Hot Teams
-- New York won its last four games, by 7-4-16-13 points.
-- Washington won its last three games or first time this season. Pacers won three of their last four games.
-- Miami won eight of last nine games, covering last three. Bucks are 9-2 vs spread in their last eleven games.
-- Rockets covered six of last seven games as an underdog. Hornets won four of their last six games.
-- Oklahoma City won 10 of its last 12 games. Clippers won last two games, are 5-3 vs spread in last eight on road.
-- Sacramento won six of its last eight games. Spurs won last two gams, after losing their previous six in a row.
-- Nuggets won six of their last seven games.
-- Warriors won four of their last six games.
Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost last two games, scoring 87-82 points, but won four of their last five home games.
-- Cavaliers lost last five road games (2-3 vs spread). Raptors lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Bobcats lost last three games, are 5-13-1 vs spread in last 19. Magic lost last three road games, are 3-13 vs spread in last 16 games overall.
-- Pistons lost seven of their last eight games. Nets lost six of seven.
-- Mavericks lost last three games, by 28-7-8 points.
-- Minnesota lost last ten games, covering one of last four. Suns lost six of their last seven games.
-- Lakers lost last two games, are 3-6 vs spread in last nine.
Totals
-- Knicks' last seven games all went over the total. Four of Philly's last five games stayed under.
-- Three of last four Indiana games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Toronto games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Detroit games all went over the total.
-- Four of last five Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Phoenix road games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Clipper games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Sacramento games stayed under the total. Six of Spurs' last eight games went over.
-- Three of last four Dallas games went over the total. Denver's last five games all stayed under.
-- Last three Golden State games stayed under the total.
Back-to-Back
-- 76ers are 4-2 vs spread at home if they played night before. Knicks are 0-4 vs spread last four times they played night before.
-- Washington is 0-3 vs spread if it won the night before.
-- Cleveland is 3-10 vs spread on road if it played night before. Toronto is 10-8 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Charlotte is 6-5-1 vs spread if it played night before. Magic is 5-10 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Bucks are 7-3 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Pistons are 2-5 vs spread at home if they played night before. Nets are 2-4 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Rockets are 4-6 vs spread if they lost the night before.
-- Minnesota is 8-6 vs spread if it lost the night before. Suns are 1-4 vs spread if they lost the night before.
-- Oklahoma City is 8-5 vs spread if it played the night before. Clippers are 7-4 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Kings are 1-5 vs spread last six times they played night before. Spurs are 8-6-2 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Denver is 5-1 vs spread on road if it played at home night before.
-- Warriors are 0-4 vs spread last four times they played night before. Lakers are 7-4-1 vs spread if they played the night before.
NEW YORK (38 - 38) at PHILADELPHIA (40 - 37)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 42-32 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games this season.
NEW YORK is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW YORK is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-93 ATS (-37.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 68-96 ATS (-37.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (20 - 56) at INDIANA (35 - 43)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 47-65 ATS (-24.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND (15 - 61) at TORONTO (21 - 55)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO (48 - 29) at CHARLOTTE (32 - 44)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 8-7 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 14-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE (31 - 45) at MIAMI (54 - 23)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY (23 - 53) at DETROIT (26 - 50)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 68-89 ATS (-29.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 62-79 ATS (-24.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points this season.
