POINTWISE
NBA BASKETBALL
(7:05) WASHINGTON 108 - Chicago Bulls 98 _____ _____
(7:05) Miami Heat 101 - PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 97 _____ _____
(7:05) Minnesota Timberwolves 110 - TORONTO 101 _____ _____
(7:05) NEW YORK 105 - LA Clippers 103 (ESPN) _____ _____
(7:05) Charlotte Bobcats 96 - ORLANDO MAGIC 94 _____ _____
(7:35) Los Angeles Lakers 91 - BOSTON CELTICS 89 _____ _____
(7:35) Utah Jazz 95 - DETROIT PISTONS 92 _____ _____
(8:05) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 107 - Sacramento 103 _____ _____
(8:35) SAN ANTONIO SPURS 104 - Portland Blazers 102 _____ _____
(9:05) Dallas Mavericks 112 - PHOENIX SUNS 98 _____ _____
(9:05) Cleveland Cavs 112 - DENVER NUGGETS 111 _____ _____
(9:35) OKLAHOMA CITY 103 - Golden State 102 _____ _____
BEST BETS
WASHINGTON (3)
MINNESOTA
DALLAS
CLEVELAND
NBA BASKETBALL
(7:05) WASHINGTON 108 - Chicago Bulls 98 _____ _____
(7:05) Miami Heat 101 - PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 97 _____ _____
(7:05) Minnesota Timberwolves 110 - TORONTO 101 _____ _____
(7:05) NEW YORK 105 - LA Clippers 103 (ESPN) _____ _____
(7:05) Charlotte Bobcats 96 - ORLANDO MAGIC 94 _____ _____
(7:35) Los Angeles Lakers 91 - BOSTON CELTICS 89 _____ _____
(7:35) Utah Jazz 95 - DETROIT PISTONS 92 _____ _____
(8:05) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 107 - Sacramento 103 _____ _____
(8:35) SAN ANTONIO SPURS 104 - Portland Blazers 102 _____ _____
(9:05) Dallas Mavericks 112 - PHOENIX SUNS 98 _____ _____
(9:05) Cleveland Cavs 112 - DENVER NUGGETS 111 _____ _____
(9:35) OKLAHOMA CITY 103 - Golden State 102 _____ _____
BEST BETS
WASHINGTON (3)
MINNESOTA
DALLAS
CLEVELAND
WINNING POINTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wright State* over Wisconsin-GB by 6
Last season, Wright swept the Gee Bees, winning 64-53 here and 70-68 in overtime
at Green Bay. The visitors enter with a double-revenge mojo, but Green Bay turned it
over 18 times in this building a year ago (to only 12 for Wright). Wright State is a
sneaky little team that gets more than its share of turnovers on defense, and on offense emphasizes ball security and spreads the scoring around.
WRIGHT STATE, 69-63.
Bradley* over Southern Illinois by 2
Bradley is a dreaded “9 assists per game” teams, scoring only 65 ppg and hitting less
than 30% of their three-pointers (FYI: On three-pointers, 40% is very good, 35% is
average). The Salukis rival Bradley for offensive futility: 68 ppg, 29.5% on treys. But
overall, they are shooting 47% from the field. Dropping in class from road games at
Indiana State and Wichita State, to home vs. SIU is a nice break for Bradley.
BRADLEY, 62-60.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wright State* over Wisconsin-GB by 6
Last season, Wright swept the Gee Bees, winning 64-53 here and 70-68 in overtime
at Green Bay. The visitors enter with a double-revenge mojo, but Green Bay turned it
over 18 times in this building a year ago (to only 12 for Wright). Wright State is a
sneaky little team that gets more than its share of turnovers on defense, and on offense emphasizes ball security and spreads the scoring around.
WRIGHT STATE, 69-63.
