STAN THE MAN'S STAT/SYSTEMS REPORT 2/11/11
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFO WORTH BETTING ON ONE PAGE EACH DAY
________________________________________
***** STAT/SYSTEMS SPORTS POWER SEARCH - NBA *****
_______________________________________________
When you are ready to step up an into the challenge of advanced sports handicapping, be sure to check out Stan 'The Man's ALL NEW Stat/Systems Sheets. They are loaded with power ratings, computer predictions, matchups, betting trends, systems, statistics, schedules and results. Once you have sampled my Stat/Systems Sheets, you will no longer need free picks, consensus plays, or other professional handicapping services!
Each day here in our Stat/Systems Report we will list the Top - Angles, Stats and Situational Trends for up-coming games, including all the Key - ATS, Over/Unders, Money-Line, First Half ATS Top Trends including Over/Unders, Coaches ATS & Over/Unders and Teaser Line Trends, along with all your high percentage Super Situation Systems.
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••• NBA 1-2-3 DAYS REST •••
________________________
In last Friday's Stat/Systems Report we broke down all the National Basketball Association teams playing with zero days rest. In today’s Report we will focus on other rest periods of one, two and three-plus days. All numbers are through Wednesday, February, 9th. First we take a look at the entire league.
• NBA RECORDS STRAIGHT-UP
--------------------------------------
As you can see here, SU winning percentages increase 7% for teams with a day of rest compared to the second half of back-to-back games. Having more than one day rest actually hurts teams, as there is a significant 8% drop-off from 1 Day Rest to 2 Days Rest, before increasing back to 50% for teams on 3+Days Rest. Although neither conference has a SU winning record, West teams are superior to East teams in all of these scenarios.
0 Days Rest: 175-203 (46%)
1 Day Rest: 431-378 (53%)
2 Days Rest: 113-137 (45%)
3+ Days Rest: 61-62 (50%)
• NBA RECORDS STRAIGHT-UP BY CONFERENCE
_____________________________________
Eastern Conference
-------------------------
0 Days Rest: 88-117 (43%)
1 Day Rest: 186-186 (50%)
2 Days Rest: 60-76 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 30-36 (46%)
Western Conference
---------------------------
0 Days Rest: 87-86 (50%)
1 Day Rest: 245-192 (56%)
2 Days Rest: 53-61 (47%)
3+ Days Rest: 31-26 (54%)
• NBA RECORDS AGAINST THE SPREAD
------------------------------------------------
In terms of ATS records, the outcomes are quite different. As you can see here, ATS winning percentages decrease as teams go from 0 Days Rest (52%) to 1 Day Rest (51%) to 2+ Days Rest (46%, 166-198). The West is even more superior to the East (11%) in terms of ATS without rest, but the East has the 4% edge with 1 Day Rest.
0 Days Rest: 193-176 (52%)
1 Day Rest: 401-386 (51%)
2 Days Rest: 107-135 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 59-63 (48%)
• NBA RECORDS AGAINST THE SPREAD BY CONFERENCE
____________________________________________
Eastern Conference
-------------------------
0 Days Rest: 95-106 (47%)
1 Day Rest: 190-170 (53%)
2 Days Rest: 58-74 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 32-34 (48%)
Western Conference
--------------------------
0 Days Rest: 98-70 (58%)
1 Day Rest: 211-216 (49%)
2 Days Rest: 49-61 (45%)
3+ Days Rest: 27-29 (48%)
To make sense of all this, we broke down each category by team to see if any trends stood out. Five teams are winning at least 60% ATS with one day rest. Four of these teams are in the East with the lone exception being the Spurs, who are good Straight-Up and Against the Spread in just about any scenario you can think of.
Best ATS Records with One Day Rest
---------------------------------------------
Philadelphia 16-5 (76%)
Chicago 14-7 (67%)
San Antonio 18-9 (67%)
Charlotte 15-8 (65%)
Indiana 15-8 (65%)
Six teams are winning 41% ATS or less with one day rest. Four of these teams are in the East, and the Hornets are the only team above .500 SU on this list. This category has the biggest sample size of all the rest days, so it stands to reason that the four worst ATS teams in the NBA (Washington, Cleveland, Sacramento and Toronto) are all on this list.
Worst ATS Records with One Day Rest
-----------------------------------------------
Cleveland 6-12 (33%)
Sacramento 9-14 (39%)
New Orleans 13-19 (41%)
Washington 11-16 (41%)
New Jersey 12-17 (41%)
Toronto 12-17 (41%)
Because the sample size was so small for 3+ Days Rest, we combined it with 2 Days Rest to form this category. Five teams are winning at least 60% ATS with two or more days of rest. It’s interesting to note that none of these five teams were among the elite with just one day of rest. New Orleans is the third-worst team with 1 Day Rest, but the best team with 2+ Days rest.
Best ATS Records with 2+ Days of Rest
-----------------------------------------------
New Orleans 7-2 (78%)
Boston 8-4 (67%)
Detroit 8-4 (67%)
New York 10-5 (67%)
Golden State 7-5 (64%)
Seven teams are winning 31% ATS or less with one day rest. The percentages here are much lower due to the decrease in sample size. Sacramento is the only team to appear on both bottom lists of ATS records with 1 Day of Rest and with 2+ Days of Rest. We were very surprised to see two of the league’s elite in Miami and the L.A. Lakers making this list, especially because they are veteran teams who should welcome extra rest.
Worst ATS Records with 2+ Days of Rest
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Minnesota 2-8 (20%)
L.A. Lakers 2-7 (22%)
Atlanta 4-10 (29%)
Utah 3-7 (30%)
Miami 4-9 (31%)
Milwaukee 5-11 (31%)
Sacramento 5-11 (31%)
Finally here today in our Stat/Systems Report we look at some Over/Under numbers, and we found some very surprising results, especially with the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons.
Highest Pct. of Games finishing OVER with 1 Day of Rest
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Oklahoma City 20 Over, 10 Under (67%)
Denver 18-10 (64%)
Cleveland 12-7 (63%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing UNDER with 1 Day of Rest
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Chicago 15 Under, 6 Over (71%)
L.A. Lakers 23-11 (68%)
Indiana 16-9 (64%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing OVER with 2+ Days of Rest
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Detroit 9 Over, 3 Under (75%)
Golden State 8-3 (73%)
Miami 8-4 (67%)
Oklahoma City 8-4 (67%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing UNDER with 2+ Days of Rest
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Denver 8 Under, 1 Over (89%)
Milwaukee 12-4 (75%)
Charlotte 9-4 (69%)
***** FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH NBA INFORMATION *****
______________________________________________
(All results ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of Stat/Systems Sports. Database information may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
• HOT TEAMS
-----------------
-- Pacers covered five of last six games as a home favorite. Minnesota is 9-4 vs spread in last 13 road games.
-- Spurs covered five of last six games as a road favorite. 76ers are 7-3 in last ten games.
-- Portland won its last two games by six points each.
-- Miami won its last six games, is 12-7 as a road favorite. Pistons won three of their last four games.
-- Grizzlies won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Lakers are 7-2-1 vs spread in last ten games as road favorite.
-- Suns won/covered five of their last six games.
• COLD TEAMS
-------------------
-- Nets are 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as road dog. Bobcats lost five of their last seven games.
-- Hornets lost six of last seven games (0-7 vs spread). Orlando is 3-5 vs spread in last eight games as a home favorite.
-- Raptors are 1-15 in last 16 games, covering one of last eight.
-- Clippers lost four of their last five games. Cleveland lost its last 26 games, is 1-6-1 in last eight as a home dog.
-- Bucks lost five of their last six games.
-- Knicks lost three of their last four games.
-- Jazz lost 10 of their last 14 games.
• BACK-TO-BACK
---------------------
-- Lakers are 4-3-1 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Phoenix is 3-2 vs spread if it won the night before.
• TOTALS
------------
-- Last five Charlotte home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Minnesota road games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten San Antonio road games.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Orlando home games.
-- Three of last four Portland road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 8-1 in Cleveland's last nine home games.
-- Seven of last eight Miami road games went over total.
-- Last three Milwaukee road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in New York's last seven home games.
-- Last five Phoenix road games stayed under total.
• QUICK HITS
-----------------
--NEW JERSEY @ CHARLOTTE, 7:00 PM ET NEW JERSEY: 10-22 ATS Away off home game. CHARLOTTE: 14-2 Under off road loss.
--MINNESOTA @ INDIANA, 7:00 PM ET MINNESOTA: 14-2 ATS Away after having won 2 of their last 3 games. INDIANA: 13-5 Under as home favorite.
--SAN ANTONIO @ PHILADELPHIA, 7:00 PM ET SAN ANTONIO: 11-1 Under off 3 straight covers as favorite. PHILADELPHIA: 13-3 ATS revenging road loss.
--NEW ORLEANS @ ORLANDO, 7:00 PM ET NEW ORLEANS: 15-7 ATS as an underdog. ORLANDO: 22-9 Under when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points.
--PORTLAND @ TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET PORTLAND: 1-10 ATS off SU win as home dog. TORONTO: 12-27 ATS as home dog of 6pts or less.
--LA CLIPPERS @ CLEVELAND, 7:30 PM ET LA CLIPPERS: 1-13 ATS Away after scoring 110+ points. CLEVELAND: 15-7 Over L22 games.
--MIAMI @ DETROIT, 7:30 PM ET MIAMI: 4-0 ATS at Detroit. DETROIT: 16-4 Over at home if underdog last game.
--MILWAUKEE @ MEMPHIS, 8:00 PM ET MILWAUKEE: 8-2 ATS off DD road loss. MEMPHIS: 10-1 ATS off SU dog win.
--LA LAKERS @ NEW YORK, 8:00 PM ET ESPN LA LAKERS: 8-1 ATS Away off road win. NEW YORK: 19-6 ATS as an underdog.
--PHOENIX @ UTAH, 10:30 PM ET ESPN PHOENIX: 8-0 Over off division win by 20+. UTAH: 10-0 Over after a game forcing opponent to commit 8 or less turnovers.
• NOTES & TIPS
-------------------
--Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan stepped down Thursday after 23 seasons and 1,127 wins at the helm of the Utah Jazz, saying he simply ran out of energy to coach anymore. Longtime assistant Phil Johnson also resigned, surprising even Sloan during their postgame chat Wednesday night with general manager Kevin O'Connor. The two men agreed to sleep on their decisions Wednesday night at the request of team owners and O'Connor. Nothing changed in the morning and Sloan reported sleeping better than he has in weeks. Asked what he'll do now, he didn't know, and said he expected to be a "dizzy duck" for a while. Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin was named the new coach, and team officials made it clear there is no "interim" tag next to his name. The 48-year-old Corbin called it a "bittersweet" moment.
--With a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers, Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen matched and eclipsed Reggie Miller's NBA record of 2,560 career 3-pointers Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Allen took a feed from Garnett and got off the record-tying shot before Derek Fisher could rush out to defend with 4:13 remaining in the first quarter. Allen nearly assumed sole possession of the record a moment later in transition, but a 3-pointer from the left side of the arc wouldn't fall. A short time later, with 1:48 to go in the first quarter, he buried No. 2,561 from nearly the same spot as the tying shot. Allen got a wide-open look and buried the triple to establish the NBA mark.
--Michael Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves – The talented forward is nursing a sore ankle and was limited at practice Thursday, making him a question mark against the Indiana Pacers Friday night. The T-Wolves have a shot at a legit winning streak versus the Pacers, having won and covered in back-to-back outings. Beasley missed Wednesday win over the Houston Rockets and was replaced by Corey Brewer in the starting five.
--Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony gave his first indication Wednesday that he might sign a contract extension to stay with the team. Anthony said he would "take a real hard look" at signing a three-year, $65 million contract extension that has been on the table since June if he is not dealt by the Feb. 24 trading deadline. The team's all-star said he hasn't heard any updates from management about a possible trade, though team officials are talking to potential suitors throughout the league. Though Anthony has always said he was keeping his options open, he hadn't talked publicly about possibly signing until Wednesday.
The Nuggets are listening to offers for Anthony. The New York Knicks have long been considered the team Anthony most wants to play for, should he leave Denver. Trade talks with the Knicks are ongoing. Anthony said it wouldn't be an easy decision on whether to sign the extension, nor a quick one. But he admits to giving it more thought than at any other time since the season began because of the impending trade deadline. Anthony is one of a number of Nuggets whose contracts either expire at the end of the season, or have an opt-out clause that would make them a free agent. Anthony said the constant trade rumors aren't wearing him down and that the team needs to keep fighting to improve its playoff position.
--Coach Stan Van Gundy believes there's no chance that injured power forward Brandon Bass will be able to play when the Orlando Magic face the New Orleans Hornets tonight at Amway Center. Bass sprained his left ankle on Jan. 31 and hasn't played since. Van Gundy still thinks Bass will not return until after the All-Star Game on Feb. 20. With Bass out, the Magic are starting Ryan Anderson at power forward and are using Anderson and Malik Allen as backups to Dwight Howard at center. Second-year forward Earl Clark is serving as Anderson's backup at power forward, and Clark arguably played the best game of his short Magic tenure Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Clark scored eight points, collected a career-high nine rebounds and played effective defense.
