Saturday's Best NBA Bets
Cleveland Cavaliers at New Jersey Nets (+11, 192.5)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on roll. They hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 26-8 record. LeBron and company have won six straight games and 11 of their last 12 overall. They have defeated the Hawks not once but twice, managed to hold the Suns under 100 points and handled the defending champion Lakers easily in a 102-87 Christmas Day victory.
The New Jersey Nets are the complete opposite. These cellar dwellers of the East are the worst team in the Association with an embarrassing 3-29 overall record. In their three wins (Charlotte, Chicago and New York), they combined to average 101 points per game while allowing 96.
Cleveland, a team who takes great pride in lockdown defense, sits fourth-best in the NBA while limiting opponents to only 93 ppg. The Nets are worst in the NBA, struggling to score above 90 points per outing.
In the second game of back-to-back wins versus the Hawks, Cleveland held the Eastern Conference’s highest scoring team scoreless for a span of 8:49 in the fourth quarter.
''It wasn't pretty,'' said Cavs head man Mike Brown. ''During that particular stretch, we were pretty physical and we were physical without fouling.''
Pick: Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings (N/A)
The Kings have lost three of their last four games and their schedule only continues to get tougher. Rookie standout Tyreke Evans has missed the past three games with a sprained right ankle and is expected to miss the rest of the week.
The Kings go as their rookie point guard goes. This was made clear when Evans willed his Kings from a 79-44 deficit with eight minutes left in the third quarter in Chicago on Dec. 21. Evans scored nine of his 11 fourth-quarter points in the final 2:13 while finishing with a team-high 23 points (18 in the second half) and eight rebounds in the 102-98 victory.
With help from his strong performance in Chicago, Evans was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month in December. In his 28 games played in purple thus far, he has averaged 20.3 points, 4.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds. He has been compared to the likes of LeBron James and Derrick Rose. His unique combination of size, skill and speed makes him more than difficult to defend.
"I'm in a pretty good position right now. But I want to win, and I want us to get in the playoffs,” Evans said. “I want each team that plays us to know they're going to be in a game every night."
The Sacramento Queens won’t be in this game on this night without their prince of a point guard.
Pick: Mavericks
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Jersey Nets
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Jersey Nets will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Izod Center.
Cleveland outscored Atlanta by 13 points in the final quarter to win 106-101 on Wednesday night.
The Cavs just covered the 5.5-point spread, while the final score played OVER the posted total of 196.
Yi Jianlian scored 22 points and Brook Lopez had 21 as New Jersey beat New York 104-95 on Wednesday night.
The Nets covered the 2.5-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 196.5.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 26-8 SU, 18-16 ATS
New Jersey: 3-29 SU, 10-21-1 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 9-1
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing New York are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
New Jersey is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Cleveland
New Jersey is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland home to Charlotte, Sunday, January 3
New Jersey home to Milwaukee, Tuesday, January 5
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Miami Heat
If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the Charlotte Bobcats and the Miami Heat meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Stephen Jackson led Charlotte with 30 points in a 107-103 loss to Toronto on Wednesday night.
The Bobcats covered the 5.5-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 196.
Michael Beasley had a game-high 26 points in the Heat's 108-78 loss to the Spurs on Thursday night.
The Spurs had no trouble covering the 8-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (194.5).
Current streak:
Miami has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 12-18 SU, 19-11 ATS
Miami: 16-14 SU, 15-15 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Miami most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Charlotte at Cleveland, Sunday, January 3
Miami home to Atlanta, Monday, January 4
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Timberwolves were defeated 106-94 by the Magic on Friday, as 8-point underdogs. That game's 200 points went UNDER the posted total of 202.5.
Jonny Flynn tossed in a game-high 23 points for the Timberwolves, while Kevin Love collected a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Luther Head led Indiana with 30 points in a 121-110 loss to Memphis on Wednesday night.
The Pacers did not cover the 3-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 207.5.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Indiana has lost 8 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 7-27 SU, 16-17-1 ATS
Indiana: 9-22 SU, 11-20 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Golden State are 1-9
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 4-6
After playing Memphis are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Minnesota is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Indiana is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games at home
Indiana is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Golden State, Wednesday, January 6
Indiana at New York, Sunday, January 3
San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards
The San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Verizon Center.
Tim Duncan tossed in 23 points on Thursday night to lead the Spurs to an easy 108-78 win over the Heat.
The Spurs had no trouble covering the 8-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (194.5).
Antawn Jamison dropped 28 points for Washington in its 110-98 loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Oklahoma City covered as 1-point road favorites, while the game played OVER the 204-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 4 straight games.
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 19-11 SU, 16-13-1 ATS
Washington: 10-20 SU, 11-19 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Miami are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 1-9
After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 12 games
Next up:
San Antonio at Toronto, Sunday, January 3
Washington at Philadelphia, Tuesday, January 5
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics meet at TD Garden.
Chris Bosh had 33 points and 13 rebounds as Toronto beat Charlotte 107-103 on Wednesday night.
The Raps did not cover the 5.5-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 196.
The Celtics were defeated 116-98 by the Suns last time out, as 5-point underdogs. The game's 214 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.5.
Eddie House had 19 points for the Celtics, and Ray Allen had 15 in the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 5 straight games.