Bradley* over Southern Illinois by 2
Bradley is a dreaded “9 assists per game” teams, scoring only 65 ppg and hitting less
than 30% of their three-pointers (FYI: On three-pointers, 40% is very good, 35% is
average). The Salukis rival Bradley for offensive futility: 68 ppg, 29.5% on treys. But
overall, they are shooting 47% from the field. Dropping in class from road games at
Indiana State and Wichita State, to home vs. SIU is a nice break for Bradley.
BRADLEY, 62-60.
WINNING POINTS
PRO BASKETBALL
***BEST BET
*Washington over Chicago by 10
The Wizards have been coming on going 11-8 ATS in their last 19 games heading into
their matchup against the Bulls this past Monday. The Wizards own a backcourt edge
with John Wall and Bradley Beal.
WASHINGTON 100-90.
Miami over *Philadelphia by 10
The Heat won't be taking the 76ers lightly after Philadelphia stunned them, 114-110,
early in the season. Michael Carter Williams had 22 points, 12 assists and nine steals
in that Philly victory. Miami was 6-3 ATS the past nine times when taking on foes
with a losing home mark through this past Tuesday.
MIAMI 112-102.
*Toronto over Minnesota by 3
They have no stars anymore with Rudy Gay traded and they play in the worst division.
But Toronto has been one of the better under-the-radar clubs going 9-0 ATS
through last Sunday.
TORONTO 109-106.
Los Angeles Clippers over *New York by 5
Even with Chris Paul out, the Clippers are in better shape at point guard than the
Knicks with Darren Collison. This is only the Clippers' second game in a week, while
New York is playing without rest.
LA CLIPPERS 109-104.
*Orlando over Charlotte by 1
The teams combined for just 175 points during their last meeting won by Orlando,
92-83. The Bobcats ranked third defensively through the first week of this month,
while Orlando's offense has gone in the tank. The Magic had failed to break the 83-
point barrier in four of their last seven through last Sunday.
ORLANDO 88-87.
Los Angeles Lakers over *Boston by 2
From Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Jerry West and Magic Johnson to Vitor Faverani and
Kendall Marshall this great rivalry has sunk with the Lakers buried by injuries and the
Celtics undergoing massive rebuilding. Boston was 4-7-1 ATS its last 12 games
through last Saturday.
LA LAKERS 100-98.
*Detroit over Utah by 3
The Pistons ranked third-from-the-bottom in defensive field goal percentage and had
failed to cover six of the last seven times when playing an opponent with a losing
record.
DETROIT 103-100.
***BEST BET
*Memphis over Sacramento by 18
After a slow start and adjusting to life without Marc Gasol, the resurgent Grizzlies
have covered eight of their last 10 through the second week of this month. They were
ranking sixth in fewest points per game, getting strong bench play and a career season
from point guard Mike Conley. Sacramento is playing its third road game in four days.
MEMPHIS 104-86.
*San Antonio over Portland by 4
Portland has been stumbling since bolting out to an NBA-best 24-5 start. The Trail
Blazers' weak interior defense is vulnerable to Tim Duncan. The Spurs, though, have
not been a good home play failing to cover in eight of their last 12 at AT&T Center
through last Saturday.
SAN ANTONIO 104-100.
*Phoenix over Dallas by 4
The Mavericks will be without one of their few good defenders if Shawn Marion
remains out. The Suns owned the best point spread mark in the NBA through the first
week of January covering 72 percent of their games.
PHOENIX 106-102.
*Denver over Cleveland by 7
Versatile Luol Deng makes Cleveland a better team and gives the Cavaliers a second
scoring option to go with Kyrie Irving. However, this is the Cavaliers' fifth of five
straight road contests that began last Friday. Cleveland opened its road swing having
failed to cover in 12 of its first 17 away matchups.
DENVER 107-100.
*Oklahoma City over Golden State by 3
Oklahoma City had to play at Houston on Thursday while Golden State is playing
for just the second time in seven days and hasn't been on the road for nine days.
Golden State had reached triple digits in 14 of its last 19 games through this past
Tuesday.
OKLAHOMA CITY 112-109.