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• NOTE: NBA betting is becoming more popular each year. This is known as one of the sports where a smart bettor who practiced proper money management can make some really huge profits. Once a bettor begins to study and understand NBA Odds, he or she can gain a better understanding of how the bookies set their numbers. The bookies set a lot of these NBA Odds with the public in mind. They know the public is going to bet the Lakers and Bulls (and other public teams) every week so there are some great situations to get good numbers by going against teams like that.
It is always best to shop around when looking for the best NBA Odds. Many different books release different numbers and NBA Odds always tend to differ at each sportsbook. If you are truly interested in finding the best NBA Odds, it is always best to have funded accounts at - at least five sportsbooks.
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*** #801 NEW JERSEY @ #802 CHARLOTTE (-7.5, O/U 186.5) ***
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The Charlotte Bobcats were among a handful of teams to lose twice to the lowly New Jersey Nets last season, but they have defended Brook Lopez better in two wins in 2010-11. The Bobcats will look to shut down Lopez again when they try to hand the Nets a 13th straight road loss Friday night. New Jersey (16-37) lost 70 games last season but went 2-2 against Charlotte (22-30). Only three teams lost to the Nets twice. Lopez averaged 20.3 points, 51.6 percent shooting and 7.5 rebounds, all close to his career averages in the 2009-10 season series. It's been a different story this season, as he's been limited to 15.0 points, 33.3 percent shooting and 4.0 rebounds by Charlotte.
Both victories this season still didn't come easy for the Bobcats. They avoided an 0-4 start by rallying from a late 10-point deficit in an 85-83 road win Nov. 3, and blew a seven-point lead in the final 90 seconds of regulation in a 91-84 home victory Dec. 3. Charlotte has won the rebounding battle by an average of 9.5 in the two wins. Gerald Wallace has double-doubles in his last five games against the Nets, averaging 18.0 points and 14.8 boards. Rebounding should again be a concern for the Nets on Friday because of Lopez's season-long problems in that area.
The third-year center had a career-high 33 double-doubles last season, but has one in 2010-11 while averaging a career-low 5.6 boards. The Nets are closing in on matching their longest road skid from last season, a 15-game slide Dec. 11, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010. They ended a three-game losing streak during which they lost by an average of 13.7 points, with a 103-101 overtime win over New Orleans on Wednesday. Sasha Vujacic scored a career-high 25 points and Jordan Farmar returned after missing six games with back spasms, contributing eight points and 11 assists. "They're one of the best 1-2 guard combinations, we think, coming off the bench in the league, when we're healthy," coach Avery Johnson told the Nets' official website.
The Bobcats suffered a key 104-103 loss at Indiana on Wednesday that dropped them one game behind the Pacers for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Charlotte rallied from a 15-point deficit to tie the game with 1:37 remaining. "We did fight," interim coach Paul Silas said. "I was very proud of them." Stephen Jackson scored 27 points and Wallace added 22, nine rebounds and six assists. "We played defense, we rebounded, we pushed the ball, and we executed on the offensive end," Wallace told the Bobcats' official website. "Our biggest problem was that we waited too late to do all of those things. It's tough when you're having to fight back from being behind." Points should be at a premium since Charlotte ranks 28th with 93.7 per game and New Jersey is 29th at 92.7.
--CHARLOTTE is 23-6 UNDER (+16.4 Units) the 1rst half total after 1 or more consecutive losses this season.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 45.7, OPPONENT 46.1 - (Rating = 4*)
--CHARLOTTE is 12-1 OVER (+10.9 Units) in home games when playing 6 or more games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 98.7, OPPONENT 98.9 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Charlotte by 6.5; O/U 188
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Charlotte -9
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Charlotte -5.73
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (NEW JERSEY) - after going over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game, a bad team (25% to 40%) playing a team with a losing record.
(35-12 since 1996.) (74.5%, +21.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 185
The average score in these games was: Team 96.7, Opponent 97.1 (Total points scored = 193.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 27 (57.4% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-6).
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFO WORTH BETTING ON ONE PAGE EACH DAY
________________________________________
***** STAT/SYSTEMS SPORTS POWER SEARCH - NBA *****
_______________________________________________
When you are ready to step up an into the challenge of advanced sports handicapping, be sure to check out Stan 'The Man's ALL NEW Stat/Systems Sheets. They are loaded with power ratings, computer predictions, matchups, betting trends, systems, statistics, schedules and results. Once you have sampled my Stat/Systems Sheets, you will no longer need free picks, consensus plays, or other professional handicapping services!
Each day here in our Stat/Systems Report we will list the Top - Angles, Stats and Situational Trends for up-coming games, including all the Key - ATS, Over/Unders, Money-Line, First Half ATS Top Trends including Over/Unders, Coaches ATS & Over/Unders and Teaser Line Trends, along with all your high percentage Super Situation Systems.
__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
••• NBA 1-2-3 DAYS REST •••
________________________
In last Friday's Stat/Systems Report we broke down all the National Basketball Association teams playing with zero days rest. In today’s Report we will focus on other rest periods of one, two and three-plus days. All numbers are through Wednesday, February, 9th. First we take a look at the entire league.
• NBA RECORDS STRAIGHT-UP
--------------------------------------
As you can see here, SU winning percentages increase 7% for teams with a day of rest compared to the second half of back-to-back games. Having more than one day rest actually hurts teams, as there is a significant 8% drop-off from 1 Day Rest to 2 Days Rest, before increasing back to 50% for teams on 3+Days Rest. Although neither conference has a SU winning record, West teams are superior to East teams in all of these scenarios.
0 Days Rest: 175-203 (46%)
1 Day Rest: 431-378 (53%)
2 Days Rest: 113-137 (45%)
3+ Days Rest: 61-62 (50%)
• NBA RECORDS STRAIGHT-UP BY CONFERENCE
_____________________________________
Eastern Conference
-------------------------
0 Days Rest: 88-117 (43%)
1 Day Rest: 186-186 (50%)
2 Days Rest: 60-76 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 30-36 (46%)
Western Conference
---------------------------
0 Days Rest: 87-86 (50%)
1 Day Rest: 245-192 (56%)
2 Days Rest: 53-61 (47%)
3+ Days Rest: 31-26 (54%)
• NBA RECORDS AGAINST THE SPREAD
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In terms of ATS records, the outcomes are quite different. As you can see here, ATS winning percentages decrease as teams go from 0 Days Rest (52%) to 1 Day Rest (51%) to 2+ Days Rest (46%, 166-198). The West is even more superior to the East (11%) in terms of ATS without rest, but the East has the 4% edge with 1 Day Rest.
0 Days Rest: 193-176 (52%)
1 Day Rest: 401-386 (51%)
2 Days Rest: 107-135 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 59-63 (48%)
• NBA RECORDS AGAINST THE SPREAD BY CONFERENCE
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Eastern Conference
-------------------------
0 Days Rest: 95-106 (47%)
1 Day Rest: 190-170 (53%)
2 Days Rest: 58-74 (44%)
3+ Days Rest: 32-34 (48%)
Western Conference
--------------------------
0 Days Rest: 98-70 (58%)
1 Day Rest: 211-216 (49%)
2 Days Rest: 49-61 (45%)
3+ Days Rest: 27-29 (48%)
To make sense of all this, we broke down each category by team to see if any trends stood out. Five teams are winning at least 60% ATS with one day rest. Four of these teams are in the East with the lone exception being the Spurs, who are good Straight-Up and Against the Spread in just about any scenario you can think of.
Best ATS Records with One Day Rest
---------------------------------------------
Philadelphia 16-5 (76%)
Chicago 14-7 (67%)
San Antonio 18-9 (67%)
Charlotte 15-8 (65%)
Indiana 15-8 (65%)
Six teams are winning 41% ATS or less with one day rest. Four of these teams are in the East, and the Hornets are the only team above .500 SU on this list. This category has the biggest sample size of all the rest days, so it stands to reason that the four worst ATS teams in the NBA (Washington, Cleveland, Sacramento and Toronto) are all on this list.
Worst ATS Records with One Day Rest
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Cleveland 6-12 (33%)
Sacramento 9-14 (39%)
New Orleans 13-19 (41%)
Washington 11-16 (41%)
New Jersey 12-17 (41%)
Toronto 12-17 (41%)
Because the sample size was so small for 3+ Days Rest, we combined it with 2 Days Rest to form this category. Five teams are winning at least 60% ATS with two or more days of rest. It’s interesting to note that none of these five teams were among the elite with just one day of rest. New Orleans is the third-worst team with 1 Day Rest, but the best team with 2+ Days rest.
Best ATS Records with 2+ Days of Rest
-----------------------------------------------
New Orleans 7-2 (78%)
Boston 8-4 (67%)
Detroit 8-4 (67%)
New York 10-5 (67%)
Golden State 7-5 (64%)
Seven teams are winning 31% ATS or less with one day rest. The percentages here are much lower due to the decrease in sample size. Sacramento is the only team to appear on both bottom lists of ATS records with 1 Day of Rest and with 2+ Days of Rest. We were very surprised to see two of the league’s elite in Miami and the L.A. Lakers making this list, especially because they are veteran teams who should welcome extra rest.
Worst ATS Records with 2+ Days of Rest
-------------------------------------------------
Minnesota 2-8 (20%)
L.A. Lakers 2-7 (22%)
Atlanta 4-10 (29%)
Utah 3-7 (30%)
Miami 4-9 (31%)
Milwaukee 5-11 (31%)
Sacramento 5-11 (31%)
Finally here today in our Stat/Systems Report we look at some Over/Under numbers, and we found some very surprising results, especially with the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons.
Highest Pct. of Games finishing OVER with 1 Day of Rest
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma City 20 Over, 10 Under (67%)
Denver 18-10 (64%)
Cleveland 12-7 (63%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing UNDER with 1 Day of Rest
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Chicago 15 Under, 6 Over (71%)
L.A. Lakers 23-11 (68%)
Indiana 16-9 (64%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing OVER with 2+ Days of Rest
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit 9 Over, 3 Under (75%)
Golden State 8-3 (73%)
Miami 8-4 (67%)
Oklahoma City 8-4 (67%)
Highest Pct. of Games finishing UNDER with 2+ Days of Rest
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denver 8 Under, 1 Over (89%)
Milwaukee 12-4 (75%)
Charlotte 9-4 (69%)
***** FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH NBA INFORMATION *****
______________________________________________
(All results ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of Stat/Systems Sports. Database information may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
• HOT TEAMS
-----------------
-- Pacers covered five of last six games as a home favorite. Minnesota is 9-4 vs spread in last 13 road games.
-- Spurs covered five of last six games as a road favorite. 76ers are 7-3 in last ten games.
-- Portland won its last two games by six points each.
-- Miami won its last six games, is 12-7 as a road favorite. Pistons won three of their last four games.
-- Grizzlies won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Lakers are 7-2-1 vs spread in last ten games as road favorite.
-- Suns won/covered five of their last six games.
• COLD TEAMS
-------------------
-- Nets are 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as road dog. Bobcats lost five of their last seven games.
-- Hornets lost six of last seven games (0-7 vs spread). Orlando is 3-5 vs spread in last eight games as a home favorite.
-- Raptors are 1-15 in last 16 games, covering one of last eight.
-- Clippers lost four of their last five games. Cleveland lost its last 26 games, is 1-6-1 in last eight as a home dog.
-- Bucks lost five of their last six games.
-- Knicks lost three of their last four games.
-- Jazz lost 10 of their last 14 games.
• BACK-TO-BACK
---------------------
-- Lakers are 4-3-1 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Phoenix is 3-2 vs spread if it won the night before.
• TOTALS
------------
-- Last five Charlotte home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Minnesota road games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten San Antonio road games.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Orlando home games.
-- Three of last four Portland road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 8-1 in Cleveland's last nine home games.
-- Seven of last eight Miami road games went over total.
-- Last three Milwaukee road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in New York's last seven home games.
-- Last five Phoenix road games stayed under total.
• QUICK HITS
-----------------
--NEW JERSEY @ CHARLOTTE, 7:00 PM ET NEW JERSEY: 10-22 ATS Away off home game. CHARLOTTE: 14-2 Under off road loss.
--MINNESOTA @ INDIANA, 7:00 PM ET MINNESOTA: 14-2 ATS Away after having won 2 of their last 3 games. INDIANA: 13-5 Under as home favorite.
--SAN ANTONIO @ PHILADELPHIA, 7:00 PM ET SAN ANTONIO: 11-1 Under off 3 straight covers as favorite. PHILADELPHIA: 13-3 ATS revenging road loss.
--NEW ORLEANS @ ORLANDO, 7:00 PM ET NEW ORLEANS: 15-7 ATS as an underdog. ORLANDO: 22-9 Under when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points.
--PORTLAND @ TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET PORTLAND: 1-10 ATS off SU win as home dog. TORONTO: 12-27 ATS as home dog of 6pts or less.
--LA CLIPPERS @ CLEVELAND, 7:30 PM ET LA CLIPPERS: 1-13 ATS Away after scoring 110+ points. CLEVELAND: 15-7 Over L22 games.
--MIAMI @ DETROIT, 7:30 PM ET MIAMI: 4-0 ATS at Detroit. DETROIT: 16-4 Over at home if underdog last game.
--MILWAUKEE @ MEMPHIS, 8:00 PM ET MILWAUKEE: 8-2 ATS off DD road loss. MEMPHIS: 10-1 ATS off SU dog win.
