since Feb. 28 because of a stress fracture in his right tibia. He said he hasn’t been able to run hard since the injury, and had a setback recently when he tried to increase his workouts.
SPEAKING
“It’s changed a lot. There’s nothing but Lakers fans here now. It’s basically a home game for us. It really was. Things have changed quite a bit.” — Kobe Bryant, on the Lakers-Kings rivalry after hearing “MVP!” chants from the many Los Angeles fans in attendance in a 122-104 victory at Sacramento.
Wednesday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
Wednesday’s pro basketball schedule has 11 games on tap, but there are just two matchups that involve major playoff implications. The nine other games involve teams across the league that already have their playoff seeds wrapped up, or squads playing each other before setting up tee times in the offseason.
Portland travels to San Antonio in a matchup that will help shape the Western Conference playoff standings. The Trail Blazers enter this contest just a game behind the Spurs in the standings with roughly five games remaining. Portland is currently the fifth-place team in the Western Conference playoffs, just a half game behind fourth-seeded Houston. The top four seeds in the postseason have homecourt advantage in the first round.
The other contest, also involving the Western Conference, is the Utah-Dallas tilt. These two teams are currently seventh and eighth in the postseason chase, separated by just one game. A solid late-season charge could catapult one of these teams up a spot or two, but both appear to be locks for the playoffs.
Now let’s take a closer look at both of these contests.
**Blazers at Spurs**
-This game has no overnight line or total due to a couple of key injuries. Tipoff has been changed to 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge (wrist) is ‘probable’ versus the Spurs. San Antonio forward Tim Duncan (knee) is ‘probable’ against the Blazers, while guard Manu Ginobili (ankle) is ‘out’ the rest of the season.
-Portland (48-28 straight up, 41-35 against the spread) concludes a four-game road trip with this contest. The Trail Blazers were riding a four-game winning streak SU and ATS before Sunday’s setback to Houston.
-Portland is playing on back-to-back nights after Tuesday’s victory over Memphis as a seven-point road 'chalk,' 96-93. The Blazers are 18-21 SU and 17-22 ATS away from home, with the ‘under’ going 21-18. Portland has been dropping its road endeavors by an average score of 96-95.
-San Antonio (49-27 SU, 34-38 ATS) is also playing on back-to-back nights. The Spurs were just 1-3 SU and ATS their last four games before upending Oklahoma City Tuesday night as a 6 1/2-point road favorite, 99-89. The combined 188 points went 'over' the 183-point closing total.
-San Antonio is 26-12 SU at home, but just 14-21 ATS. The Spurs have been winning their home matchups by an average score of 98-93, helping the ‘over’ go 19-18. San Antonio concludes its brief two-game homestand with Friday’s outing against Utah.
-The home team has won the last three games in this series SU and ATS, while the ‘over’ has cashed each time. Portland won the last encounter March 1 as a four-point home ‘chalk,’ 102-84, while the combined 186 points eclipsed the 181 ½-point closing total. San Antonio defeated the Blazers February 25 as a 1 ½-point home favorite, 99-84, while the combined 183 points toppled the 179 ½-point closing total.
**Jazz at Mavericks**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Dallas as a 3 ½-point home ‘chalk’ over Utah, with the total listed at 204. ESPN will provide coverage of this contest beginning at 9:35 p.m. ET.
-Utah (47-30 SU, 38-39 ATS) had dropped three games in a row SU and six consecutive contests ATS before upending New Orleans Sunday as a 2 ½-point road underdog, 108-94. The combined 202 points eclipsed the 192 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash the fifth straight outing.
-The Jazz won the rebounding battle, 39-36, while shooting a robust 54 percent (45-of-84) from the field. Utah cruised after jumping out to a 21-point lead after the first quarter, 41-19. Five players reached double digits in scoring, led by guard Ronnie Brewer’s 23 points while backcourt mate Deron Williams added 21 and 11 assists.
-The Jazz sport a 15-23 SU and 17-21 ATS road record, with the ‘over’ going 21-15. Utah has been dropping those matchups by an average score of 105-102. The Jazz conclude a three-game road trip with Friday’s contest at San Antonio.