PRO BASKETBALL
***BEST BET
*Washington over Chicago by 10
The Wizards have been coming on going 11-8 ATS in their last 19 games heading into
their matchup against the Bulls this past Monday. The Wizards own a backcourt edge
with John Wall and Bradley Beal.
WASHINGTON 100-90.
Miami over *Philadelphia by 10
The Heat won't be taking the 76ers lightly after Philadelphia stunned them, 114-110,
early in the season. Michael Carter Williams had 22 points, 12 assists and nine steals
in that Philly victory. Miami was 6-3 ATS the past nine times when taking on foes
with a losing home mark through this past Tuesday.
MIAMI 112-102.
*Toronto over Minnesota by 3
They have no stars anymore with Rudy Gay traded and they play in the worst division.
But Toronto has been one of the better under-the-radar clubs going 9-0 ATS
through last Sunday.
TORONTO 109-106.
Los Angeles Clippers over *New York by 5
Even with Chris Paul out, the Clippers are in better shape at point guard than the
Knicks with Darren Collison. This is only the Clippers' second game in a week, while
New York is playing without rest.
LA CLIPPERS 109-104.
*Orlando over Charlotte by 1
The teams combined for just 175 points during their last meeting won by Orlando,
92-83. The Bobcats ranked third defensively through the first week of this month,
while Orlando's offense has gone in the tank. The Magic had failed to break the 83-
point barrier in four of their last seven through last Sunday.
ORLANDO 88-87.
Los Angeles Lakers over *Boston by 2
From Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Jerry West and Magic Johnson to Vitor Faverani and
Kendall Marshall this great rivalry has sunk with the Lakers buried by injuries and the
Celtics undergoing massive rebuilding. Boston was 4-7-1 ATS its last 12 games
through last Saturday.
LA LAKERS 100-98.
*Detroit over Utah by 3
The Pistons ranked third-from-the-bottom in defensive field goal percentage and had
failed to cover six of the last seven times when playing an opponent with a losing
record.
DETROIT 103-100.
***BEST BET
*Memphis over Sacramento by 18
After a slow start and adjusting to life without Marc Gasol, the resurgent Grizzlies
have covered eight of their last 10 through the second week of this month. They were
ranking sixth in fewest points per game, getting strong bench play and a career season
from point guard Mike Conley. Sacramento is playing its third road game in four days.
MEMPHIS 104-86.
*San Antonio over Portland by 4
Portland has been stumbling since bolting out to an NBA-best 24-5 start. The Trail
Blazers' weak interior defense is vulnerable to Tim Duncan. The Spurs, though, have
not been a good home play failing to cover in eight of their last 12 at AT&T Center
through last Saturday.
SAN ANTONIO 104-100.
*Phoenix over Dallas by 4
The Mavericks will be without one of their few good defenders if Shawn Marion
remains out. The Suns owned the best point spread mark in the NBA through the first
week of January covering 72 percent of their games.
PHOENIX 106-102.
*Denver over Cleveland by 7
Versatile Luol Deng makes Cleveland a better team and gives the Cavaliers a second
scoring option to go with Kyrie Irving. However, this is the Cavaliers' fifth of five
straight road contests that began last Friday. Cleveland opened its road swing having
failed to cover in 12 of its first 17 away matchups.
DENVER 107-100.
*Oklahoma City over Golden State by 3
Oklahoma City had to play at Houston on Thursday while Golden State is playing
for just the second time in seven days and hasn't been on the road for nine days.
Golden State had reached triple digits in 14 of its last 19 games through this past
Tuesday.
OKLAHOMA CITY 112-109.
WINNING POINTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wright State* over Wisconsin-GB by 6
Last season, Wright swept the Gee Bees, winning 64-53 here and 70-68 in overtime
at Green Bay. The visitors enter with a double-revenge mojo, but Green Bay turned it
over 18 times in this building a year ago (to only 12 for Wright). Wright State is a
sneaky little team that gets more than its share of turnovers on defense, and on offense emphasizes ball security and spreads the scoring around.