--LA LAKERS @ NEW YORK, 8:00 PM ET ESPN LA LAKERS: 8-1 ATS Away off road win. NEW YORK: 19-6 ATS as an underdog.
--PHOENIX @ UTAH, 10:30 PM ET ESPN PHOENIX: 8-0 Over off division win by 20+. UTAH: 10-0 Over after a game forcing opponent to commit 8 or less turnovers.
• NOTES & TIPS
-------------------
--Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan stepped down Thursday after 23 seasons and 1,127 wins at the helm of the Utah Jazz, saying he simply ran out of energy to coach anymore. Longtime assistant Phil Johnson also resigned, surprising even Sloan during their postgame chat Wednesday night with general manager Kevin O'Connor. The two men agreed to sleep on their decisions Wednesday night at the request of team owners and O'Connor. Nothing changed in the morning and Sloan reported sleeping better than he has in weeks. Asked what he'll do now, he didn't know, and said he expected to be a "dizzy duck" for a while. Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin was named the new coach, and team officials made it clear there is no "interim" tag next to his name. The 48-year-old Corbin called it a "bittersweet" moment.
--With a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers, Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen matched and eclipsed Reggie Miller's NBA record of 2,560 career 3-pointers Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Allen took a feed from Garnett and got off the record-tying shot before Derek Fisher could rush out to defend with 4:13 remaining in the first quarter. Allen nearly assumed sole possession of the record a moment later in transition, but a 3-pointer from the left side of the arc wouldn't fall. A short time later, with 1:48 to go in the first quarter, he buried No. 2,561 from nearly the same spot as the tying shot. Allen got a wide-open look and buried the triple to establish the NBA mark.
--Michael Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves – The talented forward is nursing a sore ankle and was limited at practice Thursday, making him a question mark against the Indiana Pacers Friday night. The T-Wolves have a shot at a legit winning streak versus the Pacers, having won and covered in back-to-back outings. Beasley missed Wednesday win over the Houston Rockets and was replaced by Corey Brewer in the starting five.
--Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony gave his first indication Wednesday that he might sign a contract extension to stay with the team. Anthony said he would "take a real hard look" at signing a three-year, $65 million contract extension that has been on the table since June if he is not dealt by the Feb. 24 trading deadline. The team's all-star said he hasn't heard any updates from management about a possible trade, though team officials are talking to potential suitors throughout the league. Though Anthony has always said he was keeping his options open, he hadn't talked publicly about possibly signing until Wednesday.
The Nuggets are listening to offers for Anthony. The New York Knicks have long been considered the team Anthony most wants to play for, should he leave Denver. Trade talks with the Knicks are ongoing. Anthony said it wouldn't be an easy decision on whether to sign the extension, nor a quick one. But he admits to giving it more thought than at any other time since the season began because of the impending trade deadline. Anthony is one of a number of Nuggets whose contracts either expire at the end of the season, or have an opt-out clause that would make them a free agent. Anthony said the constant trade rumors aren't wearing him down and that the team needs to keep fighting to improve its playoff position.
--Coach Stan Van Gundy believes there's no chance that injured power forward Brandon Bass will be able to play when the Orlando Magic face the New Orleans Hornets tonight at Amway Center. Bass sprained his left ankle on Jan. 31 and hasn't played since. Van Gundy still thinks Bass will not return until after the All-Star Game on Feb. 20. With Bass out, the Magic are starting Ryan Anderson at power forward and are using Anderson and Malik Allen as backups to Dwight Howard at center. Second-year forward Earl Clark is serving as Anderson's backup at power forward, and Clark arguably played the best game of his short Magic tenure Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Clark scored eight points, collected a career-high nine rebounds and played effective defense.
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• NOTE: NBA betting is becoming more popular each year. This is known as one of the sports where a smart bettor who practiced proper money management can make some really huge profits. Once a bettor begins to study and understand NBA Odds, he or she can gain a better understanding of how the bookies set their numbers. The bookies set a lot of these NBA Odds with the public in mind. They know the public is going to bet the Lakers and Bulls (and other public teams) every week so there are some great situations to get good numbers by going against teams like that.
It is always best to shop around when looking for the best NBA Odds. Many different books release different numbers and NBA Odds always tend to differ at each sportsbook. If you are truly interested in finding the best NBA Odds, it is always best to have funded accounts at - at least five sportsbooks.
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*** #801 NEW JERSEY @ #802 CHARLOTTE (-7.5, O/U 186.5) ***
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The Charlotte Bobcats were among a handful of teams to lose twice to the lowly New Jersey Nets last season, but they have defended Brook Lopez better in two wins in 2010-11. The Bobcats will look to shut down Lopez again when they try to hand the Nets a 13th straight road loss Friday night. New Jersey (16-37) lost 70 games last season but went 2-2 against Charlotte (22-30). Only three teams lost to the Nets twice. Lopez averaged 20.3 points, 51.6 percent shooting and 7.5 rebounds, all close to his career averages in the 2009-10 season series. It's been a different story this season, as he's been limited to 15.0 points, 33.3 percent shooting and 4.0 rebounds by Charlotte.
Both victories this season still didn't come easy for the Bobcats. They avoided an 0-4 start by rallying from a late 10-point deficit in an 85-83 road win Nov. 3, and blew a seven-point lead in the final 90 seconds of regulation in a 91-84 home victory Dec. 3. Charlotte has won the rebounding battle by an average of 9.5 in the two wins. Gerald Wallace has double-doubles in his last five games against the Nets, averaging 18.0 points and 14.8 boards. Rebounding should again be a concern for the Nets on Friday because of Lopez's season-long problems in that area.
The third-year center had a career-high 33 double-doubles last season, but has one in 2010-11 while averaging a career-low 5.6 boards. The Nets are closing in on matching their longest road skid from last season, a 15-game slide Dec. 11, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010. They ended a three-game losing streak during which they lost by an average of 13.7 points, with a 103-101 overtime win over New Orleans on Wednesday. Sasha Vujacic scored a career-high 25 points and Jordan Farmar returned after missing six games with back spasms, contributing eight points and 11 assists. "They're one of the best 1-2 guard combinations, we think, coming off the bench in the league, when we're healthy," coach Avery Johnson told the Nets' official website.
The Bobcats suffered a key 104-103 loss at Indiana on Wednesday that dropped them one game behind the Pacers for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Charlotte rallied from a 15-point deficit to tie the game with 1:37 remaining. "We did fight," interim coach Paul Silas said. "I was very proud of them." Stephen Jackson scored 27 points and Wallace added 22, nine rebounds and six assists. "We played defense, we rebounded, we pushed the ball, and we executed on the offensive end," Wallace told the Bobcats' official website. "Our biggest problem was that we waited too late to do all of those things. It's tough when you're having to fight back from being behind." Points should be at a premium since Charlotte ranks 28th with 93.7 per game and New Jersey is 29th at 92.7.
--CHARLOTTE is 23-6 UNDER (+16.4 Units) the 1rst half total after 1 or more consecutive losses this season.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 45.7, OPPONENT 46.1 - (Rating = 4*)
--CHARLOTTE is 12-1 OVER (+10.9 Units) in home games when playing 6 or more games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 98.7, OPPONENT 98.9 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Charlotte by 6.5; O/U 188
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Charlotte -9
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Charlotte -5.73
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (NEW JERSEY) - after going over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game, a bad team (25% to 40%) playing a team with a losing record.
(35-12 since 1996.) (74.5%, +21.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 185
The average score in these games was: Team 96.7, Opponent 97.1 (Total points scored = 193.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 27 (57.4% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-6).
*** #803 MINNESOTA @ #804 INDIANA (-8.5, O/U 216) ***
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The Indiana Pacers keep getting out to quick starts under interim coach Frank Vogel. The Minnesota Timberwolves are very happy with the start to their road trip. The Pacers look to extend their season-high winning streak at Conseco Fieldhouse to five Friday night when they face a Timberwolves team trying to post three straight road victories for the first time in two seasons. Since coach Jim O'Brien was fired Jan. 30, the Pacers (22-28) have won five of six under Vogel to move into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Wednesday's 104-103 victory over Charlotte pushed Indiana one game ahead of the Bobcats and within a game of seventh-place Philadelphia.
"It's big right now, but we have higher aspirations than the eighth spot," Vogel said. "We think we're a very good basketball team. We're hoping to make a run down the stretch that's going to be special." Hot starts could help the Pacers make that push. They made 13 of 24 shots in the opening 12 minutes Wednesday for their eighth consecutive game at 50 percent or better in the first quarter, they've led after seven of them. They are averaging 31.7 points in that period under Vogel and nearly 10 more per game since the former assistant took charge. They've averaged 108.0 points during their four-game win streak at home.
In Minnesota's last visit to Conseco Fieldhouse, Indiana led 73-45 at halftime and rolled to a 122-111 victory Jan. 2, 2010. The Pacers have won 16 of 20 all-time at home in this matchup, but the Timberwolves (13-39) enter this contest with plenty of confidence after defeating New Orleans and Houston to open their three-game trip. Playing without starters Michael Beasley (ankle), Darko Milicic (hip) and Luke Ridnour (personal reasons), who all could be out again Friday, Minnesota snapped a 13-game skid to the Rockets with Tuesday's 112-108 victory. "We've got guys down, guys injured, guys out for personal reasons," Wayne Ellington said after scoring 18 points off the bench.
"We were really trying to pick each other up and do everything as a unit, and that ended up paying off for us." While coach Kurt Rambis has pieced together starting lineups with Jonny Flynn, Wes Johnson and backup center Nikola Pekovic, All-Star forward Kevin Love has been the team's most consistent player. He had 20 points and 14 rebounds Tuesday for his 38th straight double-double, breaking Kevin Garnett's team record. It's the longest such streak since Moses Malone had 44 in a row for Philadelphia in 1982-83. "There are nights where it's bittersweet (when I get a double-double)," Love said. "Tonight, it was more sweet than anything, because we got the win and got it on the road."
Love was held to 16 points and eight rebounds in last season's loss in Indiana, which snapped his season-high 11-game double-double streak. Pacers center Roy Hibbert has four double-doubles in six games under Vogel while averaging 18.7 points, 5.8 more than his season average. He had a career high-tying 29 points with 10 rebounds Wednesday. Hibbert averaged 18.0 points as the Pacers and Timberwolves split two meetings last season. Minnesota, 2-23 on the road prior to this trip, last won three straight away from home April 3-8, 2009.
--INDIANA is 20-5 OVER (+14.5 Units) the 1rst half total vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANA 55.5, OPPONENT 55.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--MINNESOTA is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MINNESOTA 98.3, OPPONENT 105.3 - (Rating = 4*)
--MINNESOTA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MINNESOTA 99.7, OPPONENT 110.4 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Indiana by 8; O/U 207.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Indiana -6
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Indiana -7.54
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Favorites of -165 to -500 vs. the money line (INDIANA) - after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games.
(68-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (87.2%, +44.5 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -234.5
The average score in these games was: Team 102.8, Opponent 94.4 (Average point differential = +8.4)
The situation's record this season is: (6-1, +3.8 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (34-7, +18 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (136-35, +44 units).
--PLAY AGAINST - Underdogs vs the money line (MINNESOTA) - good 3PT shooting team (>=36.5%) against an average 3PT shooting team (33-36.5%) after 42+ games, good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 Reb/G) vs. an average rebounding team (+/-3 Reb/G) after 42+ games.
(33-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (86.8%, +25 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -159
The average score in these games was: Team 100.1, Opponent 92.3 (Average point differential = +7.8)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4, +9.3 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (47-13, +21.2 units).
--PLAY OVER - Home teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (INDIANA) - in a game involving two good FT shooting teams (76-79%) after 42+ games, average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO) vs. a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO) after 42+ games.
(26-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (86.7%, +21.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 108.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 58, Opponent 57.3 (Total first half points scored = 115.3)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-4).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (43-18).
--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams (INDIANA) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a bad team (25-40%).
(31-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.6%, +20 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (19-23 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 6.4
The average score in these games was: Team 102, Opponent 103.4 (Average point differential = -1.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 18 (42.9% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (42-25).
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*** #805 SAN ANTONIO (-3.5, O/U 197) @ #806 PHILADELPHIA ***
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The San Antonio Spurs have had more trouble in Philadelphia over the last eleven seasons than in any other Eastern Conference city. The Spurs will try for a rare road win against the 76ers on Friday night when they continue their "Rodeo Road Trip." San Antonio (44-8) is seeking to become the sixth team in NBA history to begin 45-8 or better and the first since the 1996-97 champion Chicago Bulls. Doing so could be tricky since the Spurs have won twice in their last 10 visits to Philadelphia for their lowest amount of road victories against an East foe since 2000-01. The league-leading Spurs feel they have been getting opponents' best shots during this annual road trip that occurs when the rodeo takes over the AT&T Center. They will visit nine cities over 17 days and travel 8,187 miles.
San Antonio used a big fourth quarter for a 111-100 victory at Toronto on Wednesday, outscoring the Raptors 30-16 as DeJuan Blair had 16 of his 28 points over the final 12 minutes. "I guess when they play a team that has a record like ours they are going to be pretty motivated to get after you, it's a motivational thing and they did that tonight," coach Gregg Popovich said. Blair matched a career high in scoring and added 11 rebounds for his 13th double-double. He's got double-doubles in five of his last six games, averaging 15.0 points on 56.6 percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds. "He's just got a knack," Popovich said. "He's a natural player. He's got great hands, he understands what's going on. He's got great body control. He gets it done."