NEW JERSEY is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 55-69 ATS (-20.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-5 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (41 - 36) at NEW ORLEANS (44 - 33)
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 151-107 ATS (+33.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
HOUSTON is 329-276 ATS (+25.4 Units) in road games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-42 ATS (-20.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-45 ATS (-20.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-81 ATS (-37.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 6-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-5 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX (37 - 39) at MINNESOTA (17 - 60)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 93-77 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 64-46 ATS (+13.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
PHOENIX is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-36 ATS (-12.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-73 ATS (-34.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 36-57 ATS (-26.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS (30 - 47) at OKLAHOMA CITY (50 - 26)
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-86 ATS (-24.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 76-102 ATS (-36.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 42-66 ATS (-30.6 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 38-51 ATS (-18.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 90-72 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 45-26 ATS (+16.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO (22 - 54) at SAN ANTONIO (58 - 19)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 547-474 ATS (+25.6 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 282-233 ATS (+25.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 84-58 ATS (+20.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 9-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DENVER (47 - 29) at DALLAS (53 - 24)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 10-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 11-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS (55 - 21) at GOLDEN STATE (33 - 44)
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 69-50 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 78-48 ATS (+25.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-5 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 11-0 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK vs. PHILADELPHIA
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
Cleveland is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games at home
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 9 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Orlando is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
Washington is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
NEW JERSEY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
New Jersey is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
HOUSTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
New Orleans is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Clippers are 8-16-1 ATS in their last 25 games on the road
LA Clippers are 6-18 SU in their last 24 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Oklahoma City is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
PHOENIX vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota's last 17 games at home
SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
DENVER vs. DALLAS
Denver is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
Dallas is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games at home
LA LAKERS vs. GOLDEN STATE
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Golden State's last 19 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Golden State is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
NEW YORK at PHILADELPHIA
NEW YORK: 5-16 ATS after leading in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half
PHILADELPHIA: 17-7 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent
WASHINGTON at INDIANA
WASHINGTON: 13-25 ATS in road games
INDIANA: 60-40 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog
CLEVELAND at TORONTO
CLEVELAND: 35-18 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more
TORONTO: 26-47 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread
ORLANDO at CHARLOTTE
ORLANDO: 2-9 ATS after scoring 85 points or less
CHARLOTTE: 13-3 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games
MILWAUKEE at MIAMI
MILWAUKEE: 0-6 ATS after covering 4 of their last 5 against the spread
MIAMI: 7-4 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a road favorite
NEW JERSEY at DETROIT
NEW JERSEY: 1-9 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points
DETROIT: 11-3 ATS after scoring 105 points or more
HOUSTON at NEW ORLEANS
HOUSTON: 31-15 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses
NEW ORLEANS: 10-23 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a home favorite
PHOENIX at MINNESOTA
PHOENIX: 48-32 ATS after playing a road game
MINNESOTA: 6-23 ATS after a non-conference game
LA CLIPPERS at OKLAHOMA CITY
LA CLIPPERS: 31-46 ATS in road games
OKLAHOMA CITY: 29-16 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
SACRAMENTO at SAN ANTONIO
SACRAMENTO: 14-25 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders
SAN ANTONIO: 24-11 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games
DENVER at DALLAS
DENVER: 5-2 ATS off a home loss
DALLAS: 1-4 ATS as a home underdog
LA LAKERS at GOLDEN STATE
LA LAKERS: 3-11 ATS after having won 15 or more of their last 20 games
GOLDEN STATE: 27-12 ATS in home games after scoring 105 points or more
Wednesday's NBA Trends
By Bruce Marshall
New York at Philadelphia...The Knicks have given the Sixers some trouble lately, covering five of last six in series. Entering tonight, New York has also covered three of its last four games after dropping its previous six vs. the number. Five of the last six are also "under" between these two Eastern rivals, although must note that up-tempo New York is now "over" seven in a row prior to this evening’s contest.
Washington at Indiana...Indiana backers might be encouraged by the fact the favored team has covered the first three series meetings this season. Washington, however, arguably in the midst of its best patch of form all season, winning and covering three straight (for the first time this season!) and five of its last six overall. The Wizards are also "under" 13-7 in their last 20 games.