WRIGHT STATE, 69-63.
Bradley* over Southern Illinois by 2
Bradley is a dreaded “9 assists per game” teams, scoring only 65 ppg and hitting less
than 30% of their three-pointers (FYI: On three-pointers, 40% is very good, 35% is
average). The Salukis rival Bradley for offensive futility: 68 ppg, 29.5% on treys. But
overall, they are shooting 47% from the field. Dropping in class from road games at
Indiana State and Wichita State, to home vs. SIU is a nice break for Bradley.
BRADLEY, 62-60.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wright State* over Wisconsin-GB by 6
Last season, Wright swept the Gee Bees, winning 64-53 here and 70-68 in overtime
at Green Bay. The visitors enter with a double-revenge mojo, but Green Bay turned it
over 18 times in this building a year ago (to only 12 for Wright). Wright State is a
sneaky little team that gets more than its share of turnovers on defense, and on offense emphasizes ball security and spreads the scoring around.
WRIGHT STATE, 69-63.
Bradley* over Southern Illinois by 2
Bradley is a dreaded “9 assists per game” teams, scoring only 65 ppg and hitting less
than 30% of their three-pointers (FYI: On three-pointers, 40% is very good, 35% is
average). The Salukis rival Bradley for offensive futility: 68 ppg, 29.5% on treys. But
overall, they are shooting 47% from the field. Dropping in class from road games at
Indiana State and Wichita State, to home vs. SIU is a nice break for Bradley.
BRADLEY, 62-60.
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
NBA UTAH at DETROIT
Play Under - Any team after 2 or more consecutive overs against opponent after 5 or more consecutive overs
54-23 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.1% 28.7 units )
5-4 this year. ( 55.6% 0.6 units )
NBA LA CLIPPERS at NEW YORK
Play On - Road favorites vs. the money line (LA CLIPPERS) explosive offensive team - scoring 103+ points/game on the season against opponent after trailing in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half
37-6 over the last 5 seasons. ( 86.0% 26.7 units )
4-2 this year. ( 66.7% -1.2 units )
NBA UTAH at DETROIT
Play On - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (DETROIT) cold team - failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread against opponent hot team - having covered 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread
207-124 since 1997. ( 62.5% 70.6 units )
3-5 this year. ( 37.5% -2.5 units )
NBA UTAH at DETROIT
Play Under - Any team after 2 or more consecutive overs against opponent after 5 or more consecutive overs
54-23 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.1% 28.7 units )
5-4 this year. ( 55.6% 0.6 units )
NBA LA CLIPPERS at NEW YORK
Play On - Road favorites vs. the money line (LA CLIPPERS) explosive offensive team - scoring 103+ points/game on the season against opponent after trailing in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half
37-6 over the last 5 seasons. ( 86.0% 26.7 units )
4-2 this year. ( 66.7% -1.2 units )
NBA UTAH at DETROIT
Play On - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (DETROIT) cold team - failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread against opponent hot team - having covered 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread
207-124 since 1997. ( 62.5% 70.6 units )
3-5 this year. ( 37.5% -2.5 units )
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
CBB CANISIUS at IONA
Play On - Favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (IONA) an excellent offensive team (>=76 PPG) against an average defensive team (67-74 PPG), after a combined score of 165 points or more
54-23 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.1% 28.7 units )
10-9 this year. ( 52.6% 0.1 units )
CBB WI-GREEN BAY at WRIGHT ST
Play Against - Road favorites vs. the money line (WI-GREEN BAY) very good defensive team - shooting pct defense of <=39% on the season against opponent after 3 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 40% or less
20-11 over the last 5 seasons. ( 64.5% 20.2 units )
1-2 this year. ( 33.3% -0.2 units )
CBB WI-GREEN BAY at WRIGHT ST
Play On - Home underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (WRIGHT ST) an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG) against a good defensive team (63-67 PPG), after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games
68-32 since 1997. ( 68.0% 32.8 units )
2-0 this year. ( 100.0% 2.0 units )
CBB CANISIUS at IONA
Play On - Favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (IONA) an excellent offensive team (>=76 PPG) against an average defensive team (67-74 PPG), after a combined score of 165 points or more
54-23 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.1% 28.7 units )
10-9 this year. ( 52.6% 0.1 units )
CBB WI-GREEN BAY at WRIGHT ST
Play Against - Road favorites vs. the money line (WI-GREEN BAY) very good defensive team - shooting pct defense of <=39% on the season against opponent after 3 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 40% or less