All-Star guard Manu Ginobili has had a quiet road trip, averaging 13.0 points on 37.5 percent shooting. He has shot 38.0 percent and averaged 15.0 points in eight career games at Philadelphia. Tony Parker's 12.4 scoring average in Philadelphia is his lowest in any city. The Spurs had no trouble with the 76ers in a 116-93 home win Nov. 13. Parker scored 24 points, Ginobili had 18 and Blair added 13 and 12 boards. That game came during Philadelphia's 3-13 start. The 76ers (24-28) are playing better now as winners of seven of 10, although they fell 99-95 at home to Orlando on Wednesday.
Andre Iguodala had 21 points and eight assists, and he's averaging 22.0 points on 56.1 percent shooting during the Sixers' three-game home win streak over the Spurs. Lou Williams scored 18 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday. He's averaging 5.0 points in the fourth quarter over the last four seasons, his highest average in any period. "Just being aggressive," Williams said. "I have always been a late game guy. The last three or four years of my career, the fourth quarter has always been my best."
San Antonio is hoping rookie big man Tiago Splitter will be available after he left Wednesday's victory late in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. "It's a little bit painful right now but I'll be good," Splitter said.
--PHILADELPHIA is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive unders this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 99.0, OPPONENT 99.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--PHILADELPHIA is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 97.4, OPPONENT 95.2 - (Rating = 3*)
--SAN ANTONIO is 25-7 ATS (+17.3 Units) after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games this season.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 104.1, OPPONENT 94.9 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - San Antonio by 3; O/U 198
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Philadelphia -1
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - San Antonio -3.33
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Favorites of 2 to 5.5 points vs. the first half line (SAN ANTONIO) - after successfully covering the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, tired team - playing their 3rd road game in 5 days.
(27-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (77.1%, +18.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.3, Opponent 48.9 (Average first half point differential = +0.4)
The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (55-34).
--PLAY ON - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (PHILADELPHIA) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO's) after 42+ games.
(41-16 since 1996.) (71.9%, +23.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (30-27)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5.2
The average score in these games was: Team 97.4, Opponent 97.4 (Average point differential = 0)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 28 (50% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (7-7).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-11).
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•Thanks Stat/Systems. I have been capping for 4 yrs now and a friend from another forum showed me some of the info in your daily report and I knew I had to sign up. Great stuff. ~ Cody - Cowpens, SC
•I can't believe all of the things your Stat/Sheets track, plus it's all loaded on one page. To call it the Ultimate Sports Tipsheet is an understatement. Goodbye Gold Sheet, hello Stat/Systems Sports! ~ Jason - Beaverton, OR
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*** #807 NEW ORLEANS @ #808 ORLANDO (-9.5, O/U 191.5) ***
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New Orleans denied the Orlando Magic their franchise-record 10th straight win last month, a milestone the Hornets themselves reached eight victories later. Nothing has gone right since. The short-handed Hornets have lost a season-high four straight and six of seven after the end of their double-digit winning streak, a skid they could have trouble ending Friday night as they visit a Magic team eager to avenge last month's overtime defeat. Orlando (34-20) brought a nine-game winning streak into New Orleans on Jan. 12, and the Magic had momentum heading into overtime after rallying from a seven-point deficit with 1:36 remaining.
But Marcus Thornton scored seven of his 22 points in the extra five minutes to lift the Hornets (32-22) to a 92-89 victory, and they kept rolling from there. Eight more wins followed before New Orleans also blew a chance to set a franchise-record winning streak in a 102-96 loss at Sacramento on Jan. 29. The Hornets' only win since came at home Feb. 1 against Washington, which is 0-25 on the road. They've lost their last four, missing Emeka Okafor (hip) and Trevor Ariza (ankle) for the past three, and their two latest efforts were particularly ugly. New Orleans shot 41.7 percent in a 104-92 home loss to woeful Minnesota on Monday, then fell 103-101 in overtime at New Jersey on Wednesday, a defeat Chris Paul took personally.
"I don't care what anybody says about a bunch of different things happening over the course of the game," said Paul, who finished with nine points, 11 assists and seven turnovers. "I feel like this was my loss. The turnovers. The decision-making down the stretch. We have to impose our will." Okafor's return date is up in the air while Ariza, who spent parts of three seasons with Magic, will likely miss two or three more games. Coach Monty Williams' rotation is also in flux. Willie Green and Sasha Pavlovic on a 10-day contract started Wednesday, while Quincy Pondexter didn't play and Marco Belinelli came off the bench for the first time.
Thornton, averaging 7.6 points, went scoreless. "Bottom line is we need to get more production from a lot of people and right now we are not," Williams said. "We're not getting a lot out of our bench." Okafor and Ariza combined for 34 points and 18 rebounds last month against the Magic, who got little production from anyone besides Dwight Howard and Jason Richardson. Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds while Richardson added 21 points, but the rest of the team shot 15 of 57 (26.3 percent). Howard again led the way Wednesday in a 99-95 win at Philadelphia, but more impressive than his 30 points were how he got them.
The big man hit 14 of 19 free throws after coming in as a 57.9 percent shooter from the line. "I will maintain until I'm put in my grave that he's capable of being a 70-percent free throw shooter," coach Stan Van Gundy said of Howard, who went 3 of 7 from the line against the Hornets last month. The sometimes pessimistic Van Gundy was effusive in praising his team's effort a night after a 101-85 victory against the Clippers. "I think it was possibly our best win of the year," Van Gundy said. "On the road against a team that's been playing extremely well." The Hornets, who allow the third-fewest points in the league at 92.5 per game, have surrendered 100 or more in seven of their last eight. They're 25-1 when allowing 93 points or fewer and 7-21 when giving up 94 or more.
--ORLANDO is 4-16 against the 1rst half line (-13.6 Units) versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=24 free throws/game this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 47.8, OPPONENT 48.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEW ORLEANS is 19-44 against the 1rst half line (-29.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 47.8, OPPONENT 52.5 - (Rating = 5*)
--NEW ORLEANS is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games this season.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 92.2, OPPONENT 87.4 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Orlando by 6.5; O/U 188.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Orlando -9
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Orlando -5.57
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (ORLANDO) - revenging a close loss vs opponent of 3 points or less against opponent after a road game where both teams score 100 or more points.
(41-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.2%, +24.5 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 52.5, Opponent 52.9 (Average first half point differential = -0.4)
The situation's record this season is: (1-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (26-11).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (69-46).
--PLAY ON - Underdogs (NEW ORLEANS) - after failing to cover the spread in 5 or more consecutive games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team.
(38-16 since 1996.) (70.4%, +20.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (21-33)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 6
The average score in these games was: Team 94.2, Opponent 96.4 (Average point differential = -2.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 22 (41.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-5).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-7).
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*** #809 PORTLAND (-3, O/U 196.5) @ #810 TORONTO ***
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Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy aren't quite ready to return from arthroscopic knee surgery, leaving the Portland Trail Blazers waiting once again on their defensive anchor and their three-time All-Star guard. With LaMarcus Aldridge seemingly taking his All-Star snub personally, Portland is in no rush. Coming off a career-best 42-point performance, Aldridge looks to stay hot as the visiting Trail Blazers try to hand the Toronto Raptors a 16th loss in 17 games Friday night. Roy and Camby returned to practice Wednesday after both underwent surgery last month, an encouraging sign for Portland (28-24) as it battles for playoff position in the Western Conference.
Neither will be on the court Friday, Roy had initially targeted this game to be back in uniform but both could play before the All-Star break. Coach Nate McMillan plans to be cautious with the two players, particularly Roy, who has been dogged by knee injuries the past two seasons. "I feel good but at the same time I understand where (McMillan) is coming from," Roy said of his return being pushed back. "He wants me to feel great." McMillan is certainly feeling great about the way Aldridge has played since Roy went down. He's averaged 25.0 points and 10.2 rebounds in leading Portland to a 16-10 record, and he's delivered two defining efforts this month.
Aldridge scored a then-career-high 40 points in a 99-86 win over San Antonio on Feb. 1, perhaps making a final push to be named to the West All-Star team. He wasn't picked when the reserves were announced three days later, and appeared to take a personal affront to being left out Monday against Chicago. Aldridge scored 28 of his 42 points after halftime in a 109-103 victory. "All-Star. That's all I can say," Portland center Joel Przybilla said of Aldridge. No Blazers forward has had two 40-point games since Zach Randolph in 2006-07, when he averaged 23.6 points but was also left off the West roster.
"Me getting 42 tonight isn't going to change their mind, so what is it going to do for me" Aldridge said. Aldridge had 22 points and 10 boards in a 97-84 home win over the Raptors (14-39) on Nov. 6, while Roy led the way with 26. That was part of a 1-7 start for Toronto, which seems like a mild slump compared to its current slide. The Raptors led NBA-best San Antonio by three heading into the fourth quarter Wednesday but fell 111-100, their 15th loss in 16 games. "With that kind of team you cannot slip," said guard Leandro Barbosa, who had 20 points off the bench. "We slipped a little bit, and that's what gave them the opportunity to beat us."
Toronto allows a league-high 48.0 points per game in the paint and the Spurs ripped them for 70, which bodes well for Aldridge and the Blazers. When they score 42 or more inside, they're 18-7. To make matters worse for the Raptors, big man Amir Johnson might be a bit banged up after spraining his ankle early in Wednesday's game. He returned, however, and is averaging 15.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in his last seven games. Andrea Bargnani has emerged from his recent funk to average 27.3 points in his last three games, but he might not be too happy to see Portland. His 9.0 average against the Blazers is his worst versus any opponent.
--TORONTO is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 101.6, OPPONENT 107.4 - (Rating = 4*)
--TORONTO is 46-21 OVER (+22.9 Units) the 1rst half total after one or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 52.9, OPPONENT 55.3 - (Rating = 4*)
--PORTLAND is 17-4 against the 1rst half line (+12.6 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ points/game this season.
The average score was PORTLAND 53.4, OPPONENT 47.9 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Portland by 3.5; O/U 195
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Portland -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Portland -2.85
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Favorites vs. the money line (PORTLAND) - an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after 2 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more.
(30-5 since 1996.) (85.7%, +21.7 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -167
The average score in these games was: Team 107.4, Opponent 98.6 (Average point differential = +8.8)
The situation's record this season is: (0-1, -2.2 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-2, +11.2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (22-4, +15.4 units).
--PLAY ON - Favorites vs. the money line (PORTLAND) - after going over the total by more than 24 points in their previous game against opponent after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games.
(55-11 over the last 5 seasons.) (83.3%, +34.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -183.6
The average score in these games was: Team 100.2, Opponent 94.1 (Average point differential = +6.1)
The situation's record this season is: (3-2, -0.9 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (35-7, +21.4 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (131-39, +43.7 units).
--PLAY UNDER - Road teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (PORTLAND) - after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games against opponent after a loss by 10 points or more.
(39-13 since 1996.) (75.0%, +24.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 47, Opponent 47.9 (Total first half points scored = 94.9)
The situation's record this season is: (4-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-6).
--PLAY ON - Road favorites (PORTLAND) - after going over the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a losing team.
(33-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.3%, +19.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (35-10 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 4
The average score in these games was: Team 104.3, Opponent 97.5 (Average point differential = +6.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 16 (39% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (75-67).
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The Indiana Pacers keep getting out to quick starts under interim coach Frank Vogel. The Minnesota Timberwolves are very happy with the start to their road trip. The Pacers look to extend their season-high winning streak at Conseco Fieldhouse to five Friday night when they face a Timberwolves team trying to post three straight road victories for the first time in two seasons. Since coach Jim O'Brien was fired Jan. 30, the Pacers (22-28) have won five of six under Vogel to move into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Wednesday's 104-103 victory over Charlotte pushed Indiana one game ahead of the Bobcats and within a game of seventh-place Philadelphia.
"It's big right now, but we have higher aspirations than the eighth spot," Vogel said. "We think we're a very good basketball team. We're hoping to make a run down the stretch that's going to be special." Hot starts could help the Pacers make that push. They made 13 of 24 shots in the opening 12 minutes Wednesday for their eighth consecutive game at 50 percent or better in the first quarter, they've led after seven of them. They are averaging 31.7 points in that period under Vogel and nearly 10 more per game since the former assistant took charge. They've averaged 108.0 points during their four-game win streak at home.
In Minnesota's last visit to Conseco Fieldhouse, Indiana led 73-45 at halftime and rolled to a 122-111 victory Jan. 2, 2010. The Pacers have won 16 of 20 all-time at home in this matchup, but the Timberwolves (13-39) enter this contest with plenty of confidence after defeating New Orleans and Houston to open their three-game trip. Playing without starters Michael Beasley (ankle), Darko Milicic (hip) and Luke Ridnour (personal reasons), who all could be out again Friday, Minnesota snapped a 13-game skid to the Rockets with Tuesday's 112-108 victory. "We've got guys down, guys injured, guys out for personal reasons," Wayne Ellington said after scoring 18 points off the bench.
"We were really trying to pick each other up and do everything as a unit, and that ended up paying off for us." While coach Kurt Rambis has pieced together starting lineups with Jonny Flynn, Wes Johnson and backup center Nikola Pekovic, All-Star forward Kevin Love has been the team's most consistent player. He had 20 points and 14 rebounds Tuesday for his 38th straight double-double, breaking Kevin Garnett's team record. It's the longest such streak since Moses Malone had 44 in a row for Philadelphia in 1982-83. "There are nights where it's bittersweet (when I get a double-double)," Love said. "Tonight, it was more sweet than anything, because we got the win and got it on the road."
