Weekly Notes - East
By Chris David
1) Boston
Weekly Rewind: The Celtics extended their winning streak to 10 games last week with a perfect 3-0 record. Two of the victories were on the road albeit to the Wizards and Bulls. The team went 1-2 ATS in the three games, and the 'under' was 2-1.
Weekly Outlook: Boston concludes its three-game road trip on Monday at Memphis and then catches a three-day break. On Friday, the Celtics host Philadelphia and then welcome Minnesota on Sunday. Boston will most likely be laying double digits in the home contests and gamblers should make a note that Doc Rivers' team is just 2-6 ATS when favored by 10 or more this year.
2) Cleveland
Weekly Rewind: The Cavs played four games last week and wound up going 2-2, which included a loss in overtime. Unfortunately, gamblers who backed them saw the club go 1-3 versus the number. The total went 2-1-1.
Weekly Outlook: Mike Brown and company will face another four-game stretch this week and once again, the docket appears beatable. The club faces the Nets and Bucks at home but has road matchups against Philadelphia and Dallas. The game against the 76ers will be on zero days rest.
3) Orlando
Weekly Rewind: The Magic concluded their four-game West Coast trip this past week with a 2-2 ledger. Orlando was hoping to prove something but it couldn’t do so against the Nuggets (111-20) or the Suns (103-106). The totals were high in those contests and they both went ‘under’ the number.
Weekly Outlook: Orlando plays four games this week, all in Florida too. The Pacers and Raptors visit early in the week before the Magic meet Miami in South Beach on Thursday. Then, they catch the Trail Blazers on a long road trip on Saturday.
4) Atlanta
Weekly Rewind: The Hawks’ offense came to play last week, posting 118, 111 and 130 points. The defense wasn’t too shabby, holding teams to 83, 89 and 107 over this stretch. Those stats helped Atlanta produced a perfect 3-0 record both SU and ATS. The team enters the week on a four-game winning streak.
Weekly Outlook: Atlanta has a good shot to stay hot this week, with home games pending against Memphis and Utah at home. The sledding gets tough on Saturday when the club begins a four-game road trip in Chicago. And the game versus the Bulls will be on zero days rest. Atlanta should be a favorite in three of the four road tilts, but be on them if it’s catching points. The Hawks are 4-0 ATS as road ‘dogs this year.
5) Miami
Weekly Rewind: The Heat only had two games last week and the club failed to show up in either one. The Mavs coasted to a 106-93 win on Friday before Memphis earned a solid 118-90 victory on Sunday. The 'over' easily cashed in both games. The Heat are 2-5 SU and 0-7 ATS in their last seven at home and both wins came by one point each.
Weekly Outlook: With that being said, do you fade Miami this week at home or will the team turn it around? The club shouldn't have any excuses, with all the games separated by at least one day of rest. Toronto comes on Tuesday before Orlando on Thursday. The last game is on Sunday against Portland, who will be playing on zero days rest.
6) Detroit
Weekly Rewind: Detroit has been banged up all year but that hasn't slowed the club down at all. The Pistons enter this week with a five-game winning streak both SU and ATS. Last week, the club notched three of the wins and the Pistons were listed as underdogs in two of them. The 'under' went 2-1.
Weekly Outlook: We'll find out how good the Pistons are this week when they open up a three-game road trip against Southwest Division foes. Detroit meets Houston on Tuesday and then New Orleans the very next night. They finish up the trip on Friday at Oklahoma City. The Pistons have gone 3-8 SU and 6-4-1 ATS on the road.
7) Toronto
Weekly Rewind: The Raptors went 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS last week and the losses were ugly. The team fell to both the Bucks (95-117) and Hawks (89-111) by 22 points each. The 'under' wound up going 3-1.
Weekly Outlook: If the Raptors want to earn some respect they can do so on the road this week. The team heads to Florida for back-to-back showdowns against Miami and Orlando starting on Tuesday. They catch a break with the Nets on Friday and finish the week with an afternoon matinee at home on Sunday versus New Orleans.
8) Milwaukee
Weekly Rewind: The Bucks had lost seven of eight prior to last week's action. After opening with a loss at Boston (89-98) on Tuesday, Scott Skiles' team rebounded with home wins over Toronto (117-95) and Portland (108-101). The 'over' went 2-1.
