Weekly Notes - East
By Chris David
1) Cleveland
Weekly Recap - The Cavaliers opened up the second-half of the season with three losses, both straight up and against the spread. And the team found out starting center Shaquille O'Neal (thumb) won't return until the postseason. Despite the adversity, the Cavs ripped off six straight wins (4-2) before giving LeBron James a break last Saturday. Sure enough, the winning streak was stopped at Milwaukee (85-92) on Saturday.
Weekly Outlook - Cleveland hosts San Antonio on Monday in what looks like a solid non-conference battle. However, head coach Mike Brown hinted that LeBron could skip this one as well, so he can rest. Keep in mind that the Spurs just lost point guard Tony Parker (hand) last week to injury. After this clash, the Cavs visit the 76ers on Friday then host Boston in a nationally televised game on Sunday afternoon from Quicken Loans Arena.
2) Orlando
Weekly Recap - The Magic continue to show why they should be reckoned with come the postseason after going 4-0 last week. Three of the wins came by double digits albeit against the 76ers (126-105), Warriors (117-90) and Nets (97-87). While those were solid, Orlando's 96-94 win on Sunday against the Lakers was much better. The team went 2-2 ATS and the 'under' was 3-1.
Weekly Outlook - Four more tilts on tap for Orlando this week and three come at home against the Clippers, Bulls and Bobcats. The one road trip has the team visiting Washington on Saturday, which will be front end of a back-to-back spot. The game against Charlotte on Sunday will be on zero days rest. Total players should note that seven of the last eight for Orlando have gone 'under' the number.
3) Boston
Weekly Recap - The Celtics quietly posted a 4-0 record last week but that could've been 3-1 if the team didn't rally past Washington (86-83) at home on Sunday. Boston went 3-1 ATS and the 'under' went 3-1 in the four contests. Two of the wins came on the road, which improved the team's record to 22-10 away from home on the season.
Weekly Outlook - Boston's week starts on Tuesday with a road battle against the red-hot Bucks. Right after this test, the Celtics host the Grizzlies on zero days rest. Friday's home contest against Indiana could be a look-ahead spot with a Sunday afternoon matchup at Cleveland on deck.
4) Atlanta
Weekly Recap - The Hawks had a very productive week, which started with a 24-point (116-92) win at Chicago. Atlanta stayed hot at home with a pair of wins against the 76ers (112-93) and Warriors (127-122). The offense wound up stalling in the lone setback at Miami (94-100), but total players watched the 'over' go 4-0 during this stretch.
Weekly Outlook - Atlanta has a chance to make a move with three games scheduled against teams with losing records. Even though contests against the Knicks and Wizards are on the road, both are winnable. The lone home tilt this week will happen Saturday, when Detroit comes to Philips Arena. All of the contests are separated by at least one day of rest.
5) Toronto
Weekly Recap - The Raptors only played three games last week, two without All-Star Chris Bosh, and they went 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS. Bosh returned on Sunday but the team still fell to the 76ers (101-114). Gamblers fading Toronto have been making a killing at the ticket counter lately, since its mired in a 0-8 ATS skid.
Weekly Outlook - Toronto better find a way to right the ship quickly because this week's slate is brutal. The team heads to the West Coast for a pair of back-to-back showdowns. Starting Tuesday, the Raptors face an angry Lakers club before visiting the Kings the next night. After a couple days off, Toronto visits Golden State and Portland over the weekend.
6) Milwaukee
Weekly Recap - Milwaukee entered this week on a 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS run and they kept the ball rolling. The Bucks went 3-0 both SU and ATS, with a pair of the wins coming against the Wizards and the other victory against Cleveland (92-85), who didn't have LeBron James in the lineup. The Bucks have covered 10 straight and they own a 21-3 ATS mark the last two dozen games. Scott Skiles should garner Coach of the Year accolades just for those numbers.
Weekly Outlook - The Bucks will get three more tests at home this week, the first coming on Tuesday against Boston. Then, Utah visits the Bradley Center on Friday before the team closes the week in a Sunday matinee versus Indiana. The last loss both SU and ATS for the Bucks happened on Feb. 17, when Houston earned a 129-117 road victory behind 16 bombs from 3-point land.
7) Miami
Weekly Recap - Miami's topsy-turvy season continued this past week as gamblers watched the club post a 3-0 record at home (2-1 ATS). The Heat's 114-111 overtime victory over the Lakers gave the team some confidence and they didn't have a letdown against Atlanta (100-94) two days later either. The 'over' cashed in all three tilts.
Weekly Outlook - After a big test in Charlotte on Tuesday, the Heat have to host the Clippers on Wednesday. Miami catches a day off and then finishes the week with Chicago on Friday and Philadelphia on Saturday at home.