Love was held to 16 points and eight rebounds in last season's loss in Indiana, which snapped his season-high 11-game double-double streak. Pacers center Roy Hibbert has four double-doubles in six games under Vogel while averaging 18.7 points, 5.8 more than his season average. He had a career high-tying 29 points with 10 rebounds Wednesday. Hibbert averaged 18.0 points as the Pacers and Timberwolves split two meetings last season. Minnesota, 2-23 on the road prior to this trip, last won three straight away from home April 3-8, 2009.
--INDIANA is 20-5 OVER (+14.5 Units) the 1rst half total vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANA 55.5, OPPONENT 55.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--MINNESOTA is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MINNESOTA 98.3, OPPONENT 105.3 - (Rating = 4*)
--MINNESOTA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MINNESOTA 99.7, OPPONENT 110.4 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Indiana by 8; O/U 207.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Indiana -6
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Indiana -7.54
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Favorites of -165 to -500 vs. the money line (INDIANA) - after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games.
(68-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (87.2%, +44.5 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -234.5
The average score in these games was: Team 102.8, Opponent 94.4 (Average point differential = +8.4)
The situation's record this season is: (6-1, +3.8 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (34-7, +18 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (136-35, +44 units).
--PLAY AGAINST - Underdogs vs the money line (MINNESOTA) - good 3PT shooting team (>=36.5%) against an average 3PT shooting team (33-36.5%) after 42+ games, good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 Reb/G) vs. an average rebounding team (+/-3 Reb/G) after 42+ games.
(33-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (86.8%, +25 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -159
The average score in these games was: Team 100.1, Opponent 92.3 (Average point differential = +7.8)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4, +9.3 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (47-13, +21.2 units).
--PLAY OVER - Home teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (INDIANA) - in a game involving two good FT shooting teams (76-79%) after 42+ games, average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO) vs. a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO) after 42+ games.
(26-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (86.7%, +21.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 108.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 58, Opponent 57.3 (Total first half points scored = 115.3)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-4).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (43-18).
--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams (INDIANA) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a bad team (25-40%).
(31-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.6%, +20 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (19-23 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 6.4
The average score in these games was: Team 102, Opponent 103.4 (Average point differential = -1.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 18 (42.9% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (42-25).
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*** #805 SAN ANTONIO (-3.5, O/U 197) @ #806 PHILADELPHIA ***
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The San Antonio Spurs have had more trouble in Philadelphia over the last eleven seasons than in any other Eastern Conference city. The Spurs will try for a rare road win against the 76ers on Friday night when they continue their "Rodeo Road Trip." San Antonio (44-8) is seeking to become the sixth team in NBA history to begin 45-8 or better and the first since the 1996-97 champion Chicago Bulls. Doing so could be tricky since the Spurs have won twice in their last 10 visits to Philadelphia for their lowest amount of road victories against an East foe since 2000-01. The league-leading Spurs feel they have been getting opponents' best shots during this annual road trip that occurs when the rodeo takes over the AT&T Center. They will visit nine cities over 17 days and travel 8,187 miles.
San Antonio used a big fourth quarter for a 111-100 victory at Toronto on Wednesday, outscoring the Raptors 30-16 as DeJuan Blair had 16 of his 28 points over the final 12 minutes. "I guess when they play a team that has a record like ours they are going to be pretty motivated to get after you, it's a motivational thing and they did that tonight," coach Gregg Popovich said. Blair matched a career high in scoring and added 11 rebounds for his 13th double-double. He's got double-doubles in five of his last six games, averaging 15.0 points on 56.6 percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds. "He's just got a knack," Popovich said. "He's a natural player. He's got great hands, he understands what's going on. He's got great body control. He gets it done."
All-Star guard Manu Ginobili has had a quiet road trip, averaging 13.0 points on 37.5 percent shooting. He has shot 38.0 percent and averaged 15.0 points in eight career games at Philadelphia. Tony Parker's 12.4 scoring average in Philadelphia is his lowest in any city. The Spurs had no trouble with the 76ers in a 116-93 home win Nov. 13. Parker scored 24 points, Ginobili had 18 and Blair added 13 and 12 boards. That game came during Philadelphia's 3-13 start. The 76ers (24-28) are playing better now as winners of seven of 10, although they fell 99-95 at home to Orlando on Wednesday.
Andre Iguodala had 21 points and eight assists, and he's averaging 22.0 points on 56.1 percent shooting during the Sixers' three-game home win streak over the Spurs. Lou Williams scored 18 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday. He's averaging 5.0 points in the fourth quarter over the last four seasons, his highest average in any period. "Just being aggressive," Williams said. "I have always been a late game guy. The last three or four years of my career, the fourth quarter has always been my best."
San Antonio is hoping rookie big man Tiago Splitter will be available after he left Wednesday's victory late in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. "It's a little bit painful right now but I'll be good," Splitter said.
--PHILADELPHIA is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive unders this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 99.0, OPPONENT 99.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--PHILADELPHIA is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 97.4, OPPONENT 95.2 - (Rating = 3*)
--SAN ANTONIO is 25-7 ATS (+17.3 Units) after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games this season.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 104.1, OPPONENT 94.9 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - San Antonio by 3; O/U 198
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Philadelphia -1
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - San Antonio -3.33
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Favorites of 2 to 5.5 points vs. the first half line (SAN ANTONIO) - after successfully covering the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, tired team - playing their 3rd road game in 5 days.
(27-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (77.1%, +18.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.3, Opponent 48.9 (Average first half point differential = +0.4)
The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (55-34).
--PLAY ON - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (PHILADELPHIA) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO's) after 42+ games.
(41-16 since 1996.) (71.9%, +23.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (30-27)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5.2
The average score in these games was: Team 97.4, Opponent 97.4 (Average point differential = 0)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 28 (50% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (7-7).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-11).
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•Thanks Stat/Systems. I have been capping for 4 yrs now and a friend from another forum showed me some of the info in your daily report and I knew I had to sign up. Great stuff. ~ Cody - Cowpens, SC
•I can't believe all of the things your Stat/Sheets track, plus it's all loaded on one page. To call it the Ultimate Sports Tipsheet is an understatement. Goodbye Gold Sheet, hello Stat/Systems Sports! ~ Jason - Beaverton, OR
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*** #807 NEW ORLEANS @ #808 ORLANDO (-9.5, O/U 191.5) ***
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New Orleans denied the Orlando Magic their franchise-record 10th straight win last month, a milestone the Hornets themselves reached eight victories later. Nothing has gone right since. The short-handed Hornets have lost a season-high four straight and six of seven after the end of their double-digit winning streak, a skid they could have trouble ending Friday night as they visit a Magic team eager to avenge last month's overtime defeat. Orlando (34-20) brought a nine-game winning streak into New Orleans on Jan. 12, and the Magic had momentum heading into overtime after rallying from a seven-point deficit with 1:36 remaining.
But Marcus Thornton scored seven of his 22 points in the extra five minutes to lift the Hornets (32-22) to a 92-89 victory, and they kept rolling from there. Eight more wins followed before New Orleans also blew a chance to set a franchise-record winning streak in a 102-96 loss at Sacramento on Jan. 29. The Hornets' only win since came at home Feb. 1 against Washington, which is 0-25 on the road. They've lost their last four, missing Emeka Okafor (hip) and Trevor Ariza (ankle) for the past three, and their two latest efforts were particularly ugly. New Orleans shot 41.7 percent in a 104-92 home loss to woeful Minnesota on Monday, then fell 103-101 in overtime at New Jersey on Wednesday, a defeat Chris Paul took personally.
"I don't care what anybody says about a bunch of different things happening over the course of the game," said Paul, who finished with nine points, 11 assists and seven turnovers. "I feel like this was my loss. The turnovers. The decision-making down the stretch. We have to impose our will." Okafor's return date is up in the air while Ariza, who spent parts of three seasons with Magic, will likely miss two or three more games. Coach Monty Williams' rotation is also in flux. Willie Green and Sasha Pavlovic on a 10-day contract started Wednesday, while Quincy Pondexter didn't play and Marco Belinelli came off the bench for the first time.
Thornton, averaging 7.6 points, went scoreless. "Bottom line is we need to get more production from a lot of people and right now we are not," Williams said. "We're not getting a lot out of our bench." Okafor and Ariza combined for 34 points and 18 rebounds last month against the Magic, who got little production from anyone besides Dwight Howard and Jason Richardson. Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds while Richardson added 21 points, but the rest of the team shot 15 of 57 (26.3 percent). Howard again led the way Wednesday in a 99-95 win at Philadelphia, but more impressive than his 30 points were how he got them.
The big man hit 14 of 19 free throws after coming in as a 57.9 percent shooter from the line. "I will maintain until I'm put in my grave that he's capable of being a 70-percent free throw shooter," coach Stan Van Gundy said of Howard, who went 3 of 7 from the line against the Hornets last month. The sometimes pessimistic Van Gundy was effusive in praising his team's effort a night after a 101-85 victory against the Clippers. "I think it was possibly our best win of the year," Van Gundy said. "On the road against a team that's been playing extremely well." The Hornets, who allow the third-fewest points in the league at 92.5 per game, have surrendered 100 or more in seven of their last eight. They're 25-1 when allowing 93 points or fewer and 7-21 when giving up 94 or more.
--ORLANDO is 4-16 against the 1rst half line (-13.6 Units) versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=24 free throws/game this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 47.8, OPPONENT 48.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEW ORLEANS is 19-44 against the 1rst half line (-29.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 47.8, OPPONENT 52.5 - (Rating = 5*)
--NEW ORLEANS is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games this season.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 92.2, OPPONENT 87.4 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Orlando by 6.5; O/U 188.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Orlando -9
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Orlando -5.57
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (ORLANDO) - revenging a close loss vs opponent of 3 points or less against opponent after a road game where both teams score 100 or more points.
(41-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.2%, +24.5 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 52.5, Opponent 52.9 (Average first half point differential = -0.4)
The situation's record this season is: (1-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (26-11).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (69-46).
--PLAY ON - Underdogs (NEW ORLEANS) - after failing to cover the spread in 5 or more consecutive games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team.
(38-16 since 1996.) (70.4%, +20.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (21-33)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 6
The average score in these games was: Team 94.2, Opponent 96.4 (Average point differential = -2.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 22 (41.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-5).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-7).
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*** #809 PORTLAND (-3, O/U 196.5) @ #810 TORONTO ***
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Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy aren't quite ready to return from arthroscopic knee surgery, leaving the Portland Trail Blazers waiting once again on their defensive anchor and their three-time All-Star guard. With LaMarcus Aldridge seemingly taking his All-Star snub personally, Portland is in no rush. Coming off a career-best 42-point performance, Aldridge looks to stay hot as the visiting Trail Blazers try to hand the Toronto Raptors a 16th loss in 17 games Friday night. Roy and Camby returned to practice Wednesday after both underwent surgery last month, an encouraging sign for Portland (28-24) as it battles for playoff position in the Western Conference.
Neither will be on the court Friday, Roy had initially targeted this game to be back in uniform but both could play before the All-Star break. Coach Nate McMillan plans to be cautious with the two players, particularly Roy, who has been dogged by knee injuries the past two seasons. "I feel good but at the same time I understand where (McMillan) is coming from," Roy said of his return being pushed back. "He wants me to feel great." McMillan is certainly feeling great about the way Aldridge has played since Roy went down. He's averaged 25.0 points and 10.2 rebounds in leading Portland to a 16-10 record, and he's delivered two defining efforts this month.
Aldridge scored a then-career-high 40 points in a 99-86 win over San Antonio on Feb. 1, perhaps making a final push to be named to the West All-Star team. He wasn't picked when the reserves were announced three days later, and appeared to take a personal affront to being left out Monday against Chicago. Aldridge scored 28 of his 42 points after halftime in a 109-103 victory. "All-Star. That's all I can say," Portland center Joel Przybilla said of Aldridge. No Blazers forward has had two 40-point games since Zach Randolph in 2006-07, when he averaged 23.6 points but was also left off the West roster.
"Me getting 42 tonight isn't going to change their mind, so what is it going to do for me" Aldridge said. Aldridge had 22 points and 10 boards in a 97-84 home win over the Raptors (14-39) on Nov. 6, while Roy led the way with 26. That was part of a 1-7 start for Toronto, which seems like a mild slump compared to its current slide. The Raptors led NBA-best San Antonio by three heading into the fourth quarter Wednesday but fell 111-100, their 15th loss in 16 games. "With that kind of team you cannot slip," said guard Leandro Barbosa, who had 20 points off the bench. "We slipped a little bit, and that's what gave them the opportunity to beat us."
Toronto allows a league-high 48.0 points per game in the paint and the Spurs ripped them for 70, which bodes well for Aldridge and the Blazers. When they score 42 or more inside, they're 18-7. To make matters worse for the Raptors, big man Amir Johnson might be a bit banged up after spraining his ankle early in Wednesday's game. He returned, however, and is averaging 15.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in his last seven games. Andrea Bargnani has emerged from his recent funk to average 27.3 points in his last three games, but he might not be too happy to see Portland. His 9.0 average against the Blazers is his worst versus any opponent.
