Weekly Notes - East
By Chris David
1) Orlando
Weekly Rewind: After losing a heartbreaker to the Heat (98-99) to start the week, the Magic bounced back with three straight victories on the road, including an impressive 93-76 win over Atlanta on Thanksgiving. The ‘over’ went 3-1 during this span.
Weekly Outlook: The Magic wrap up a quick home-and-home set with New York on Wednesday before starting a four-game road trip against the Western Conference on Saturday in Utah. Make a note that the Magic are 2-1 versus the West this season.
2) Boston
Weekly Rewind: The Celtics completed a perfect 3-0 week with a 92-85 road victory against Miami on Sunday. Boston now owns a 6-1 record on the road and it’s 8-0 this year when it holds opponents under 90 points or less.
Weekly Outlook: Boston has three games on tap this week, all on the road too. On Tuesday, they’ll face a surging Charlotte team before starting a back-to-back set against San Antonio and Oklahoma City on Thursday. The Celtics are 4-1 against clubs from the Western Conference this year.
3) Atlanta
Weekly Rewind: Are the Hawks coming back to life? They were well rested (five days) on Turkey Day but still fell apart at home in a loss to Orlando (76-93). Fortunately, they bounced back on Friday against Philadelphia (100-86) but were then caught napping as a road favorite against Detroit (88-94). Make a note that the Hawks are 3-3 ATS as road favorites, which is decent, but 3-0 ATS as road underdogs.
Weekly Outlook: Tough stretch for Atlanta this week with three games slated over four days. The first two will be at home against the Raptors and Knicks. Then, they’ll get tested with zero days rest on Saturday at Dallas. Remember the ‘dog trend above and keep in mind that Atlanta is 6-2 against the West so far.
4) Cleveland
Weekly Rewind: Even though the schedule hasn’t reached the quarter pole yet, it’s safe to say that the Cavaliers will be no worse than a three-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs because of their division. Cleveland went 2-1 both SU and ATS last week, and the ‘over’ went 2-1 as well.
Weekly Outlook: Shaquille O’Neal meets his former team on Wednesday when the Cavs host the Suns. After Shaq looks for revenge, the team will take that mindset into Friday’s home matchup versus Chicago, who edged the Cavs 86-85 on Nov. 5. Cleveland starts a three-game road trip on Sunday at Milwaukee.
5) Miami
Weekly Rewind: Just when we thought Miami was going to turn the corner after rallying past Orlando for a 99-98 road victory last Friday, the team falls apart. Consecutive losses at home to Washington (84-94) and Boston (85-92) are telling signs of mediocrity. The team is 0-6 ATS in its last six at American Airlines Arena.
Weekly Outlook: Eric Spolestra and the Heat will embark on their first road trip of the year and it’s going to take a monster effort just to break even. The club meets Portland on Tuesday before facing the Nuggets and Lakers on Thursday and Friday. The only winnable game on paper will be at Sacramento on Sunday. The Heat are 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS versus the West.
6) Milwaukee
Weekly Rewind: The Bucks started the season 8-3 and everybody was talking about rookie point guard Brandon Jennings. The kid is still going to be great but the rest of the team is lacking depth and it showed last week. Even though Michael Redd returned, Milwaukee went 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS. Two of the setbacks were by double digits and the other two by a combined five points. Head coach Scott Skiles is known for his defense but it was lacking during this stretch, as the team gave up an average of 105.5 points per game.
Weekly Outlook: Milwaukee still sits in second place of the Central and that’s the focus on this week’s schedule. Four games on tap this week and three are against divisional opponents. Chicago and Cleveland come to the Bradley Center and the road tilt is at Detroit. Fortunately, none of the games will be on zero days rest.
7) Charlotte
Weekly Rewind: Don’t look now folks but the Charlotte Bobcats have won four in a row, including three last week. And more importantly, they covered every game during this stretch. Wins against the Raptors and Wizards won’t have the ‘Cats bragging but a 94-87 home victory against Cleveland last Friday was impressive. The offense is finally coming around and it showed over the last four tilts (101.5 PPG).
Weekly Outlook: The Bobcats can stick their chest out a little further on Tuesday when Boston comes to town. After this battle, the team plays two games in two nights starting Thursday at New Jersey and ending against Philadelphia on Friday from Charlotte.