Weekly Outlook: It's going to be tough to imagine the Bucks winning more than one game this week, especially with battles versus the Lakers and at the Cavaliers. Fortunately, they catch the Kings at home on Saturday but that will be on zero days rest. Nine of Milwaukee's 11 wins have come at the Bradley Center.
9) Charlotte
Weekly Rewind: The Bobcats had a tough slate last week and some might be surprised they actually earned a win, which came against Denver (107-95). The losses both came on the road to the Spurs (85-104) and Mavericks (97-98). The 'over' cashed in all three games.
Weekly Outlook: Larry Brown's squad won't get much rest this week with four games on deck and they're broken into a pair of back-to-back contests. The 'Cats face the Knicks and Pacers starting Tuesday. Then, Charlotte hosts Utah on Saturday and concludes a home-and-home series with New York at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
10) New York
Weekly Rewind: New York enters this week with a season-high four-game winning streak. The Knicks went 2-0 last week both SU and ATS, and both of the wins came against quality teams (Blazers, Hornets) from the West. Surprisingly, the Knicks’ shaky defense held both clubs below 100 points.
Weekly Outlook: It’s too early to say New York is a contender but we could see them extending this run with solid efforts. This week starts with two straight on the road against Charlotte and Chicago. Then, they host the Clippers and Bobcats. All of the games will be played with breaks.
11) Indiana
Weekly Rewind: The Pacers started the week with a loss to Portland (91-102) but the club rallied with two straight victories. The victories came against the Nets (107-91) and Wizards (114-113). The 'over' went 2-1.
Weekly Outlook: Indiana will have to pick up the pace with four games on tap this week, and three of them are on the road. After playing Orlando on Monday, the club meets Charlotte at home on Wednesday. Then they have a back-to-back set starting Friday at Memphis and ending Saturday against San Antonio.
12) Chicago
Weekly Rewind: The Bulls played four games last week and they wound up losing three. Two of the setbacks were blowouts to Atlanta (83-118) and Boston (80-106), while the other was a two-point loss at home to the Nets (101-103). The lone win came against Golden State (96-91) and they wound up pushing the five-point spread for gamblers.
Weekly Outlook: Six of Chicago's eight wins have come at United Center this year, which gives the team hope this week with three games at home. The L.A. Lakers visit on Tuesday before a TNT showdown against the Knicks on Thursday. Then, they have a chance to get revenge against Atlanta on Saturday.
13) Washington
Weekly Rewind: The Wizards only played two games last week and unfortunately they came up short in both. Washington lost to Boston by two (102-104) and Indiana by one (113-114). The 'over' cashed in both contests.
Weekly Outlook: Washington heads on the road this week for a four-game road trip out West and the schedule doesn't look too bad on paper. The Wizards meet the Clippers and Kings during the week and then face a back-to-back spot starting Friday at Golden State. They conclude the trip with zero days rest at Phoenix on Saturday.
14) Philadelphia
Weekly Rewind: It's getting embarrassing in Philadelphia. The team has dropped 12 straight games, including three last week at home too. The 76ers scored 83, 86 and 91, which helped the 'under' produce a 3-0 ledger.
Weekly Outlook: The 76ers might have two chances to get victories this week as the Warriors and Clippers invade the “City of Brotherly Love.” Along with this pair from the Western Conference, Cleveland also visits Philadelphia. The one game that looks like an automatic loss on paper is a road trip to Boston on Friday.
15) New Jersey
Weekly Rewind: After beating Chicago (103-101) on Tuesday for its first road win of the year, the Nets lost their next three straight games by double digits. The club gave up 105, 107 and 130 points during the skid and failed to cover any of the contests.
Weekly Outlook: New Jersey could be looking at another tough stretch this week with four games on tap. And, the matchups are broken into two back-to-back sets with travel included. On Tuesday, they meet the Cavs on the road and then Utah the next day at home. Starting on Friday, the club meets the Raptors in Toronto and then they host the L.A. Lakers on Saturday.
Weekly Notes - West
By Kevin Rogers
1 – Lakers
Weekly Rewind: Los Angeles stayed on fire, winning 11 straight games. The Lakers blew out both the Jazz and Timberwolves as double-digit home favorites. The Champs’ hot streak was halted at Utah on Saturday, falling to the Jazz, 102-94.