--TORONTO is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 101.6, OPPONENT 107.4 - (Rating = 4*)
--TORONTO is 46-21 OVER (+22.9 Units) the 1rst half total after one or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 52.9, OPPONENT 55.3 - (Rating = 4*)
--PORTLAND is 17-4 against the 1rst half line (+12.6 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ points/game this season.
The average score was PORTLAND 53.4, OPPONENT 47.9 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Portland by 3.5; O/U 195
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Portland -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Portland -2.85
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• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Favorites vs. the money line (PORTLAND) - an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after 2 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more.
(30-5 since 1996.) (85.7%, +21.7 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -167
The average score in these games was: Team 107.4, Opponent 98.6 (Average point differential = +8.8)
The situation's record this season is: (0-1, -2.2 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-2, +11.2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (22-4, +15.4 units).
--PLAY ON - Favorites vs. the money line (PORTLAND) - after going over the total by more than 24 points in their previous game against opponent after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games.
(55-11 over the last 5 seasons.) (83.3%, +34.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -183.6
The average score in these games was: Team 100.2, Opponent 94.1 (Average point differential = +6.1)
The situation's record this season is: (3-2, -0.9 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (35-7, +21.4 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (131-39, +43.7 units).
--PLAY UNDER - Road teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (PORTLAND) - after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games against opponent after a loss by 10 points or more.
(39-13 since 1996.) (75.0%, +24.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 47, Opponent 47.9 (Total first half points scored = 94.9)
The situation's record this season is: (4-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-6).
--PLAY ON - Road favorites (PORTLAND) - after going over the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a losing team.
(33-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.3%, +19.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (35-10 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 4
The average score in these games was: Team 104.3, Opponent 97.5 (Average point differential = +6.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 16 (39% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (75-67).
*** #811 L.A. CLIPPERS (-3.5, O/U 208) @ #812 CLEVELAND ***
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Considering the Los Angeles Clippers have more losses than anyone since moving to their current city 27 years ago, they are no strangers to being the NBA's laughingstock. These days, the Cleveland Cavaliers have that title all to themselves. In the midst of the longest losing streak in league history, the Cavaliers can set a major North American pro sports record with a 27th consecutive loss Friday night against Blake Griffin and the visiting Clippers. Griffin has finally offered Los Angeles (20-32) some long-term hope, a rarity for a franchise that's averaged 53 losses a season since moving up the coast from San Diego in 1984-85.
That has come after the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft missed his first season with a stress fracture in his left knee, but the Clippers knew they'd get their young superstar back. That's not the case in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers (8-45) have dropped 36 of 37 since beginning their first season without LeBron James at 7-9. Cleveland set an NBA mark for consecutive losses at 25 breaking its own record from the early 1980s, by falling 99-96 at Dallas on Monday. It then tied the 1976-77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the longest skid in North American pro sports history with a 103-94 home defeat to Detroit on Wednesday.
Coach Byron Scott, mostly stoic throughout the ongoing woes, let his team have it after its latest listless effort. "I'm mad as hell," Scott said. "I can deal with losing, especially when our guys play as hard as they have in the last couple weeks, but I find it very hard to deal with when guys don't come out ready to play." The Cavaliers had stayed within seven points in their previous four losses, but trailed by nine after one quarter Wednesday. "We had no sense of urgency whatsoever and that kind of amazes me," Scott said. "When we've lost as many in a row as we lost and when you've been as close as we've been in the last four or five games and to be at home and come out the way we came out -- that amazes me."
The Clippers had lost four in a row overall and seven straight on the road heading into Wednesday's visit to New York. Griffin had 21 points, which has rarely been enough to get Los Angeles a victory. However, the Clippers, who went 3-21 in the first 24 games Griffin failed to score 22 or more, got contributions from everyone at Madison Square Garden. Six players scored at least 16 points and Baron Davis added 16 assists in a 116-108 victory.
"I think we had one of our most, one of our best overall games, with everybody contributing and everybody playing extremely well," Griffin said. Guard Eric Gordon and center Chris Kaman won't return prior to the All-Star break, but Los Angeles has found a decent fill-in for Gordon in Randy Foye. The former first-round pick has averaged 16.0 points as a starter since Gordon went down, he's averaging 7.5 on the season and scored 17 of his season-high 24 in the fourth quarter Wednesday. The Clippers have lost eight straight overall to the Cavaliers and eight in a row in Cleveland.
--CLEVELAND is 2-17 against the 1rst half line (-16.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 50.6, OPPONENT 58.5 - (Rating = 5*)
--CLEVELAND is 3-17 against the 1rst half line (-15.7 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 49.3, OPPONENT 60.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--LA CLIPPERS are 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games after scoring 110 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was LA CLIPPERS 93.9, OPPONENT 109.2 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Clippers by 5.5; O/U 204
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Clippers -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Clippers -5.55
______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Any team vs the money line (LA CLIPPERS) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an terrible defensive team (>=47.5%), good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 reb/game) against a poor rebounding team (-3 to -5.5 reb/game).
(24-2 since 1996.) (92.3%, +21.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -110
The average score in these games was: Team 107.9, Opponent 100 (Average point differential = +7.9)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-0, +10 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-2, +16.8 units).
--PLAY ON - Road teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (LA CLIPPERS) - in a game involving two average three point shooting teams (33%-36.5%), good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 reb/game) against a poor rebounding team (-3 to -5.5 reb/game).
(22-5 since 1996.) (81.5%, +17.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +101.6
The average score in these games was: Team 99.8, Opponent 95.1 (Average point differential = +4.7)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0, +0 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-0, +3.2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (9-2, +6.8 units).
--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (CLEVELAND) - cold team - having lost 20 or more of their last 25 games against opponent after having lost 4 of their last 5 games.
(45-14 since 1996.) (76.3%, +29.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 51.9, Opponent 47.7 (Average first half point differential = +4.2)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (13-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-3).
___________________________________________
*** #813 MIAMI (-9, O/U 193) @ #814 DETROIT ***
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LeBron James led the short-handed Miami Heat to a one-point win in their last matchup with the Detroit Pistons. With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh back on the court, though, he likely won't need to carry the load himself this time around. While looking for a fourth straight road win over the Pistons, Miami will try for an eighth consecutive victory overall as it begins a four-game trip Friday night. Despite trailing by seven heading into the fourth quarter Tuesday, the Heat (38-14) extended their winning streak by beating Indiana 117-112 as James had 41 points, a season high-tying 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block.
"I'll tell you what, he's playing MVP-like basketball on both ends of the court," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He had a motor tonight that did not fatigue. It was amazing." James the only active player averaging at least 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists registered 39, eight and nine, respectively, in an 88-87 win Jan. 28 versus Detroit while Wade (wrist) and Bosh (ankle) were held out. Wade had 17 points and seven assists while Bosh contributed 19 points and seven rebounds against the Pacers. Wade, though, isn't concerned with individual accolades. "You don't have to be awesome every night," he said. "You have to find a way to help your ballclub win and we were able to do that."
Miami has taken seven of eight from Detroit including three straight at the Palace of Auburn Hills by an average of 16.3 points. The Pistons (20-33), meanwhile, enter this contest having won three of four and after extending host Cleveland's NBA record skid to 26 with a 103-94 victory on Wednesday. "You don't want to be the team that loses to them," said Pistons guard Tracy McGrady. "(ESPN analyst) Tim Legler, we heard you. You gave us some bulletin board material. We used that." Detroit is currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, but just 3 1/2 games behind Indiana for the eighth and final playoff spot.
"We're working so hard to get as many wins as we possibly can. (The game against Cleveland) happened to be the next game in the schedule and the next one is equally important now," Pistons coach John Kuester said. Rodney Stuckey scored 22 points off the bench in his second game back after missing five with a shoulder contusion. Stuckey, who leads the team with 15.3 points per game, has scored at least 18 in three of his last four home meetings with Miami.
Detroit's recent success comes in part from a solid defense that's allowed 88.5 points over its last four games. The Pistons, however, could have trouble slowing down the Heat, who are averaging 107.0 points in their last three road contests. Detroit is 1-19 in regulation when giving up at least 100 points. The Pistons' Richard Hamilton was held out Wednesday for the second consecutive game with a sore groin and his status for this game is unknown. Since joining Detroit in 2002-03, he's averaged 17.3 points in 12 career home games against the Heat.
--DETROIT is 7-23 ATS (-18.3 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DETROIT 92.7, OPPONENT 97.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--DETROIT is 16-4 OVER (+11.6 Units) in home games after playing a game as an underdog this season.
The average score was DETROIT 98.8, OPPONENT 102.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--DETROIT is 16-4 against the 1rst half line (+11.6 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game this season.
The average score was DETROIT 47.9, OPPONENT 44.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--MIAMI is 1-11 against the 1rst half line (-11.1 Units) after 6 or more consecutive wins this season.
The average score was MIAMI 50.8, OPPONENT 51.2 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Miami by 7.5; O/U 193.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Miami -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Miami -7.64
_______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Road favorites vs. the money line (MIAMI) - good FT shooting team (76-79%) against an average FT shooting team (72-76%) after 42+ games, in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game) after 42+ games.
(55-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (85.9%, +39.9 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -168.3
The average score in these games was: Team 105.7, Opponent 97.5 (Average point differential = +8.2)
The situation's record this season is: (10-1, +8.8 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (49-5, +40 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (100-36, +38.1 units).
--PLAY UNDER - Home teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (DETROIT) - poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season, after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 50% or higher.
(90-38 since 1996.) (70.3%, +48.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 47, Opponent 48.6 (Total first half points scored = 95.6)
The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (36-12).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (51-23).
___________________________________________
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____
*** #815 MILWAUKEE @ #816 MEMPHIS (NL) ***
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Tony Allen stepped up to help the Memphis Grizzlies overcome a pair of key absences. The Grizzlies may need him to do the same Friday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. With O.J. Mayo continuing to serve a league-imposed 10-game suspension, the Grizzlies found themselves even more short-handed Tuesday, when a sprained right big toe forced Rudy Gay and his 20.0 points per game to the sidelines at Oklahoma City. Allen helped Memphis (28-26) overcome those absences with a season-best 27-point effort in a 105-101 overtime victory over the Northwest Division leaders.
"The guy was an all-pro (Tuesday) on both ends of the floor...I thought he won the game for them," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Allen, who also had five steals and three blocks. "Certain guys in this league compete every possession, and he's one of them. He competes every possession, and I love guys that hate getting scored on." All five starters scored in double figures for the Grizzlies, who will be without Mayo for two more games. Gay's status remains unknown. "Having Rudy out and O.J. not here and guys banged up here and there but to still come out and beat a good team like Oklahoma City, it shows a lot about our team," said point guard Mike Conley, who had 13 points and four assists.
Gay and Mayo had 11 points apiece in Memphis' 94-81 victory at Milwaukee on Jan. 22, when Grizzlies center Marc Gasol led all scorers with 24. Allen wasn't much of a factor, scoring two points in a little more than six minutes off the bench. Although the Grizzlies won that matchup, they have lost four consecutive home games to Milwaukee since a 100-90 victory April 7, 2006. Memphis, which has won nine of 12 overall, this time gets the luxury of facing a Milwaukee club that has dropped five of six. The Bucks (20-31), 2 1/2 games behind Indiana for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, fell 100-85 at Washington on Wednesday.
"We needed this win (Wednesday). It's important for us to beat these teams that we are capable of beating. There shouldn't be a point where we have these fall back games." said Corey Maggette, who had averaged 19.6 points over his previous eight games before finishing with 10 against the Wizards. "These are games we need to continue to put us in that playoff race we need to be in. We took a step back and we just got to try to get ready for Memphis to take a step forward again."
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 20 points, easily his best performance in seven games since returning from a broken ankle. "I'm still struggling with my outside shot -- no legs, a little bit -- but just trying to get to the basket to do what I can," he said. Jennings, who missed last month's loss to Memphis, is averaging 27.5 points in two career meetings with the Grizzlies. The Bucks have lost four straight road games by an average of 10.8 points.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Memphis by 6; O/U 187.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Memphis -5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Memphis -5.49
_______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Any team vs. the 1rst half line (MEMPHIS) - after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a bad team (25 to 40%).
(68-27 over the last 5 seasons.) (71.6%, +38.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.5, Opponent 49.5 (Average first half point differential = 0)
The situation's record this season is: (7-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (38-19).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (131-80).
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Considering the Los Angeles Clippers have more losses than anyone since moving to their current city 27 years ago, they are no strangers to being the NBA's laughingstock. These days, the Cleveland Cavaliers have that title all to themselves. In the midst of the longest losing streak in league history, the Cavaliers can set a major North American pro sports record with a 27th consecutive loss Friday night against Blake Griffin and the visiting Clippers. Griffin has finally offered Los Angeles (20-32) some long-term hope, a rarity for a franchise that's averaged 53 losses a season since moving up the coast from San Diego in 1984-85.
That has come after the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft missed his first season with a stress fracture in his left knee, but the Clippers knew they'd get their young superstar back. That's not the case in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers (8-45) have dropped 36 of 37 since beginning their first season without LeBron James at 7-9. Cleveland set an NBA mark for consecutive losses at 25 breaking its own record from the early 1980s, by falling 99-96 at Dallas on Monday. It then tied the 1976-77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the longest skid in North American pro sports history with a 103-94 home defeat to Detroit on Wednesday.
