NBA Sunday Wagering Options
Doug Upstone
There are two games on ABC and one of them doesnt mean much. That means well pass on the Orlando and Cleveland contest and instead focus on Chicago and Toronto, who are battling for the right to have their season officially ended by the Cavaliers at a later date. The second half of the twin-bill on the American Broadcast Company network has a great deal of meaning to one team, with the other having at least a passing interest for a number of reasons.
Portland at L.A. Lakers
The Trailblazers (48-31, 43-34-2 ATS) would prefer to stay away from a rematch against Los Angeles next weekend, finishing either sixth or seventh in the Western Conference and a victory at the Staples Center would go a long way in making that happen.
Portland has been one of the best road teams all season with 23-17 record and 24-14-2 spread mark. The Blazers have chosen the approach of only doing what they can to improve position and let the rest take care of itself.
"But we're not going to worry about any of that stuff. said Portlands Juwan Howard. We'll just go out there and get our wins and see what happens in the end." The Trailblazers are 13-6-1 ATS if opponent has winning home record.
The Lakers (56-23, 34-43-2 ATS) are a shell of the team that won the NBA title a season ago. Andre Bynum has been out for some time and his return is not imminent. Kobe Bryants legs are aching and that broken finger is throbbing, accounting for several off-shooting nights, as his team has lost five of their last eight, scoring less than 100 points six times in their last seven defeats.
When coach Phil Jackson was asked when was the last time his team played up to its potential, he uttered Phoenix whom the Lakers beat on the road 102-96 on Mar. 12, 14 games ago. Off their win at Minnesota Friday, L.A. is 1-7 ATS after covering the spread.
The Lakers are the home favorites and the home-standing team is on 6-1 ATS run. Los Angeles will come in 7-2 UNDER in last nine off a SU triumph. Portland suffered a disappointing home loss to Dallas two days ago and is 7-2 UNDER after a defeat, yet has covered the number in four of previous five after that circumstance.
Chicago at Toronto
The Bulls and Raptors are in a dead heat, making this a must game for each team with just two to play after today. Chicago (38-41, 39-38-2 ATS) is the healthier team at the moment and has won seven of last 11 outings to give themselves a chance.
"We've been through a lot this year. To be in this situation is great," center Joakim Noah said. "We've just got to be focused and understand what's at stake and hopefully play Cleveland in the playoffs." Their 11-point loss at New Jersey in last contest was certainly a blow and Chicago is 13-24 and 14-22-1 ATS following a spread misfortune.
Toronto (38-41, 36-41-2 ATS) is not even close to the same situation as Chicago. The Raptors are trying to manufacture on the run, losing their best player Chris Bosh to facial surgery and a number of Toronto players have various maladies, trying to get by and find a way into postseason.
"(It's) kind of tough right now but everyone's banged up a little bit," said Jose Calderon. "(Jarrett) Jack sprained his ankle a little bit, everybody has something. It's not like we have bodies to go there and practice... We have to be ready for the games and that's what it is." Toronto has fallen four straight times.
Toronto is 2-10-1 ATS in recent contests at the Air Canada Centre and is a two-point underdog at Betonline.com with total of 202.5. The Raptors are 8-2 UNDER as on home underdog of 4.5 or less and are perfect 5-0 ATS against Chicago.
The Bulls will seek to take advantage of Torontos defensive shortcomings and are 20-12 ATS versus teams surrendering shooting percentage of 46 percent or higher. Chicago is 8-4 UNDER in last 12 outings.