8) Chicago
Weekly Recap - The Bulls started the second-half of the season with a 6-2 run but injuries have taken a toll and the competition has picked up. Chicago went 0-3 both SU and ATS last week and all three losses came at home. The loss of Joakim Noah (foot) has shown up on the defensive end, with the Bulls surrendering 100-plus in all three setbacks. The 'over' went 2-1.
Weekly Outlook - Chicago could have trouble snapping the losing skid this week with Utah visiting on Tuesday before a two-game roadie to Florida. The Bulls face the Magic on TNT this Thursday and then meet the Heat in South Beach on zero days rest. In the last 23 games for Chicago, gamblers have only needed to pick the winner. If the Bulls won they covered and if they lost, the extra points didn't matter.
9) Charlotte
Weekly Recap - If the playoffs started today, the Bobcats would be the odd team out. Larry Brown's troops continues to define inconsistency and last week's 2-2 ledger proved that. After almost beating Dallas (84-89) at home, the club was clobbered at Boston (80-104). Then, Charlotte rebounds with solid wins over the Lakers (98-83) and then the Warriors (101-90) on zero days rest.
Weekly Outlook - Tuesday's battle versus Miami should have a playoff atmosphere and would be a huge win for the Bobcats, who already beat the Heat twice this season. After this matchup, LB and company head to the 76ers the very next night. The Clippers visit on Friday and then the Bobcats travel to the Magic on Sunday. The way the season has played, don't be surprised to see the 'Cats beat the pair from the Sunshine State and then lose to the clubs under .500.
10) Philadelphia
Weekly Recap - The 76ers started the week with three consecutive losses by double digits but closed with an impressive 114-101 win at Toronto on Sunday. Philadelphia gave up 100-plus in three of the four, which helped the 'over' go 3-1.
Weekly Outlook - Philly plays two games on the road and two at home this week. A back-to-back starts at Indiana on Tuesday and finishes at home versus Charlotte on Wednesday. The Cavs visit Friday before they conclude the week in South Beach versus Miami.
11) Washington
Weekly Recap - The talent level for the Wizards is starting to show and it was evident last week. Flip Saunders and company went 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS. The three-point loss (83-86) at Boston watched the Wizards get outscored by seven in the final 12 minutes. The 'under' cashed in all three games and is on a 6-1 run for Washington, who can't buy a shot lately.
Weekly Outlook - The Wizards look like their in for more trouble this week with four games, and three of them happen over three days. After playing Houston at home on Tuesday, the Wizards play the Hawks, Pistons and Magic in consecutive nights. The battle for Atlanta is a make-up game from Feb. 6 when severe snowstorms hit the Washington area.
12) New York
Weekly Recap - The Knicks have become hit or miss lately and last week was a big miss. The club went 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS, which included a demoralizing home loss to New Jersey (93-113). New York gave up 100-plus points in all four encounters, yet the total still went 2-2.
Weekly Outlook - After hosting Atlanta from Madison Square Garden, the Knicks play five straight on the road. A trip to San Antonio on Wednesday is followed with two games in two nights starting Friday at Memphis and ending in Dallas on Saturday.
13) Detroit
Weekly Recap - The Pistons went 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS last week, with the lone victory coming at home against Houston (110-107) in overtime. Friday's loss at Cleveland (92-99) was closer than the final score but the team folded late. Starting point-guard Rodney Stuckey (head) collapsed in the loss due to dizziness and his status is undetermined at this time.
Weekly Outlook - Detroit has three contests this week, two coming at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Utah visits Wednesday before Washington comes to town on Friday. After the Wizards, the club heads to Atlanta for a game on zero days rest.
14) Indiana
Weekly Recap - Indiana played four games last week and they lost all four but Jim O'Brien's team did get better as the trip moved along. After losing by exactly 23 points to the Lakers (99-122) and Trail Blazers (79-102) earlier in the week, the Pacers earned covers in setbacks against the Nuggets (114-122) and Suns (105-113). The total went 2-2 but should've gone 3-1 if Indiana's offense didn't collapse late against Phoenix.
Weekly Outlook - The Pacers will look to get back on track this week when they host Philadelphia on Tuesday. After two days of rest, the team heads back on the road for a battle against Boston on Friday and then at Milwaukee on Sunday.
15) New Jersey
Weekly Recap - As expected the Nets started the month with back-to-back losses at home to Cleveland (92-111) and Orlando (87-97). Fortunately, New Jersey closed the week strong with a 20-point win (113-93) against cross-town rival New York. The victory came at Madison Square Garden and the second time this season the Nets beat the Knicks.
Weekly Outlook - The celebration could end rather quickly for the Nets, since the team embarks on a tough four-game road trip. After meeting Memphis on Monday, the team faces the sizzling Mavericks on Wednesday. New Jersey concludes the week with a back-to-back set at Oklahoma City and Houston, which begins Friday.