8) Indiana
Weekly Rewind: The Pacers snapped a four-game losing skid on Wednesday by defeating the Clippers (86-73) but they couldn’t sustain the momentum two nights later in a loss to Dallas (92-113). Indiana is 6-8 both SU and ATS. We mention those numbers because when the team wins, they cover and vice versa. If they’re catching points, a money-line play might be a better investment if you fancy the club.
Weekly Outlook: Indiana heads to the West Coast as well this week, playing four games in five days but the matchups don’t appear to be too tough – on paper. They start Monday at Golden State and catch a day off before meeting Sacramento at ARCO. Then, the Pacers close with a back-to-back situation on Friday and Saturday against the Jazz and Clippers.
9) Chicago
Weekly Rewind: The Bulls were officially on holiday last week and it showed. The team only had two games to play and they were blown out by double digits to both the Trail Blazers (122-98) and the Jazz (105-86). The offensive woes continue in the Windy City and the repercussions of losing Ben Gordon (Detroit) are showing. Chicago has only busted the century mark once this season.
Weekly Outlook: Chicago has two games (Bucks, Cavs) on the road this week and two games at home (Pistons, Raptors). With the “Circus Trip” officially ending on Monday, gamblers might want to back the Bulls at home, where they’ve gone 4-1 this season.
10) Toronto
Weekly Rewind: The issue with the Raptors the past few seasons has been their defense and nothing is changing for the lone club out of Canada. Toronto went 1-3 both SU and ATS last week and all of the losses were by double digits. The team gave up 112, 116, 116 and 113. Three of the four went ‘over’ the number.
Weekly Outlook: The schedule makers were unkind to Toronto this week. The team will have to play four games in five nights and three are on the road. Fortunately, only one of the contests will be against a team (Atlanta) that owns a winning record.
11) Detroit
Weekly Rewind: The Pistons snapped a seven-game losing streak on Sunday when it beat Atlanta 94-88 at home. Despite the win, the latest skid put the team in a serious hole and they now sit in last place of the Central Division.
Weekly Outlook: Detroit has an opportunity to get back on track this week with three winnable games. A road test at Chicago on Wednesday is followed by home games against the Bucks and Wizards. The Palace was once a tough place to play, but the Pistons are just 4-4 at home this year.
12) Philadelphia
Weekly Rewind: The 76ers are in trouble, so much that they’re actually thinking about bringing Allen Iverson back to the team. I think somebody needs to tell them that AI doesn’t play much “D” anymore and that’s the problem. Last week, the club gave up an average of 104.5 PPG in four games, which resulted in a 0-4 SU and 2-2 ATS mark.
Weekly Outlook: Eddie Jordan and his troops have three more games on the road this week and they’ll be underdogs in everyone. Dallas will catch them with no rest on Monday and then Oklahoma City gets a shot to beat them on Wednesday. Then, if AI rejoins the team, he could face his former coach Larry Brown and the Bobcats on Saturday.
13) Washington
Weekly Rewind: The Wizards went 2-1 last week, but only 1-2 ATS. The offense continues to be inconsistent and last week was no different. The club scored 108 and 94, but then put up a 76-spot in a loss to Charlotte. The ‘under’ went 2-1 over this stretch.
Weekly Outlook: Washington has some winnable games on tap this week. They face a back-to-back situation starting on Tuesday against Toronto and Milwaukee. The Wizards then catch the Raptors on Friday before heading to The Palace of Auburn Hills for a showdown with Detroit on Sunday.
14) New York
Weekly Rewind: As expected, New York was humbled in its three-game road trip out West. The team was winless but it did manage to go 2-1 ATS. Surprisingly, the worst defeat came against Sacramento (97-111). The team returned home on Sunday and was blasted by Orlando (102-114). The total went 2-2 in the four games.
Weekly Outlook: It’s a busy week for the Knicks, who host the Suns on Tuesday before traveling down to Orlando on Wednesday. After that contest, N.Y. visits Atlanta on Friday before hosting the Nets on Sunday. Even though the Knicks are 2-5 SU in their last seven games, they are 5-2 ATS.
15) New Jersey
Weekly Rewind: The Nets lost their 17th consecutive game on Sunday after firing head coach Lawrence Frank. The 0-17 start ties the NBA’s worst start in league history. The team concluded the week 1-3 ATS in their four losses and the ‘under’ went 1-3. New Jersey has eclipsed the century mark once this year, which has helped the ‘under’ go 14-3.
Weekly Outlook: Will the streak be broken this week. The Nets will have two opportunities at home against Dallas and Charlotte. Then, they’ll face New York at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, which could be the best opportunity to win.
