Talkin' totals: NBA’s hottest over teams
By ALEX SMART
Before you even consider placing a wager on either the over or the under, take a glance at Alex Smart's breakdown of the top total-topping teams in the NBA.
Toronto Raptors (9-4 over/under)
To say that over bettors have loved the Raptors recently would be a gross understatement. Toronto games have flown over the total six consecutive times, despite some moderately high marks set by NBA sportsbooks. Allowing 100-plus points in four of those six games certainly helped. As did scoring over 100 points itself in three of the six sports betting contests.
The scary part is Jose Calderon missed time with a hamstring injury. When healthy, Calderon is one of the best true point guards in the league. And with Chris Bosh averaging 26.7 points per game, online bookies soon might find that they can’t set the total high enough. A quick betting trend for NBA handicappers: Raptors have gone over in all six of their home games this season.
Golden State Warriors (10-4 over/under)
Easily the most predictable of all the teams on this list, the Warriors play at a breakneck pace that makes NBA betting fans salivate. And with the trade acquisition of sharpshooter Jamal Crawford for the disgruntled Al Harrington, Golden State doesn’t figure to stop scoring anytime soon. Nor does it figure to get any better on the defensive end.
In Tuesday night’s loss to the Wizards, the Warriors were actually limited to 100 points but allowed 124 to a team that’s severely short-handed. Crawford scored just nine points but don’t count on many poor nights like that once he gets accustomed to Don Nelson’s system. And with rookie Anthony Morrow proving to be another offensive threat, sportsbooks should continue to be bombarded with action on the over in Warriors games. Eight of the past 10 games have gone over.
Milwaukee Bucks (10-6 over/under)
New head coach Scott Skiles has a reputation for getting his teams to play good defense, but apparently his players didn’t get the memo. The over is 7-3 in the Bucks' road games thus far. They’ve allowed opponents to score 100+ points in four of their past six games and allowed 99 points in another.
Richard Jefferson leads team with 18.4 points per game. Having players like Luke Ridnour and Charlie Villanueva, who are allergic to defense, also makes an over wager a feasible option. Eight of their past 10 games have surpassed the number.
Cleveland Cavaliers (9-5 over/under)
Having the NBA’s leading scorer doesn’t hurt when it comes to scoring points. LeBron James averages 28.9 points per game while also dishing out 6.6 assists. Few players in the NBA command as much attention from opposing defenses. James is able to score while also making everyone around him better.
The Cavs have scored 100 or more points in eight of its past 10 games and for the first time in years, are able to simply outscore their opponents when necessary.
Sacramento Kings (9-7 over/under)
Sacramento’s over/under record isn’t as impressive as the others on this list but its a team to follow closely. The Kings managed to score consistently despite missing their best offensive player in Kevin Martin. When he returns, it’s worth keeping an eye on the Kings as well as sportsbooks to see if the scoring spikes and totals are adjusted accordingly.