Coach Byron Scott, mostly stoic throughout the ongoing woes, let his team have it after its latest listless effort. "I'm mad as hell," Scott said. "I can deal with losing, especially when our guys play as hard as they have in the last couple weeks, but I find it very hard to deal with when guys don't come out ready to play." The Cavaliers had stayed within seven points in their previous four losses, but trailed by nine after one quarter Wednesday. "We had no sense of urgency whatsoever and that kind of amazes me," Scott said. "When we've lost as many in a row as we lost and when you've been as close as we've been in the last four or five games and to be at home and come out the way we came out -- that amazes me."
The Clippers had lost four in a row overall and seven straight on the road heading into Wednesday's visit to New York. Griffin had 21 points, which has rarely been enough to get Los Angeles a victory. However, the Clippers, who went 3-21 in the first 24 games Griffin failed to score 22 or more, got contributions from everyone at Madison Square Garden. Six players scored at least 16 points and Baron Davis added 16 assists in a 116-108 victory.
"I think we had one of our most, one of our best overall games, with everybody contributing and everybody playing extremely well," Griffin said. Guard Eric Gordon and center Chris Kaman won't return prior to the All-Star break, but Los Angeles has found a decent fill-in for Gordon in Randy Foye. The former first-round pick has averaged 16.0 points as a starter since Gordon went down, he's averaging 7.5 on the season and scored 17 of his season-high 24 in the fourth quarter Wednesday. The Clippers have lost eight straight overall to the Cavaliers and eight in a row in Cleveland.
--CLEVELAND is 2-17 against the 1rst half line (-16.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 50.6, OPPONENT 58.5 - (Rating = 5*)
--CLEVELAND is 3-17 against the 1rst half line (-15.7 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was CLEVELAND 49.3, OPPONENT 60.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--LA CLIPPERS are 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games after scoring 110 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was LA CLIPPERS 93.9, OPPONENT 109.2 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Clippers by 5.5; O/U 204
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Clippers -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Clippers -5.55
______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Any team vs the money line (LA CLIPPERS) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an terrible defensive team (>=47.5%), good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 reb/game) against a poor rebounding team (-3 to -5.5 reb/game).
(24-2 since 1996.) (92.3%, +21.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -110
The average score in these games was: Team 107.9, Opponent 100 (Average point differential = +7.9)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0, +1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-0, +10 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-2, +16.8 units).
--PLAY ON - Road teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (LA CLIPPERS) - in a game involving two average three point shooting teams (33%-36.5%), good rebounding team (+3 to +5.5 reb/game) against a poor rebounding team (-3 to -5.5 reb/game).
(22-5 since 1996.) (81.5%, +17.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +101.6
The average score in these games was: Team 99.8, Opponent 95.1 (Average point differential = +4.7)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0, +0 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-0, +3.2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (9-2, +6.8 units).
--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (CLEVELAND) - cold team - having lost 20 or more of their last 25 games against opponent after having lost 4 of their last 5 games.
(45-14 since 1996.) (76.3%, +29.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 51.9, Opponent 47.7 (Average first half point differential = +4.2)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (13-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-3).
___________________________________________
*** #813 MIAMI (-9, O/U 193) @ #814 DETROIT ***
----------------------------------------------------------------
LeBron James led the short-handed Miami Heat to a one-point win in their last matchup with the Detroit Pistons. With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh back on the court, though, he likely won't need to carry the load himself this time around. While looking for a fourth straight road win over the Pistons, Miami will try for an eighth consecutive victory overall as it begins a four-game trip Friday night. Despite trailing by seven heading into the fourth quarter Tuesday, the Heat (38-14) extended their winning streak by beating Indiana 117-112 as James had 41 points, a season high-tying 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block.
"I'll tell you what, he's playing MVP-like basketball on both ends of the court," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He had a motor tonight that did not fatigue. It was amazing." James the only active player averaging at least 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists registered 39, eight and nine, respectively, in an 88-87 win Jan. 28 versus Detroit while Wade (wrist) and Bosh (ankle) were held out. Wade had 17 points and seven assists while Bosh contributed 19 points and seven rebounds against the Pacers. Wade, though, isn't concerned with individual accolades. "You don't have to be awesome every night," he said. "You have to find a way to help your ballclub win and we were able to do that."
Miami has taken seven of eight from Detroit including three straight at the Palace of Auburn Hills by an average of 16.3 points. The Pistons (20-33), meanwhile, enter this contest having won three of four and after extending host Cleveland's NBA record skid to 26 with a 103-94 victory on Wednesday. "You don't want to be the team that loses to them," said Pistons guard Tracy McGrady. "(ESPN analyst) Tim Legler, we heard you. You gave us some bulletin board material. We used that." Detroit is currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, but just 3 1/2 games behind Indiana for the eighth and final playoff spot.
"We're working so hard to get as many wins as we possibly can. (The game against Cleveland) happened to be the next game in the schedule and the next one is equally important now," Pistons coach John Kuester said. Rodney Stuckey scored 22 points off the bench in his second game back after missing five with a shoulder contusion. Stuckey, who leads the team with 15.3 points per game, has scored at least 18 in three of his last four home meetings with Miami.
Detroit's recent success comes in part from a solid defense that's allowed 88.5 points over its last four games. The Pistons, however, could have trouble slowing down the Heat, who are averaging 107.0 points in their last three road contests. Detroit is 1-19 in regulation when giving up at least 100 points. The Pistons' Richard Hamilton was held out Wednesday for the second consecutive game with a sore groin and his status for this game is unknown. Since joining Detroit in 2002-03, he's averaged 17.3 points in 12 career home games against the Heat.
--DETROIT is 7-23 ATS (-18.3 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DETROIT 92.7, OPPONENT 97.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--DETROIT is 16-4 OVER (+11.6 Units) in home games after playing a game as an underdog this season.
The average score was DETROIT 98.8, OPPONENT 102.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--DETROIT is 16-4 against the 1rst half line (+11.6 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game this season.
The average score was DETROIT 47.9, OPPONENT 44.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--MIAMI is 1-11 against the 1rst half line (-11.1 Units) after 6 or more consecutive wins this season.
The average score was MIAMI 50.8, OPPONENT 51.2 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Miami by 7.5; O/U 193.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Miami -7
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Miami -7.64
_______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY ON - Road favorites vs. the money line (MIAMI) - good FT shooting team (76-79%) against an average FT shooting team (72-76%) after 42+ games, in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game) after 42+ games.
(55-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (85.9%, +39.9 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -168.3
The average score in these games was: Team 105.7, Opponent 97.5 (Average point differential = +8.2)
The situation's record this season is: (10-1, +8.8 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (49-5, +40 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (100-36, +38.1 units).
--PLAY UNDER - Home teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (DETROIT) - poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season, after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 50% or higher.
(90-38 since 1996.) (70.3%, +48.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 47, Opponent 48.6 (Total first half points scored = 95.6)
The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (36-12).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (51-23).
___________________________________________
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____
*** #815 MILWAUKEE @ #816 MEMPHIS (NL) ***
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tony Allen stepped up to help the Memphis Grizzlies overcome a pair of key absences. The Grizzlies may need him to do the same Friday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. With O.J. Mayo continuing to serve a league-imposed 10-game suspension, the Grizzlies found themselves even more short-handed Tuesday, when a sprained right big toe forced Rudy Gay and his 20.0 points per game to the sidelines at Oklahoma City. Allen helped Memphis (28-26) overcome those absences with a season-best 27-point effort in a 105-101 overtime victory over the Northwest Division leaders.
"The guy was an all-pro (Tuesday) on both ends of the floor...I thought he won the game for them," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Allen, who also had five steals and three blocks. "Certain guys in this league compete every possession, and he's one of them. He competes every possession, and I love guys that hate getting scored on." All five starters scored in double figures for the Grizzlies, who will be without Mayo for two more games. Gay's status remains unknown. "Having Rudy out and O.J. not here and guys banged up here and there but to still come out and beat a good team like Oklahoma City, it shows a lot about our team," said point guard Mike Conley, who had 13 points and four assists.
Gay and Mayo had 11 points apiece in Memphis' 94-81 victory at Milwaukee on Jan. 22, when Grizzlies center Marc Gasol led all scorers with 24. Allen wasn't much of a factor, scoring two points in a little more than six minutes off the bench. Although the Grizzlies won that matchup, they have lost four consecutive home games to Milwaukee since a 100-90 victory April 7, 2006. Memphis, which has won nine of 12 overall, this time gets the luxury of facing a Milwaukee club that has dropped five of six. The Bucks (20-31), 2 1/2 games behind Indiana for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, fell 100-85 at Washington on Wednesday.
"We needed this win (Wednesday). It's important for us to beat these teams that we are capable of beating. There shouldn't be a point where we have these fall back games." said Corey Maggette, who had averaged 19.6 points over his previous eight games before finishing with 10 against the Wizards. "These are games we need to continue to put us in that playoff race we need to be in. We took a step back and we just got to try to get ready for Memphis to take a step forward again."
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 20 points, easily his best performance in seven games since returning from a broken ankle. "I'm still struggling with my outside shot -- no legs, a little bit -- but just trying to get to the basket to do what I can," he said. Jennings, who missed last month's loss to Memphis, is averaging 27.5 points in two career meetings with the Grizzlies. The Bucks have lost four straight road games by an average of 10.8 points.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Memphis by 6; O/U 187.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Memphis -5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Memphis -5.49
_______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Any team vs. the 1rst half line (MEMPHIS) - after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a bad team (25 to 40%).
(68-27 over the last 5 seasons.) (71.6%, +38.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.5, Opponent 49.5 (Average first half point differential = 0)
The situation's record this season is: (7-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (38-19).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (131-80).
*** #817 L.A. LAKERS (-3, 211.5) @ #818 NEW YORK ***
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The Los Angeles Lakers remained perfect on their road trip by winning an NBA finals rematch against an ancient rival. The Lakers may not have the same postseason history with the New York Knicks, but it's clear the teams' interconference rivalry is gaining steam again. Los Angeles looks to beat New York for the eighth straight time Friday night when the teams meet at Madison Square Garden in a rematch of a game last month that got heated. The Lakers (37-16) improved to 3-0 on their seven-game trip with a 92-86 win over Boston on Thursday. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, including 20 in the second half, while Pau Gasol added 20 points and 10 rebounds to help Los Angeles salvage a season series split with the team it defeated in last June's NBA finals.
The Lakers, who have held three of their last four opponents to fewer than 90 points, don't figure to be in danger of a letdown against New York after the teams' hard-fought meeting last month. The Lakers have won seven straight over the Knicks, including a 109-87 home victory Jan. 9. Ron Artest was charged with a flagrant foul late in the third quarter when he clotheslined Amare Stoudemire. Andrew Bynum was later ejected, and Stoudemire and Bryant exchanged angry words. Bryant downplayed the altercations. "(It) wasn't really physical," he said. "We're a little bigger than they are, so there was a lot of bumping going on, but it wasn't really physical."
While there figures to be some extra intensity Friday night, Bryant has needed little additional motivation when visiting MSG. He's averaged 30.3 points there over his career, his highest average at any venue where he's played at least 10 times -- including a 61-point performance Feb. 2, 2009. He scored 27 in last month's victory over New York at home. While Los Angeles hopes it is heating up following a 3-5 stretch, the Knicks (26-25) have struggled since their loss at Staples Center. They have dropped 10 of 14, including three of their last four. They trailed by as many as 20 points Wednesday en route to a 116-108 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Knicks allowed the Clippers to shoot 54.7 percent, the second-highest mark by a visiting team at MSG this season. New York is giving up an average of 108.2 points and allowing opponents to shoot 51.2 percent over the last six games. "We're not playing hard, we're not getting loose balls. Seems like we're afraid out there," said Stoudemire, who had 23 points in Wednesday's loss. "I said it before the game. We've got to have supreme focus. I guess they figured I was just talking to the wall." Stoudemire had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks against the Lakers last month, but shot just 7 of 23 from the field.
--NEW YORK is 4-16 against the 1rst half line (-13.6 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was NEW YORK 54.1, OPPONENT 58.6 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEW YORK is 12-1 OVER (+10.9 Units) the 1rst half total in home games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season.
The average score was NEW YORK 58.5, OPPONENT 58.0 - (Rating = 4*)
--LA LAKERS are 48-26 UNDER (+19.4 Units) after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was LA LAKERS 102.7, OPPONENT 95.5 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Lakers by 2.5; O/U 208.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Lakers -3
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Lakers -2.80
______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Favorites vs. the 1rst half line (LA LAKERS) - after successfully covering the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, tired team - playing their 3rd road game in 5 days.
(44-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.8%, +23.1 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.3, Opponent 49.3 (Average first half point differential = 0)
The situation's record this season is: (2-4).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (28-14).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (91-63).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (LA LAKERS) - very good team - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game against opponent after allowing 100 points or more 5 straight games.
(59-26 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.4%, +30.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 215.2
The average score in these games was: Team 107.5, Opponent 99.9 (Total points scored = 207.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 50 (59.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (5-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (43-25).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (73-45).