Weekly Notes - West
By Kevin Rogers
1 - Phoenix Suns
Weekly Rewind: The Suns have continued to stay on fire, as Phoenix won all three games this week, and have taken six of seven. The Suns scored a season-high 126 points in a Wednesday victory over the Grizzlies. Phoenix began a four-game road trip with wins over the Timberwolves and Raptors.
Weekly Outlook: Alvin Gentry's squad has a full week, playing four times. The Suns head to New York on Tuesday, then take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. Phoenix returns home for one game Saturday to host Sacramento, prior to a Sunday trip to Los Angeles to battle the Lakers.
2 - Los Angeles Lakers
Weekly Rewind: The Purple and Gold took care of its business against weak competition, beating the Knicks, Warriors, and Nets. The Lakers are 8-3 ATS the last 11 games after starting the season 0-5 ATS.
Weekly Outlook: Los Angeles continues a six-game homestand, as the Lakers have three games on the slate this week. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers host the Hornets on Tuesday, the Heat on Friday, and the Suns on Sunday.
3 - Denver Nuggets
Weekly Rewind: The Nuggets finished the week 3-1, but the final game will sting. Denver blew a 17-point lead in a 106-100 home loss to Minnesota on Sunday, as the T'wolves snapped a 15-game losing skid. The Nuggets did win at Minnesota on Wednesday, while also picking up victories over New Jersey and New York.
Weekly Outlook: The Nuggets have an opportunity to bounce back with a pair of home games, entertaining the Warriors on Tuesday and the Heat on Thursday. Denver begins a four-game road trip on Saturday that starts in San Antonio.
4 - Dallas Mavericks
Weekly Rewind: The Mavs were busy, playing four games in five nights. Dallas split the four games both SU and ATS, picking up road victories at Houston and Indiana. The Mavs stubbed their toe as 13-point home favorites in a loss to the Warriors, while running out of gas in a 111-95 defeat at Cleveland.
Weekly Outlook: Things won't slow down for Rick Carlisle's team, as the Mavs play four more games this week. Dallas hosts Philadelphia on Monday, before a mini two-game road swing to 0-17 New Jersey on Wednesday and Memphis on Friday. The Mavs come home Saturday for a nice test against the Hawks.
5 - Portland Trailblazers
Weekly Rewind: The Blazers started the week strong, blowing out the Bulls and Nets. Portland slipped up on Friday, falling to Memphis as 11 ½-point home 'chalk.' The Blazers went to Utah on no rest and were run out by the Jazz, 108-92.
Weekly Outlook: Portland comes back to the Rose Garden for just two games this week. The Heat invades Oregon on Tuesday, before the Blazers host the Rockets on Saturday. Portland and Houston have split two meetings this season, with the home team winning and covering each time.
6 - San Antonio Spurs
Weekly Rewind: The Spurs are slowly heating up, winning five straight, including all four this past week. San Antonio stopped Milwaukee on Monday, then beat Golden State on Wednesday, as the Warriors were coming off a huge win at Dallas on Tuesday. The Spurs won their first road game this season, beating the Rockets on Friday, 92-84. San Antonio finished the week strong by knocking off Philadelphia, but did not cover as 12 ½-point home favorites.
Weekly Outlook: The Spurs get a well-deserved break, as Gregg Popovich's team returns to the court on Thursday for a nationally-televised home contest against the Celtics. Things don't ease up on Saturday, as the Nuggets head to the Alamo for their first meeting this season against the Spurs.
7 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Weekly Rewind: The Thunder has found a way to be consistently inconsistent this season. Oklahoma City has lost three straight once, while not winning three in a row at any time, but the Thunder are still above .500. The Thunder picked up a solid victory at Utah on Tuesday, before returning home to down Milwaukee on Friday. Oklahoma City slipped up on Sunday, falling at the Ford Center to Houston.
Weekly Outlook: Kevin Durant and the Thunder continue a season-long five-game homestand with two games this week. Oklahoma City hosts a pair of Atlantic Division foes, taking on Philadelphia on Tuesday and Boston on Friday.
8 - Utah Jazz
Weekly Rewind: After a disappointing loss to the Thunder on Tuesday, the Jazz rebounded with a pair of home victories over the Bulls and Blazers. Following a 4-6 start to the season, Utah has won five of six, while covering six of its last eight.