-Dallas (46-31 SU, 37-40 ATS) improved to 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS its last four games after routing Phoenix Sunday as a 3 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 140-116. The combined 256 points soared past the 230-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second consecutive contest.
-The Mavericks had a slight rebounding advantage, 37-35, but won going away by shooting an incredible 60 percent (51-of-85) from the field and 60 percent (15-of-25) from behind the arc. Forward Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers with 28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, while Jason Kidd added 19 and 20 assists.
-Dallas is a solid 28-9 SU at home, but only 16-21 ATS. The Mavs have been winning their home endeavors by an average score of 106-100, helping the ‘over’ go 22-14.
-The home team has won the previous seven meetings in this series SU, while going 5-2 ATS. Utah prevailed in the last encounter Feb. 5 as a 3 ½-point home favorite, 115-87, while Dallas triumphed Jan. 17 as a five-point home ‘chalk,’ 115-108. The ‘under’ is 3-1 the last four games between these squads.
-Utah forward C.J. Miles (finger) is ‘questionable’ against the Mavericks.
vegasinsider.com
Game of the day: Trail Blazers at Spurs
By Ted Sevransky
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs
Ginobili Hurt Again
The Spurs are reeling from the news that their sparkplug, shooting guard Manu Ginobili, fractured his ankle in San Antonio’s loss to Cleveland on Sunday. Ginobili’s injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. San Antonio has gone 17-13 straight up without Ginobili in the lineup this year. With him, they’ve gone 32-14 SU, a dramatic difference.
Ginobili had returned to action only six games earlier after missing the previous 19 games with an unrelated injury. Spurs head coach Greg Popovich had declared that he expected to start Ginobili (as opposed to bringing him off of the bench) just two games before he got hurt.
Ginobili’s injury forces Popovich to start Roger Mason Jr. Ginobili is known for his fearless slashes to the basket, resulting in a steady diet of free throw attempts. Mason is much more of a catch-and-shoot guy on the perimeter. The drop-off from Ginobili to Mason is substantial, and San Antonio also has a problem replacing Mason's production off the bench, although that production has been limited in recent games. The former Wizard has been held to 26 points in the Spurs' last five games and held scoreless twice during that span.
San Antonio’s Psyche
The Spurs were legitimate Western Conference contenders with Ginobili in the lineup. Without him, they are not the same team – not capable of seriously challenging the Lakers for conference supremacy - and they know it. The effect on San Antonio’s overall psyche and level of confidence can't be overstated.
Tim Duncan has aching knees and his time on the court for the rest of the regular season may be limited, especially on the second night of back-to-back games. The Spurs played a major ‘revenge’ game last night in Oklahoma City against the Thunder, less than a week after the Thunder had pulled off the outright upset as double-digit underdogs on San Antonio’s home court.
Youth vs. Experience
The Spurs age contrasts sharply with the Blazers youth. Tony Parker is an eight-year veteran and he’s one of the younger Spurs in the rotation. Michael Finley just passed his 36th birthday, Kurt Thomas is 36 and Bruce Bowen will be 38 in June.
Meanwhile, the Blazers are the second-youngest team in the NBA. Portland relies on Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, both in their third year in the league and just about every contributor in the rotation is on the right side of 30. This is a true example of a team on the rise, long term, versus a declining elite level squad.
Mission Accomplished?
Portland set a franchise record with four straight wins by 20 points or more, blowing out Phoenix, Memphis, Utah and Oklahoma City last week. But that winning streak came to a crashing halt at Houston on Sunday, just hours after the Blazers learned they had clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2003.
The Rockets took advantage of an unfocused Portland squad and cruised to an easy 14-point victory. Portland looked flat for extended portions of the game in Memphis last night as well. Brandon Roy was asked if the loss tainted the playoff berth.
“Nah. We’re in the playoffs. We’re happy about it.”
With homecourt advantage in the Western Conference playoffs still very much up for grabs, it’s not hard to expect an immediate ‘energy level adjustment’ for the Blazers tonight.