Boston has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 16-17 SU, 15-18 ATS
Boston: 23-8 SU, 13-18 ATS
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Miami are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Toronto
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Next up:
Toronto home to San Antonio, Sunday, January 3
Boston at Miami, Wednesday, January 6
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Hornets will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at New Orleans Arena.
Aaron Brooks put up 30 points on Thursday night as the Rockets got past the Mavericks for a 97-94 victory.
The Mavericks had been favored by 1.5 points in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (198.5).
The Hornets were outscored in the fourth quarter, but managed to pull out a 95-91 win over the Heat on Wednesday. The Hornets won that game as a slight 1.5-point underdog, while the 186 points went UNDER the posted total of 192.
Chris Paul had 18 points, five rebounds, and nine assists for the Hornets. David West netted a team-high 21 points in the victory.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 20-13 SU, 20-13 ATS
New Orleans: 14-16 SU, 13-17 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 4-6
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston at LA Lakers, Tuesday, January 5
New Orleans at Utah, Monday, January 4
Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls
The Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at United Center.
The Magic scored 33 points in dominating the fourth quarter on Friday, and defeated the Timberwolves 106-94. The Magic covered the 8-point spread, but the 200 points went UNDER that game's posted total of 202.5.
Rahsard Lewis led the Magic with 21 points, while Matt Barnes had 17 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win.
Derrick Rose tossed in 22 points on Thursday afternoon to lead the Bulls to a 98-87 win over the Pistons.
The Pistons had been favored by 4 points at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the day's posted total (186).
Current streak:
Orlando has won 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 24-8 SU, 17-13-2 ATS
Chicago: 13-17 SU, 11-17-2 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Orlando is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Orlando at Indiana, Tuesday, January 5
Chicago home to Oklahoma City, Monday, January 4
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Bradley Center.
Kevin Durant poured in 31 points on Thursday night as the Thunder grabbed an 87-86 win over the Jazz.
The Thunder failed to cover the 3-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (199).
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 20 points in a 117-92 loss to Orlando on Wednesday night.
The Bucks did not cover the 10.5-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 195.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has won 5 straight games.
Milwaukee has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 18-14 SU, 20-12 ATS
Milwaukee: 12-18 SU, 16-14 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City at Chicago, Monday, January 4
Milwaukee at New Jersey, Tuesday, January 5
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz meet at EnergySolutions Arena.
The Nuggets were defeated 106-101 by the Kings last time out, as 2-point favorites. That game's 207 points went UNDER the posted total of 211.5.
Carmelo Anthony scored a game-high 34 points for the Nuggets, and Nene Hilario collected 25 points in a losing effort.
Carlos Boozer was good for 17 points in Utah's 87-86 loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday night.
The Thunder failed to cover the 3-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted total (199).
Current streak:
Denver has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 20-12 SU, 15-17 ATS
Utah: 18-14 SU, 18-14 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Utah most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing New Orleans are 9-1
After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games
Denver is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Utah
Utah is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Utah is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Utah is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Denver
Next up:
Denver home to Philadelphia, Sunday, January 3
Utah home to New Orleans, Monday, January 4
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at US Airways Center.
Rudy Gay scored 31 points and Zach Randolph added 28 as Memphis beat Indiana 121-110 on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies covered the 3-point spread, while the final score played OVER the day's posted total of 207.5.
Channing Frye netted 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double on Wednesday, leading the Suns to a 116-98 victory over the Celtics. The Suns covered the 5-point spread, and the 214 points made it OVER the posted total of 206.5.
Amare Stoudemire also tossed in 26 points for the Suns, and Leandro Barbosa had 17 in that win.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 2 straight games.
Phoenix has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 15-16 SU, 17-14 ATS
Phoenix: 21-12 SU, 19-13-1 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Sacramento are 6-4
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Phoenix is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Memphis
Phoenix is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games at home
Next up:
Memphis at Portland, Tuesday, January 5
Phoenix at Sacramento, Tuesday, January 5
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Rose Garden.
Corey Maggette dropped 25 points for the Warriors in their 124-118 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 217.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Brandon Roy went for 25 points with seven rebounds and six assists to lead the Trail Blazers over the Clippers 103-99 on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers covered the 6.5-point spread, and the 202 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.
Martell Webster netted 15 points for the Trail Blazers, and Jerryd Bayless added 14 in that win.
Team records:
Golden State: 9-22 SU, 16-14-1 ATS
Portland: 21-13 SU, 18-15-1 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8
Portland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing LA Clippers are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Golden State's last 16 games when playing Portland
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Golden State at Denver, Tuesday, January 5
Portland at LA Clippers, Monday, January 4
Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings
The Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at ARCO Arena.
Jason Terry had a team-high 20 points in the Mavericks' 97-94 loss to the Rockets on Thursday night.
The Mavericks had been favored by 1.5 points in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (198.5).
The Kings blew a fourth quarter lead and lost 109-108 to the Lakers on Friday, as 12-point underdogs. That game's 217 points made it OVER the posted total of 210.5.
Spencer Hawes netted 30 points with 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Current streak:
Sacramento has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 22-10 SU, 16-16 ATS
Sacramento: 14-18 SU, 19-12-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Houston are 8-2
After a loss are 9-1
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Dallas is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Sacramento's last 13 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas at LA Lakers, Sunday, January 3
Sacramento home to Phoenix, Tuesday, January 5