Weekly Outlook: The Lakers have played the fewest road games in the NBA, continuing a five-game trip this week. The Purple and Gold take the court four times on the highway this week, beginning in Chicago on Tuesday. The Lakers follow that up with no rest in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Los Angeles plays on a back-to-back to conclude the week at New Jersey and Detroit.
2 – Nuggets
Weekly Rewind: Denver concluded a four-game road trip with losses at Charlotte and Detroit, dropping the Nuggets’ mark as a road favorite to 4-6 ATS. George Karl’s squad returned home to knock off the Suns, 105-99 on Saturday, but failed to cover as nine-point favorites.
Weekly Outlook: The Nuggets stay in the altitude Monday and Wednesday, hosting the Thunder and Rockets, respectively. Both Oklahoma City and Houston will be playing with no rest, as Denver has beaten eight of its last 11 opponents by double-digits at the Pepsi Center who are on the second of a back-to-back. Denver hits the road Friday night to battle New Orleans, then Sunday to take on Memphis.
3 – Mavericks
Weekly Rewind: Dallas finished the week a perfect 3-0 SU, but the Mavs failed to cash as home favorites in one-point wins over the Suns and Bobcats. Rick Carlisle’s team has struggled against the number at home recently, going 0-6 ATS the last six games at American Airlines Center.
Weekly Outlook: The Mavs won’t stray too far from the Lone Star State, playing four times. Dallas starts the week hosting New Orleans on Monday, before traveling to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Mavs come back for home contests against the Rockets (Friday) and Cavaliers (Sunday).
4 – Suns
Weekly Rewind: Phoenix won only one of three games, but managed to cash every time, including twice on the road. The Suns fell by one point at Dallas and six at Denver, as Phoenix has hit the ‘under’ in seven straight games. The lone victory came at home over Orlando, improving to 8-0 SU and 5-3 ATS in the Valley.
Weekly Outlook: The Suns take the court three times, including a Tuesday home tilt with the Spurs. Phoenix heads north to Portland on Thursday, followed by a Saturday home contest against Washington. The Wizards will be playing with no rest, as the Suns are 9-1 ATS since last February at home against teams on the second of a back-to-back.
5 – Jazz
Weekly Rewind: Utah had its hands full this week, but managed three wins in four games. The Jazz knocked off the Spurs, Magic, and Lakers in Salt Lake, covering each time. Utah’s lone loss came at Los Angeles, 101-77 as double-digit underdogs. The Jazz trailed L.A. by two points heading into the final quarter last Wednesday before getting outscored 28-6 in the final quarter.
Weekly Outlook: The Jazz play their final home game before Christmas on Monday, hosting the lowly Timberwolves. Utah heads on the road beginning Wednesday, taking on the 2-22 Nets. Jerry Sloan’s club will play back-to-back contests starting Friday at Atlanta, then to Charlotte on Saturday.
6 – Blazers
Weekly Rewind: Portland finished up a four-game road trip in disappointing fashion, losing three of four. The Blazers covered in a five-point loss at Cleveland, but dropped a two-overtime decision at Milwaukee on Saturday.
Weekly Outlook: The Blazers return home for two games, hosting Sacramento on Tuesday and Phoenix on Thursday. Portland hits the road again on Saturday, battling Orlando, as the Blazers are 1-3 ATS as road underdogs this season.
7 – Rockets
Weekly Rewind: Houston returned home following a three-day layoff to take down Cleveland, 95-85. The Rockets split a two-game road trip, beating the struggling Sixers, while losing to the Raptors. Houston is 9-2 ATS as a road ‘dog, with two opportunities to be receiving points this week.
Weekly Outlook: The Rockets host the suddenly-hot Pistons on Tuesday, trying to halt Detroit’s five-game winning streak. Houston heads to Denver with no rest on Wednesday, prior to a Friday matchup at Dallas. The Rockets wrap up the week Saturday taking on the Thunder at the Toyota Center.
8 – Spurs
Weekly Rewind: San Antonio completed a successful week with a 25-point victory over the Clippers on Sunday. The Spurs have won three straight after dropping a three-point decision at Utah last Monday. Gregg Popovich’s team has played several high-scoring games recently, finishing ‘over’ the total in four straight contests.