Home is Where the Heart Is
The Blazers haven’t been able to spring the upset in San Antonio in any recent meeting. The Spurs have won five straight times against Nate McMillan’s squad at home dating all the way back to 2006. Each of those wins has come by nine points or more. The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in those games.
The home team has won and covered each of the three meetings this season. The Blazers won the most recent matchup, knocking off the Spurs by 18 at the Rose Garden last month despite San Antonio shooting 61 percent shooting from 3-point land.
WASHINGTON (18 - 60) at CLEVELAND (62 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 25-36 ATS (-14.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-44 ATS (-24.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 11-8 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 13-7 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS (22 - 54) at ORLANDO (57 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 71-86 ATS (-23.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 49-27 ATS (+19.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO (30 - 46) at INDIANA (33 - 44)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 30-43 ATS (-17.3 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 33-47 ATS (-18.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 27-42 ATS (-19.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (32 - 45) at BOSTON (58 - 19)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-3 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 9-2 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT (37 - 40) at NEW YORK (30 - 47)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 33-44 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW YORK is 44-32 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
DETROIT is 77-58 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 5-5 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (42 - 35) at NEW ORLEANS (47 - 29)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 33-43 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games this season.
PHOENIX is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-42 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 8-0 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA (43 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (32 - 46)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against Central division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-53 ATS (-28.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND (48 - 28) at SAN ANTONIO (49 - 27)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 55) at DENVER (52 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 44-33 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-33 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 9-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
UTAH (47 - 30) at DALLAS (46 - 31)
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
UTAH is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA (22 - 55) at GOLDEN STATE (28 - 49)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS vs. ORLANDO
Memphis is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Memphis is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Orlando is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Memphis
7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. SAN ANTONIO
Portland is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
San Antonio is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing Portland
TORONTO vs. INDIANA
Toronto is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Indiana is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
Indiana is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto
WASHINGTON vs. CLEVELAND
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Cleveland is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Detroit is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
NEW JERSEY vs. BOSTON
New Jersey is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
New Jersey is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Atlanta is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Atlanta is 2-17 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
PHOENIX vs. NEW ORLEANS
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
New Orleans is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. DENVER
Oklahoma City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
UTAH vs. DALLAS
Utah is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Utah is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Dallas is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Dallas is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
MINNESOTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Tips and Trends
Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks
Jazz: Utah is coming off a huge 108-94 road victory at New Orleans on Sunday but needs to keep winning in order to stay ahead of Dallas in the standings. The Jazz shot nearly 54 percent from the field against the Hornets and built a 41-19 lead after the first quarter. “It’s a great way to start this road trip, give us a lot of confidence and realize that if we play like that every night, we can beat anybody,” Utah point guard Deron Williams said. “We’re happy to be in the playoffs, but we’re not happy to be an eight seed.”
Jazz are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 5-0 in Utah's last 5 games overall.
Key Injuries - F C.J. Miles (finger) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 100
Mavs (-3.5, O/U 207): Dallas can clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with either a victory or Phoenix loss following a 140-116 rout of the Suns on Sunday. The Mavs would love to avoid a first-round matchup with the Lakers and hope Jason Kidd can continue his stellar play after recording 20 assists vs. Phoenix. “Jason Kidd has an iron will,” Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. “Some of the stuff that he was inventing out there offensively for us was just phenomenal. It kept giving our team more and more confidence and we rode the wave.”
Mavs are 2-7-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings.
Key Injuries - F Shawne Williams (personal) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 107 (Side Play of the Day)
Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won 14 of their last 16 games (4-9 vs spread last 13).
-- Pacers won five of their last seven games.
-- Grizzlies won four of last five games, covered six of last seven. Magic won eight of their last ten games.
-- Celtics won eight of last nine games, covered four of last five.
-- Hornets won nine of their last twelve home games.
-- Portland won five of its last six games.
-- Nuggets won their last seven games (6-1 vs spread).
-- Mavericks won three of their last four games.
-- Warriors won last three games, scoring 119.7 ppg.
Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Raptors lost their last two games, allowing 115 ppg.