20-11 over the last 5 seasons. ( 64.5% 20.2 units )
1-2 this year. ( 33.3% -0.2 units )
CBB WI-GREEN BAY at WRIGHT ST
Play On - Home underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (WRIGHT ST) an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG) against a good defensive team (63-67 PPG), after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games
68-32 since 1997. ( 68.0% 32.8 units )
2-0 this year. ( 100.0% 2.0 units )
SPORTS WAGERS NBA
Sacramento +5½ -105 over MEMPHIS
The Grizzlies have owned the Kings recently with seven wins in a row when playing in Memphis with the average margin of victory being by 16 points. The Grizz has also defeated the Kings in 11 of the past 12 games and right now, Memphis is hot, having won four in a row and five of its past six. Why then, are the Grizzlies just a 5½-point choice over the 14-23 Kings? When you consider that the Grizzlies have been money in the bank recently with seven covers over their past eight games, one could only conclude that this small number is going to attract a lot of Grizzlies money. That’s a big red flag to us.
The oddsmakers must like the Kings’ chances here or they wouldn’t have put up such a small number and perhaps it’s time we start giving Sacramento some credit. DeMarcus Cousins is playing great. Isaiah Thomas has been spectacular at times. Rudy Gay has shot 62 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3 in his last five games. The Kings have a deeper bench than the Grizzlies, they are superior on the boards and they have recent wins over Portland and Minnesota. With DeMarcus Cousins on the floor and a very decent supporting cast, the Kings are suddenly one of liveliest dogs in the NBA. Cousins is one of the most devastating players in the world. It is a stark contrast from the underperforming player from the past two seasons. His willingness to bang inside and move people out of his way, as well as his ability to finish shots, has placed him into an elite level of post scorer. Cousins has grown immensely as a player; he's now a dominant scorer and rebounder. Of the top 10 double-double players (scoring and rebounding doubles) with just Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have averaged more assists per game than Cousins, so he is influencing the game with his passing as well. This isn’t the same Sacramento team that the Grizzlies have been beating up in the past. Sacramento is well aware of their futility against this squad and they figure to be extra jacked up here in an attempt to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Line says an upset is a distinct possibility and the points add some insurance.
Sacramento +5½ -105 over MEMPHIS
The Grizzlies have owned the Kings recently with seven wins in a row when playing in Memphis with the average margin of victory being by 16 points. The Grizz has also defeated the Kings in 11 of the past 12 games and right now, Memphis is hot, having won four in a row and five of its past six. Why then, are the Grizzlies just a 5½-point choice over the 14-23 Kings? When you consider that the Grizzlies have been money in the bank recently with seven covers over their past eight games, one could only conclude that this small number is going to attract a lot of Grizzlies money. That’s a big red flag to us.
The oddsmakers must like the Kings’ chances here or they wouldn’t have put up such a small number and perhaps it’s time we start giving Sacramento some credit. DeMarcus Cousins is playing great. Isaiah Thomas has been spectacular at times. Rudy Gay has shot 62 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3 in his last five games. The Kings have a deeper bench than the Grizzlies, they are superior on the boards and they have recent wins over Portland and Minnesota. With DeMarcus Cousins on the floor and a very decent supporting cast, the Kings are suddenly one of liveliest dogs in the NBA. Cousins is one of the most devastating players in the world. It is a stark contrast from the underperforming player from the past two seasons. His willingness to bang inside and move people out of his way, as well as his ability to finish shots, has placed him into an elite level of post scorer. Cousins has grown immensely as a player; he's now a dominant scorer and rebounder. Of the top 10 double-double players (scoring and rebounding doubles) with just Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have averaged more assists per game than Cousins, so he is influencing the game with his passing as well. This isn’t the same Sacramento team that the Grizzlies have been beating up in the past. Sacramento is well aware of their futility against this squad and they figure to be extra jacked up here in an attempt to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Line says an upset is a distinct possibility and the points add some insurance.