Weekly Notes - West
By Kevin Rogers
1 - Lakers
Weekly Rewind: The Champs rolled the Pacers to begin the week as 11 ½-point favorites, 122-99, but the trip through the Southeast Division turned into a disastrous one. The Lakers fell at Miami, Charlotte, and Orlando, but managed a cover against the Magic as 2 ½-point underdogs, despite a 96-94 setback.
Weekly Outlook: The Lakers return to Staples Center on Tuesday to host the Raptors, looking to avenge a late January loss at Toronto. Los Angeles begins a three-game road trip within the division on Friday, traveling to Phoenix for the final regular season meeting with the Suns. The home team has taken the first three matchups, as the Suns torched the Lakers in their meeting in the Valley in late December, 118-103.
2 - Mavericks
Weekly Rewind: Dallas remains on fire after picking up its 11th straight victory on Saturday at Chicago. The Mavs rallied past the Bobcats as road underdogs, then failed to cover in home victories over the Wolves and Kings. The 'over' has been nailed in six of their last seven games, while playing the last two games without Jason Terry, who suffered an orbital fracture against Minnesota.
Weekly Outlook: This is basically a show-up week for Rick Carlisle's club. The Mavs can show up and be riding a 14-game hot streak by next Sunday. Dallas heads to Minnesota on Monday, before returning home for four games. The Mavs host the Nets on Wednesday and the Knicks on Saturday, however, Dallas is 2-22 ATS the last 24 in the role of a home favorite.
3 - Nuggets
Weekly Rewind: After running out of gas in a 101-85 loss at Phoenix to start the week, Denver's offense reloaded in three straight home victories over Oklahoma City, Indiana, and Portland. The Nuggets covered easily in the wins against division opponents, while finishing 'over' the total in the last three games.
Weekly Outlook: George Karl's squad hits the road for a four-game trip beginning Wednesday in Minnesota against the Wolves. Denver heads to New Orleans on Friday, then makes the quick turnaround on Saturday to Memphis, trying to avenge a six-point loss to the Grizzlies in late December.
4 - Jazz
Weekly Rewind: Utah captured two of three games, including a huge comeback victory at Phoenix, 116-108 as two-point 'dogs. The Jazz split a pair of games with the Clippers, as the home team won each time, including a 107-85 blowout of Los Angeles in Salt Lake City as 14-point favorites.
Weekly Outlook: The Jazz heads to the Midwest this week, starting with a matchup in Chicago on Tuesday against the Bulls. Jerry Sloan's club travels to Detroit with no rest on Wednesday, prior to a Friday meeting in Milwaukee with the Bucks. Utah wraps up the week with a division showdown in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
5 - Suns
Weekly Rewind: Phoenix is still on fire, while trying to finish in the top half of the Western Conference. The Suns are 14-4 SU/ATS the last 18 games, including a 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS week. Alvin Gentry's team ran out both the Nuggets and Clippers before falling to the Jazz. Phoenix outlasted Indiana, 113-105, but failed to cover as 13-point home 'chalk.'
Weekly Outlook: The Suns continue their seven-game homestand, but they don't take the court again until Friday against the Lakers. Phoenix wraps up the long week with New Orleans on Sunday, as the Suns look to beat the Hornets for a third time this season.
6 - Thunder
Weekly Rewind: Oklahoma City took care of its business with a pair of wins over Sacramento, while knocking off the Clippers. The Thunder felt the high altitude with a 29-point loss at Denver with no rest, allowing a season-high 119 points.
Weekly Outlook: The Thunder comes home for three games this week, starting with the Hornets on Wednesday. New Jersey invades OKC on Friday, prior to a meeting with Utah on Sunday. OKC is 2-0 against Utah this season, but the Jazz covered at the Ford Center on New Year's Eve in an 87-86 loss.
7 - Spurs
Weekly Rewind: San Antonio is catching fire, owning a four-game winning streak, including a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS week. The Spurs took care of their divisional business, sweeping the Hornets and downing the Grizzlies on the road. The victory at Memphis did come at a price, with point guard Tony Parker likely out the next six weeks with a broken hand.
Weekly Outlook: The Spurs head to Cleveland on Monday for their first meeting this season, as San Antonio is 4-2 ATS the last six as a road underdog. San Antonio returns home on Wednesday to host New York, before a quick trip to Minnesota on Friday. The Spurs entertain the Clippers on Saturday, as both teams will play with no rest, while L.A. wraps up a four game in five night stretch.
8 - Blazers
Weekly Rewind: Portland wrapped up a five-game road trip at 4-1 SU/ATS with a comeback victory at Memphis, 103-93. The Blazers returned to the Rose Garden with a 102-79 blowout of the Pacers, but Portland was tripped up in Denver to finish off the week in a 12-point setback.