-- Hawks lost five of their last seven games. Bucks lost eight of their last nine contests.
-- New Jersey lost six of its last eight games.
-- Pistons lost six of their last nine games. Knicks lost 11 of last 13.
-- Suns lost last four road games, allowing 124.8 ppg.
-- Spurs are 2-5 vs spread in game following its last seven wins.
-- Thunder lost three in row, six of last seven games.
-- Jazz lost three of last four games, covered one of last seven.
-- Minnesota is 1-6 vs spread in game following its last seven wins.
Totals
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Cleveland's last eight games; four of last five Wizard games went over.
-- Four of last five Indiana games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Memphis games went over the total; nine of last 12 Orlando games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last twelve Detroit games went over the total; six of Knicks' last seven games stayed under.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five New Orleans games.
-- Seven of last nine Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight San Antonio games.
-- Five of last six Denver home games went over the total.
-- Last five Utah games went over; six of last nine Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Golden State games went over the total; five of last seven Minnesota games stayed under.
Back-to-Back
-- Toronto is 1-3-1 vs spread last five times they played nite before.
-- Memphis covered five of last seven if they played the night before.
-- Knicks are 5-1-1 vs spread last seven times they played night before.
-- Hornets are 4-6 vs spread last ten times they played night before.
-- Hawks are 2-5 vs spread last seven times they played night before.
-- Portland is 3-6 vs spread on road if it played the night before.
-- Minnesota covered three of last four if they played the nite before.
WASHINGTON at CLEVELAND
WASHINGTON: 5-18 ATS after 2+ consecutive overs
CLEVELAND: 12-3 ATS at home after a DD win
MEMPHIS at ORLANDO
MEMPHIS: 2-11 ATS AWAY when the total is between 195 and 199.5
ORLANDO: 23-7 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5
TORONTO at INDIANA
TORONTO: 7-17 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5
INDIANA: 13-4 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6
NEW JERSEY at BOSTON
NEW JERSEY: 10-3 OVER when playing with triple revenge
BOSTON: 31-14 ATS vs. division opponents
DETROIT at NEW YORK
DETROIT: 11-4 UNDER when playing with 2 days rest
NEW YORK: 17-4 ATS when playing 6 or more games in 10 days
PHOENIX at NEW ORLEANS
PHOENIX: 9-1 ATS after allowing 120+ points
NEW ORLEANS: 12-21 ATS after an ATS win
ATLANTA at MILWAUKEE
ATLANTA: 12-4 ATS against Central division
MILWAUKEE: 5-15 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6
PORTLAND at SAN ANTONIO
PORTLAND: 7-14 ATS as a road underdog
SAN ANTONIO: 61-36 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3
OKLAHOMA CITY at DENVER
OKLAHOMA CITY: 20-9 ATS after having lost 8 or more of their last 10
DENVER: 5-13 ATS after playing a game as a road favorite
UTAH at DALLAS
UTAH: 15-25 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 200
DALLAS: 12-4 ATS after a combined score of 215+
MINNESOTA at GOLDEN STATE
MINNESOTA: 17-6 OVER in April
GOLDEN STATE: 27-11 OVER at home
Wednesday NBA Research
By Indiancowboy
Washington vs. Cleveland
Once again these two teams don't care for each other and Was has actually beat this team in back to back games. They won by 8 at home last time out oturight as 10.5 dogs, and has covered this series the last 3 times. Remember, these teams dislike each other from the playoffs last year as well. Cleveland has been killing teams at home including a 20 point rout over the Spurs. HUGE revenge angle for the Cavs, but I don't want to lay the number. Arenas is listed as a game time decision.
Toronto vs. Indiana
Toronto beat this team by 23 last time out and Indiana has revenge from that angle. Indiana comes off a thumping of the Thunder on the road and has covered their last 3 at home. Indiana can put up some points at home so -6.5 is not much here so lean on the Pacers.