Cleveland at Toronto...In the two previous meetings this season, Toronto has partially avenged thee many beating it used to absorb from Cleveland before LeBron moved to Miami; Cavs had won 15 of last 18 in series entering this season, but Raptors have emphatically won and covered first two in the current campaign. Cleveland, a winner last night vs. Charlotte, has not won consecutive games since early November, but has not been an automatic go-against vs. the number after recent victories (34 vs. spread after last seven SU wins). Conflicting "totals" trends; Toronto "over" 6-1 its last 7, but Cavs "under" 12-4 their last 16 overall.
Orlando at Charlotte...Orlando has mostly controlled this series since a year ago, winning 10 of last 11 meetings (including first round of East playoffs last April) and all three this season, although Charlotte has covered two of those three in current campaign. Magic enters this one on a point-spread slide, however, dropping 10 of last 11 vs. number, and Orlando just 12-18 as road chalk this season. "Unders" also 6-1-1 in last eight meetings between Magic and Bobcats.
Milwaukee at Miami...Miami has won the first three vs. Milwaukee this season, covering two of those, somewhat reversing last year’s series trend when Bucks won and covered three of four. Heat have also won and covered their last three entering tonight, but they have been subpar home chalk this season, dropping 23 of 37 vs. line as a favorite at American Airlines Arena. Meanwhile, Bucks have covered their last four and 12 of their last 17, although their pursuit of the final East play off spot looks as if it will fall short.
New Jersey at Detroit...Auburn Hills has not been a favorite destination lately for New Jersey, which has lost 11 of its last 12 SU at The Palace and has covered just once of its last six visits. The Nets have also covered just 3 of their last 12 games overall, and stand only 14-22 as a road dog this season. Meanwhile, Detroit hasn’t been too bad as home chalk (8-6), and covering their last three in role. These two are also both "over" in their last four games.
Houston at New Orleans...This is probably Houston’s last gasp to stay alive in the West playoff race. Curious series trends this season between these two, with the road underdog winning outright in each of the three previous meetings.
Phoenix at Minnesota...Phoenix has won outright in its last four visits to the Target Center, and Minnesota not much as a home dog this season, standing just 9-16 in role. Someone is also going to have to win this game, which looks to be a chore for both of these teams that are quite victory-starved lately (Suns dropping 6 of last 7 SU, and T-wolves losing 11 in a row).
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City...Blake Griffin returns to his old stomping grounds, where he starred not long ago for the Oklahoma Sooners in nearby Norman. Definite home-court edge between these two this season, with host team winning and covering first three this season. Note Thunder now "under" 11-3 last 14 after going that way again last night at Denver, and Clips "under" 7-4 their last 11 outings
Sacramento at San Antonio...Although it appears too late to save the franchise in the River City, Sac-town is playing some of its best ball of the season lately, winning and covering six of its last eight. Meanwhile, Spurs appear to have shaken their recent slump, winning and covering their last two after dropping their previous six games outright. San Antonio had also gone "over" 7 in a row prior to last night’s "under" at Atlanta, though Kings have gone “under" in their last 4 and 8 of their last 12.
Denver at Dallas...This pair hasn’t faced each other since the trade deadline when Denver remade its roster. Previously, the road ‘dog had covered the three meetings this season. Despite last night’s loss vs. Thunder, Nuggets still 17-3-1 vs. line their last 21 on board, while Mavs back home after losing and failing to cover their last three on recent extended road trip. Note Denver continuing to trend "under" (5-0 last 5 and 14-3 last 17) since the Carmelo Anthony trade, confirming improved defense.
LA Lakers at Golden State...We haven’t had to worry all that much lately about how the Lakers fare off a defeat, but now that Phil Jackson’s crew is off two straight losses, it’s worth noting that LA is just 3-5 vs. the number after its last right straight-up defeats. And though the Lake Show usually beats up Golden State, winning 12 in a row vs. the Warriors, LA has covered only 3 of 7 in the series since a year ago. Lakers only 3-6 vs. number last nine on board entering tonight, and both of these teams trending "under" (Lakers that way all season, now "under" 47-28, while Golden State "under" 4 of last 5 and 7 of last 10).