Weekly Outlook: The Spurs continue a three-game road swing, heading to Phoenix on Tuesday. San Antonio plays with no rest on Wednesday, traveling to Golden State. The Spurs head back to the Alamo on Saturday to host Indiana, as the Pacers play with no rest. San Antonio is 4-1-1 ATS this season against teams on the second of a back-to-back.
9 – Thunder
Weekly Rewind: Oklahoma City picked up a pair of victories over Golden State and Memphis, while falling at home to Cleveland. The Thunder has won two straight games four times this season, but has failed to win a third straight each time.
Weekly Outlook: It’s a busy week for Scott Brooks’ squad, heading to Denver on Monday, the first meeting this season with the Nuggets. The Thunder returns home for two games starting Wednesday against the Mavs and Friday against the Pistons. Oklahoma City wraps up the week Saturday battling the Rockets in Houston.
10 – Hornets
Weekly Rewind: New Orleans finished the week 2-1 SU, but failed to cover in each game. The Hornets didn’t face stiff competition, edging the Kings and Timberwolves, while getting trounced by the Knicks at home.
Weekly Outlook: The Hornets take on the league’s three “D’s” this week, traveling to Dallas on Monday, prior to home contests with Detroit (Wednesday) and Denver (Friday). New Orleans heads to Toronto on Sunday, as the Hornets are just 2-9 SU on the road.
11 – Grizzlies
Weekly Rewind: The worst thing the Grizzlies could have done in the offseason was sign Allen Iverson. The best thing was terminating The Answer’s contract, as Memphis is 8-7 SU/ATS over the last 15 games. The Grizzlies completed a 2-1 week with victories over the Cavs and Heat. The Sunday win at Miami was nothing short of impressive, as the Grizzlies blasted the Heat, 118-90.
Weekly Outlook: The Grizzlies attack the court four times this week, beginning Monday against the streaking Celtics. Memphis takes the short trip to Atlanta on Wednesday, prior to a pair of home games to wrap up the week. The Grizzlies entertain the Pacers on Friday and the Nuggets on Sunday.
12 – Kings
Weekly Rewind: Sacramento slipped up this past week, dropping two of three games against New Orleans and San Antonio on the road. The Kings salvaged the week with a 20-point home victory over the Timberwolves, Sacramento’s ninth victory at Arco Arena in 12 tries.
Weekly Outlook: The Kings will be busy this week, heading to Portland on Tuesday. Sacramento turns around Wednesday to battle Washington at Arco, prior to a three-game road trip through the Midwest. The Kings travel to Minnesota on Friday, before a game with no rest at Milwaukee on Saturday.
13 – Clippers
Weekly Rewind: The good news for the Clippers is they lost only twice. The bad news is Mike Dunleavy’s team played just twice, falling to the Magic and Spurs at home by double-digits. The defeats dropped the Clippers to 2-6 ATS as home ‘dogs.
Weekly Outlook: L.A. returns to the court Monday to host Washington, as the Wizards begin a West Coast swing. The Clippers travel east for a six-game road trip that starts in Minnesota on Wednesday. Los Angeles heads to New York on Friday, prior to a Saturday matchup with the slumping Sixers.
14 – Warriors
Weekly Rewind: Golden State has hit hard times recently, dropping six of seven games. The Warriors did beat the Nets this week, if that counts for anything. Golden State competed in losses on a back-to-back at Chicago and Detroit, but the Warriors have now gone ‘under’ the total in all four games on their current road trip.
Weekly Outlook: The Warriors conclude their five-game roadie in Philadelphia on Monday, facing a Sixers team that has lost 12 in a row. Golden State heads back to the Bay Area on Wednesday to host the Spurs, then the Wizards on Friday before a three-day break.
15 – Timberwolves
Weekly Rewind: Minnesota has turned into a cover machine as of late, cashing in seven of its last eight games. The Wolves picked up pointspread victories in SU losses against the Raptors, Hornets, and Lakers, but didn’t capture the cash at Sacramento in a 20-point setback.
Weekly Outlook: The bookends of a four-game week will be tough for this young Wolves squad, heading to Utah on Monday and Boston on Sunday. The games in between won’t be so bad, as Kurt Rambis’ bunch hosts the Clippers on Wednesday, while going for revenge against the Kings on Friday at the Target Center.