Memphis vs. Orlando
Memphis beat this team by a bucket last time out so Orlando has revenge from that game. That was set up by a 17 point win by the Magic on the road over Memphis so that is why they did so well in their last game. Memphis is playing much better right now as they nearly beat the Blazers at home losing 93-96 and they have covered their last 5 straight and 6 of 7. The total has been dropping and has dropped 3 points since its opening. If you think the Magic bounce-back here from the loss to Houston and with the revenge lean no the Magic and if you think the Griz continue to play well covering 5 in a row and 6 of 7, lean on the Griz. No lean for me either way.
Portland vs. San Antonio
No manu for this team for the season; Portland beat this team by double-digits at home last time; big revenge game for the Spurs; Portland comes off a win at Memphis; Spurs won at OKC; Duncan is listed as questionable and a game time decision, which is part of the reason why the line is low; the last 3 in this series have gone under and the Spurs are 6-1-1 to the over from a string of road games as they have been taken to the limit on the road. I just don't know if Mason, Parker is enough of firepower to compete with the Blazers if Duncan does not play tonight.
New Jersey vs. Boston
Boston beat this team by 4 last time out on the road as the game went well over. The Nets are suck a fickle team though as they are 5-5 ATS and their lats 8 of 10 have gone Under. Rondo is listed as probable for this game. The Nets do come off a stompig of the Sixers at home, Boston has won 8 of 9 SU and 6 of 8 ATS, no thanks either way.
Detroit vs. New York
NY beat this team by 5 points on the road in OT last time they played, NY beat this team at home as well prior to that 104-92. Detroit comes off a 7 point win over Charlotte and will be undoubtedly looking to get revenge here. The last 7 of 9 have gone under for NY and a small lean on the Pistons to get their revenge, but it seems the Knicks just have this team's number of late. No play either way.
Atlanta vs. Milwaukee
Over 70% are riding the Hawks here as they have revenge from a 107-110 loss to Milwaukee on the road last time. The Bucks have been struggling since Redd went out as they are 3-7 ATS, interesting enough, the last 3 times these two teams have hooked up this year, the games have gone over, as the last time these two teams hooked up, 217 points were scored and I wouldn't be surprised to see another over here.
Phoenix vs. New Orleans
New Orleans has beat this team twice this year and covered both times, in fact, New Orleans has covered in this series the last 8 times these two teams have played. Nevertheless, it is tough to beat a team trice in a year, Phoenix comes off an ugly 24 point loss to Dallas and I don't expect this team to necessarily give up on the year, New Orleans comes off an OT win over Miami on the road, but this team is as unpredictable as it's ATS record the last 10 games as this team is 5-5 ATS. Don't be surprised if Phoenix wins outright tonight though as Gentry will be looking forward to next year.
OKC vs. Denver
OKC has covered this series the last 4 times they have played; Denver has won 9 of 10 and covered 7 of 8 in the process however; and OKC has lost 6 of their last 7 ATS covers. No lean either way.
Utah vs. Dallas
Utah nearly beat this team by 30 the last time they played; Dallas beat this team by 7 at home and in fact, the home team the last 3 times these two teams have hooked up in the regular season have covered (Utah leads series 2-1 this year) in regular season. Utah comes off a big win over NO but with revenge and Howard back, lean on Dallas.
Minnesota vs. Golden State
GS beat this team by 24 last time out in March, but that was a revenge game from when Minny beat this team in Jan, GS has won 3 straight and they get Biedrins back today for some size inside, I know the Twolves play hard and tough despite having some injuries like they did in L.A., but I just don't know given their lack of depth if they will have their legs underneath them the whole way b/c of that, they do have revenge though which goes for a lot as these teams have exchanged wins throughout this year.
NBA Injuries/Notes:
Washington: Arenas Questionable (game-time decision). Game on ESPN.
Toronto: Bargnani Probable.
Indiana: Foster Questionable.
Orlando: Pietrus Questionable.
Phoenix: Richardson is Probable.
San Antonio: Duncan Game-Time Decision, Ginobli out for Season.
Nuggets: Martin is Doubtful.
Utah: Miles is Questionable (ESPN)
Minnesota: Foye is OUT.
Golden State: Biedrins is Upgraded to Probable. Ellis is Doubtful. Maggette is OUT.