Weekly Outlook: The Jazz continue their home-cooking, wrapping up a six-game homestand against the Grizzlies on Monday and Pacers on Friday. Utah travels to Minnesota on Saturday, its first road game since November 19 at San Antonio.
9 - Houston Rockets
Weekly Rewind: The Rockets began the week as a bit of a train-wreck, losing by 31 at home to Dallas. Houston was then tripped up by San Antonio on Friday, but the Rockets redeemed themselves with a nine-point victory at Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Weekly Outlook: Houston continues a four-game roadie, returning to the court for a pair of games in California starting Wednesday. The Rockets battle the Clippers, then head to Oakland on Thursday to take on the Warriors. Houston travels north to Portland on Saturday, playing a Blazers team that will have three days to prepare for this game.
10 - New Orleans Hornets
Weekly Rewind: Life without Chris Paul hasn't been that bad for the Hornets, as New Orleans is 4-3 SU and 5-2 ATS with its star point guard on the mend with an ankle injury. The Hornets were in action only twice, rallying to upend the Bucks in overtime on Wednesday, prior to losing at Sacramento on Sunday.
Weekly Outlook: It's another slow week for New Orleans, as the Hornets take the court just twice. New Orleans heads to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers Tuesday, before going back home to entertain the 2-15 Timberwolves on Friday.
11 - Sacramento Kings
Weekly Rewind: Home is where the heart is for the Kings, who improved to 7-2 SU/ATS at Arco Arena with a three-game sweep at home this week. Sacramento began the week falling at Memphis, but rebounded nicely with home victories over the Knicks, Nets, and Hornets. The Kings are now 9-2 ATS the last 11 games, including a 6-2 ATS mark as an underdog.
Weekly Outlook: Sacramento hits the hardwood three times this week, as the Pacers come to town on Wednesday. Following two days off, the Kings travel to Phoenix for a run-and-gun affair with the Suns on Saturday. The week wraps up Sunday at home, as the Heat finish up a four-game road swing in Sacramento.
12 - Los Angeles Clippers
Weekly Rewind: The Clippers finished a strong week with a 3-1 SU mark, holding off the T'wolves on Monday, before splitting a pair of games at Indiana and Detroit. L.A. came home Sunday and rallied past the Grizzlies, using a 33-7 run in the fourth quarter to win their third straight at Staples Center.
Weekly Outlook: The Clips are in the midst of a season-long six-game homestand, as L.A. has two games on the docket this week. The Clips host the Rockets on Wednesday, prior to a home contest with the Pacers on Saturday, as Indiana will be playing with no rest.
13 - Golden State Warriors
Weekly Rewind: The Warriors began the week on a good note, knocking off the Mavs on Tuesday with just six players, 111-103. Golden State ran out of gas the next night in San Antonio, then the Warriors got blasted at home by the Lakers, 130-97 on Saturday.
Weekly Outlook: Golden State takes the court four times this week, hosting Indiana on Monday, prior to a quick trip to Denver on Tuesday night. The Warriors come back home Thursday to battle the Rockets, then will be tested again Saturday night against the defending Eastern Conference champion Magic at Oracle Arena.
14 - Memphis Grizzlies
Weekly Rewind: Similarly to the Thunder, the Grizzlies have found ways to look good one night, then not look so hot the next night. Memphis has alternated wins and losses (both SU and ATS) the last six contests, as the Grizzlies went through a 2-2 week. Memphis knocked off Sacramento at home, then fell at Phoenix on Wednesday. The Grizzlies picked up probably their best road win all season at Portland on Friday, but then crumbled in the fourth quarter to the Clippers on Sunday.
Weekly Outlook: The Grizzlies head to Utah on Monday, before wrapping up their five-game road trip in Minnesota on Wednesday. It doesn't get easier when they return to Tennessee, as the Mavericks come to town on Friday.
15 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Weekly Rewind: The T'wolves actually had a positive week if you look at things in the proper perspective. Minnesota covered two of four games, including snapping a 15-game losing streak on Sunday by rallying past the Nuggets in Denver. Granted, the T'wolves lost to the Nuggets at home on Wednesday and were run out by the Suns on Friday, but this can be a good sign moving forward for Kurt Rambis' team.
Weekly Outlook: Minnesota catches Memphis on the final game of the Grizzlies' five-game road trip on Wednesday, as the T'wolves look for a season-high winning streak of two. The T'wolves travel to the Big Easy on Friday to battle the Hornets, before a home contest with no rest against the Jazz on Saturday.