Weekly Outlook: The Blazers play four times this week, starting with three matchups against Pacific Division foes. Portland hosts Sacramento on Tuesday, followed by a two-game trip through Northern California against the Warriors (Thursday) and Kings (Friday). Portland comes back home on Sunday to battle Toronto, as the Raptors will be playing with no rest.
9 - Rockets
Weekly Rewind: It was an up-and-down week for the Rockets, alternating wins and losses in four games. Houston ran out Toronto as six-point home favorites, but slipped up two nights later as 7 ½-point 'chalk' against the Kings, losing outright to Sacramento, 84-81. The Rockets split a road back-to-back set with a win at Minnesota, followed by an overtime loss at Detroit.
Weekly Outlook: The Rockets wrap up their three-game road trip on Tuesday in Washington, as Houston is 3-0 SU/ATS the last three off a loss. The short week concludes on Saturday at home against the Nets, but the Rockets are just 2-11 ATS the previous 13 as favorites at the Toyota Center.
10 - Grizzlies
Weekly Rewind: Memphis sandwiched in a pair of road victories over New Orleans and Chicago, surrounded by home losses to Portland and San Antonio. Following the setback to the Spurs, the Grizzlies are on a disappointing 0-7 ATS run as home favorites.
Weekly Outlook: The Grizzlies will be busy with four contests, including the first three against Eastern foes. Memphis hosts New Jersey on Monday, trying to win its first home game since February 1. The Grizzlies travel to Boston on Wednesday, prior to a back-to-back home set against the Knicks (Friday) and Nuggets (Saturday).
11 - Hornets
Weekly Rewind: New Orleans is suddenly coming apart at the seams, falling in six of its last seven games. The Hornets dropped all three games this past week against division opponents, losing to the Spurs twice and a four-point home decision to the Grizzlies. The defense for the Hornets has cost them dearly during this cold streak, allowing over 100 points in each of the five losses.
Weekly Outlook: The Warriors invade the Big Easy on Monday, as Golden State concludes a five-game road trip. The Hornets make the trek to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, with the road team winning each of the first two meetings. Jeff Bower's club hosts the Nuggets on Friday, followed by a trip to Phoenix on Sunday, the start of a five-game trip for New Orleans.
12 - Clippers
Weekly Rewind: Los Angeles upended Utah as home underdogs to start the week, 108-104. The Clips remembered who they were for the remainder of the week, falling in three straight losses to the Suns, Thunder, and Jazz. Following the loss at Utah, the Clips are now 0-5 SU/ATS the last five on the road.
Weekly Outlook: The Clippers' family truckster heads east for four games in five nights starting Tuesday in Orlando. L.A. stays in the Sunshine State on Wednesday to battle the Heat, prior to a back-to-back in Charlotte (Friday) and San Antonio (Saturday) to conclude the trip.
13 - Kings
Weekly Rewind: Prior to Sunday's home loss to Oklahoma City, Sacramento cashed in five straight games for the second time this season. The Kings finished a three-game trip through the southwest at 1-2 SU, but 3-0 ATS with covers against the Thunder, Rockets, and Mavs.
Weekly Outlook: Sacramento travels north to Portland on Tuesday, trying to avenge a seven-point loss at the Rose Garden on December 15. The Kings come back to Arco Arena on Wednesday to start a five-game homestand with the Raptors. The Blazers battle the Kings for a second time this week on Friday, followed by a Sunday contest with the Wolves.
14 - Warriors
Weekly Rewind: Golden State's East Coast trip has been a winless one so far, with losses in four of the first five games. The Warriors managed covers at Miami and Atlanta, but fell short of cashing at Orlando and Charlotte. Golden State is still playing a bit undermanned, with leading scorer Monta Ellis missing the trip with a sore back.
Weekly Outlook: The road trip concludes in New Orleans on Monday, as the Warriors are 9-3 ATS the last 12 away from Oracle Arena. Golden State returns to the Bay Area on Thursday to start a four-game homestand with Portland. The Warriors wrap up this week with the first meeting against the Raptors this season on Saturday.
15 - Timberwolves
Weekly Rewind: It's been tough times for the Wolves, dropping 11 of 12, including both games this week. Minnesota played without center Al Jefferson in losses to Dallas and Houston, as the big man was suspended following a DWI arrest. The Wolves have allowed at least 109 points in each of the last four games, but did cover in the loss to the Mavs as 13-point road 'dogs.
Weekly Outlook: Minnesota is in for another long week, playing three games at home against solid Western Conference opponents. The Wolves host the Mavs on Monday, followed by the Nuggets on Wednesday and Spurs on Friday. Kurt Rambis' squad heads back on the road on Sunday for a four-game trip that starts in Sacramento against the Kings.