__________________________________
*** #819 PHOENIX @ #820 UTAH (-6.8, O/U 208) ***
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More than two decades ago, Jerry Sloan became the sixth coach in Utah Jazz history. On Friday night, a new face will patrol the sidelines. After Sloan's shocking resignation, the Jazz will be led by Tyrone Corbin when they host the Phoenix Suns. On Thursday, less than 24 hours after Utah (31-23) lost for the 10th time in 14 games with a 91-86 setback to Chicago, the 69-year-old Sloan stepped down saying he had run out of energy to coach. Oddly, Sloan had agreed to a one-year extension Monday, but leaves as the longest-tenured coach among the four major professional North American sports, taking over when Frank Layden resigned on Dec. 9, 1988.
A former player who spent 10 seasons with the Bulls in the 1960s and 1970s, Sloan recorded 1,127 wins and made two NBA finals appearances with the Jazz. "I had a feeling this time was the time to move on," an emotional Sloan said. "(That's) a long time to be in one organization. Again, I've been blessed. Today is a new day. When I get this over with, I'll feel better. My time is up and it's time to move on." Sloan's 1,221 career wins are third in the NBA behind Don Nelson (1,335) and Lenny Wilkens (1,332). Despite the Jazz's recent struggles, and amid rumors of a rift with star point guard Deron Williams, Sloan and team officials insisted the longtime coach wasn't forced out.
Williams told a local radio station there was a clash with Sloan at halftime Wednesday, but nothing more. "I would never force coach Sloan out of Utah. He's meant more to this town, more to this organization than I have by far. I would have asked out of Utah first," Williams said. Corbin, an assistant and former player under Sloan, takes over after team officials made it clear there is no interim tag next to his name. With 28 games to play, Utah is tied with Denver for sixth in the Western Conference. The Jazz have dropped three straight at EnergySolutions Arena, where they're 17-11 after averaging seven home losses per season from 2007-10.
Corbin debut comes against the Suns, who have won three straight from Utah. The Jazz fell 110-94 at home to Phoenix on Oct. 28 as Williams was held to 13 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Williams also has been struggling since returning from a four-game absence due to a wrist injury. He's shot below 40 percent in three of the last four games while totaling 16 turnovers, including five Wednesday. Phoenix (25-25) will be looking to move above .500 for the first time since Dec. 7. The Suns have won five of six, including a home-and-home sweep of Golden State capped with a 112-88 win Thursday.
Steve Nash finished with 18 points and 11 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter and Channing Frye had 17 points and nine rebounds. The Suns made it a blowout with a 20-0 run, scoring the last 14 points of the first half and first six of the second, to go up 71-42. Phoenix led by as many as 33 in the fourth quarter. "We'd like to be at about .650 but we have a lot of work to do," Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry said. "I thought we did a good job. We took care of business right from the start." The Suns shot 12 of 22 from 3-point range and have connected on 44.7 percent of their shots from beyond the arc over the last three games while averaging 107.7 points. Nash and Hakim Warrick each had a team-high 18 points in the win at Utah in October.
--UTAH is 4-19 against the 1rst half line (-16.9 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game this season.
The average score was UTAH 44.0, OPPONENT 50.0 - (Rating = 4*)
--UTAH is 7-21 against the 1rst half line (-16.1 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was UTAH 46.8, OPPONENT 50.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--UTAH is 10-0 OVER (+10.0 Units) after a game forcing opponent to commit 8 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was UTAH 110.5, OPPONENT 108.1 - (Rating = 3*)
--PHOENIX is 13-1 OVER (+11.9 Units) off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 117.5, OPPONENT 113.3 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Utah by 3; O/U 206
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Even
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Utah -3.88
___________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Underdogs of +145 to +350 vs. the money line (PHOENIX) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%), after 2 straight games making 9 or more 3 point shots.
(52-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (88.1%, +36.9 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -215.7
The average score in these games was: Team 105.7, Opponent 96.7 (Average point differential = +9)
The situation's record this season is: (9-2, +4.1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (36-6, +22.6 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (59-11, +35.1 units).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (UTAH) - revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a home favorite against opponent off a home blowout win by 20 points or more.
(22-3 over the last 5 seasons.) (88.0%, +18.7 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 105.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.1, Opponent 49.2 (Total first half points scored = 98.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-2).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (32-11).
--PLAY ON - Home favorites of 2 to 5.5 points vs. the first half line (UTAH) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent against opponent off a win by 20 points or more over a division rival.
(37-11 since 1996.) (77.1%, +24.9 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 51.2, Opponent 44.9 (Average first half point differential = +6.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-5).
--PLAY ON - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UTAH) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent against opponent off a win by 20 points or more over a division rival.
(39-12 since 1996.) (76.5%, +25.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (43-8)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 5.2
The average score in these games was: Team 99.8, Opponent 90.6 (Average point differential = +9.3)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 23 (46% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-6).
--PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (PHOENIX) - after beating the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season.
(34-13 since 1996.) (72.3%, +19.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 204
The average score in these games was: Team 104.8, Opponent 106.8 (Total points scored = 211.6)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 22 (50% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (24-6).
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The Los Angeles Lakers remained perfect on their road trip by winning an NBA finals rematch against an ancient rival. The Lakers may not have the same postseason history with the New York Knicks, but it's clear the teams' interconference rivalry is gaining steam again. Los Angeles looks to beat New York for the eighth straight time Friday night when the teams meet at Madison Square Garden in a rematch of a game last month that got heated. The Lakers (37-16) improved to 3-0 on their seven-game trip with a 92-86 win over Boston on Thursday. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, including 20 in the second half, while Pau Gasol added 20 points and 10 rebounds to help Los Angeles salvage a season series split with the team it defeated in last June's NBA finals.
The Lakers, who have held three of their last four opponents to fewer than 90 points, don't figure to be in danger of a letdown against New York after the teams' hard-fought meeting last month. The Lakers have won seven straight over the Knicks, including a 109-87 home victory Jan. 9. Ron Artest was charged with a flagrant foul late in the third quarter when he clotheslined Amare Stoudemire. Andrew Bynum was later ejected, and Stoudemire and Bryant exchanged angry words. Bryant downplayed the altercations. "(It) wasn't really physical," he said. "We're a little bigger than they are, so there was a lot of bumping going on, but it wasn't really physical."
While there figures to be some extra intensity Friday night, Bryant has needed little additional motivation when visiting MSG. He's averaged 30.3 points there over his career, his highest average at any venue where he's played at least 10 times -- including a 61-point performance Feb. 2, 2009. He scored 27 in last month's victory over New York at home. While Los Angeles hopes it is heating up following a 3-5 stretch, the Knicks (26-25) have struggled since their loss at Staples Center. They have dropped 10 of 14, including three of their last four. They trailed by as many as 20 points Wednesday en route to a 116-108 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Knicks allowed the Clippers to shoot 54.7 percent, the second-highest mark by a visiting team at MSG this season. New York is giving up an average of 108.2 points and allowing opponents to shoot 51.2 percent over the last six games. "We're not playing hard, we're not getting loose balls. Seems like we're afraid out there," said Stoudemire, who had 23 points in Wednesday's loss. "I said it before the game. We've got to have supreme focus. I guess they figured I was just talking to the wall." Stoudemire had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks against the Lakers last month, but shot just 7 of 23 from the field.
--NEW YORK is 4-16 against the 1rst half line (-13.6 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was NEW YORK 54.1, OPPONENT 58.6 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEW YORK is 12-1 OVER (+10.9 Units) the 1rst half total in home games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season.
The average score was NEW YORK 58.5, OPPONENT 58.0 - (Rating = 4*)
--LA LAKERS are 48-26 UNDER (+19.4 Units) after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was LA LAKERS 102.7, OPPONENT 95.5 - (Rating = 3*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Lakers by 2.5; O/U 208.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Lakers -3
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Lakers -2.80
______________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Favorites vs. the 1rst half line (LA LAKERS) - after successfully covering the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, tired team - playing their 3rd road game in 5 days.
(44-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.8%, +23.1 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.3, Opponent 49.3 (Average first half point differential = 0)
The situation's record this season is: (2-4).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (28-14).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (91-63).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (LA LAKERS) - very good team - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game against opponent after allowing 100 points or more 5 straight games.
(59-26 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.4%, +30.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 215.2
The average score in these games was: Team 107.5, Opponent 99.9 (Total points scored = 207.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 50 (59.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (5-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (43-25).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (73-45).
__________________________________
*** #819 PHOENIX @ #820 UTAH (-6.8, O/U 208) ***
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More than two decades ago, Jerry Sloan became the sixth coach in Utah Jazz history. On Friday night, a new face will patrol the sidelines. After Sloan's shocking resignation, the Jazz will be led by Tyrone Corbin when they host the Phoenix Suns. On Thursday, less than 24 hours after Utah (31-23) lost for the 10th time in 14 games with a 91-86 setback to Chicago, the 69-year-old Sloan stepped down saying he had run out of energy to coach. Oddly, Sloan had agreed to a one-year extension Monday, but leaves as the longest-tenured coach among the four major professional North American sports, taking over when Frank Layden resigned on Dec. 9, 1988.
A former player who spent 10 seasons with the Bulls in the 1960s and 1970s, Sloan recorded 1,127 wins and made two NBA finals appearances with the Jazz. "I had a feeling this time was the time to move on," an emotional Sloan said. "(That's) a long time to be in one organization. Again, I've been blessed. Today is a new day. When I get this over with, I'll feel better. My time is up and it's time to move on." Sloan's 1,221 career wins are third in the NBA behind Don Nelson (1,335) and Lenny Wilkens (1,332). Despite the Jazz's recent struggles, and amid rumors of a rift with star point guard Deron Williams, Sloan and team officials insisted the longtime coach wasn't forced out.
Williams told a local radio station there was a clash with Sloan at halftime Wednesday, but nothing more. "I would never force coach Sloan out of Utah. He's meant more to this town, more to this organization than I have by far. I would have asked out of Utah first," Williams said. Corbin, an assistant and former player under Sloan, takes over after team officials made it clear there is no interim tag next to his name. With 28 games to play, Utah is tied with Denver for sixth in the Western Conference. The Jazz have dropped three straight at EnergySolutions Arena, where they're 17-11 after averaging seven home losses per season from 2007-10.
Corbin debut comes against the Suns, who have won three straight from Utah. The Jazz fell 110-94 at home to Phoenix on Oct. 28 as Williams was held to 13 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Williams also has been struggling since returning from a four-game absence due to a wrist injury. He's shot below 40 percent in three of the last four games while totaling 16 turnovers, including five Wednesday. Phoenix (25-25) will be looking to move above .500 for the first time since Dec. 7. The Suns have won five of six, including a home-and-home sweep of Golden State capped with a 112-88 win Thursday.
Steve Nash finished with 18 points and 11 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter and Channing Frye had 17 points and nine rebounds. The Suns made it a blowout with a 20-0 run, scoring the last 14 points of the first half and first six of the second, to go up 71-42. Phoenix led by as many as 33 in the fourth quarter. "We'd like to be at about .650 but we have a lot of work to do," Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry said. "I thought we did a good job. We took care of business right from the start." The Suns shot 12 of 22 from 3-point range and have connected on 44.7 percent of their shots from beyond the arc over the last three games while averaging 107.7 points. Nash and Hakim Warrick each had a team-high 18 points in the win at Utah in October.
--UTAH is 4-19 against the 1rst half line (-16.9 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game this season.
The average score was UTAH 44.0, OPPONENT 50.0 - (Rating = 4*)
--UTAH is 7-21 against the 1rst half line (-16.1 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was UTAH 46.8, OPPONENT 50.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--UTAH is 10-0 OVER (+10.0 Units) after a game forcing opponent to commit 8 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was UTAH 110.5, OPPONENT 108.1 - (Rating = 3*)
--PHOENIX is 13-1 OVER (+11.9 Units) off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 117.5, OPPONENT 113.3 - (Rating = 4*)
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Utah by 3; O/U 206
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Even
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Utah -3.88
___________________________________
• BETTING SYSTEM: PLAY AGAINST - Underdogs of +145 to +350 vs. the money line (PHOENIX) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%), after 2 straight games making 9 or more 3 point shots.
(52-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (88.1%, +36.9 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -215.7
The average score in these games was: Team 105.7, Opponent 96.7 (Average point differential = +9)
The situation's record this season is: (9-2, +4.1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (36-6, +22.6 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (59-11, +35.1 units).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (UTAH) - revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a home favorite against opponent off a home blowout win by 20 points or more.
(22-3 over the last 5 seasons.) (88.0%, +18.7 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 105.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.1, Opponent 49.2 (Total first half points scored = 98.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-2).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (32-11).
--PLAY ON - Home favorites of 2 to 5.5 points vs. the first half line (UTAH) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent against opponent off a win by 20 points or more over a division rival.
(37-11 since 1996.) (77.1%, +24.9 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 2.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 51.2, Opponent 44.9 (Average first half point differential = +6.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-5).
--PLAY ON - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UTAH) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent against opponent off a win by 20 points or more over a division rival.
(39-12 since 1996.) (76.5%, +25.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (43-8)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 5.2
The average score in these games was: Team 99.8, Opponent 90.6 (Average point differential = +9.3)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 23 (46% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-6).
--PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (PHOENIX) - after beating the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season.
(34-13 since 1996.) (72.3%, +19.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 204
The average score in these games was: Team 104.8, Opponent 106.8 (Total points scored = 211.6)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 22 (50% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (24-6).