Warriors try to slow down surging Thunder on Friday
by Freddy Wander
Tip-off: Friday, 9:35 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma City -1.5, Total: 207.5
The Thunder try to win on back-to-back nights against tough Western Conference opponents when they host the Warriors on Friday.
Golden State is coming back down to earth after a 10-game SU winning streak (7-3 ATS), losing two of its past three games (0-3 ATS). The Warriors played in a shootout on Wednesday night against Denver, eventually losing 123-116 to the 9-point underdog Nuggets while allowing a season-high 54.2% FG. The Thunder just played in a big come-from-behind win against the Rockets on Thursday night as they allowed 73 points in the first half and were trailing by 14 points going into the break, but held Houston to a paltry 19 second-half points, and won easily by a score of 104-92. The victory snapped a three-game road losing streak for Oklahoma City and was only their fourth win in the past nine games. Golden State has won seven of its past eight road games (5-3 ATS) coming into this one and is 13-10 (both SU and ATS) away from home this season. The Thunder have been one of the better home teams in the NBA on the season at 16-3 SU, but are only 10-9 ATS there. These two have already met twice this season with the home team coming away with a one-point victory in each game, but the away team covering ATS and the total going over in both. The Over has gone 8-2 in the past 10 meetings in this series with Oklahoma City going 8-2 SU (7-3 ATS) in those contests. The Warriors have been great as road underdogs over the past three seasons though, going 47-29 ATS (62%) in those situations, but the Thunder have been good to bettors as favorites over the past two seasons with a 65-49 ATS record (57%). C Jermaine O’Neal (wrist) remains out indefinitely for the Warriors while newly acquired SGs Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks are both expected to make their Golden State debuts on Friday. PG Russell Westbrook (knee) is likely out until the All-Star break for Oklahoma City.
Golden State has been a great offensive team for years now and is averaging 107.1 PPG and 46.8% FG in seven January games to improve its season numbers to 103.6 PPG (9th in NBA) on 46.3% FG (7th in league). The Warriors benefit from tremendous three-point shooting and are ranked 3rd in the league in three-pointers made (9.4 per game), while hitting 38.4% of their shots from deep (4th in the NBA). Golden State's strong defense has allowed 99.0 PPG (11th in league) on 43.2% FG (4th in NBA) this season, but gave up its most points since Oct. 31 when it surrendered 123 points to the Nuggets on Wednesday night. PG Stephen Curry (23.0 PPG, 9.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG) has been cold over the past five games, making just 36% FG and 26% from behind the arc (12-of-47). However, Curry has averaged 27.0 PPG (44% threes), 8.0 RPG and 7.0 APG in two games versus the Thunder this season, increasing his numbers to 22.9 PPG (49% FG), 6.7 APG and 4.3 RPG in 16 career contests against them. PF David Lee (19.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG) is coming off his fourth double-double (28 points, 11 rebounds) in seven January games, averaging 23.1 PPG on a tremendous 61% FG with 10.9 RPG this month. He has played in 20 career games (17 starts) against Oklahoma City, scoring 16.8 PPG (51% FG) and grabbing 10.8 RPG, but has underperformed in the two games against them this season (15.0 PPG on 35% FG, 8.0 RPG). SG Klay Thompson (19.3 PPG, 41% threes) is one of the league’s biggest threats from long range and has dropped 21.5 PPG (8-of-18 threes) in two games against the Thunder this season. Overall in his young career, he has netted 13.2 PPG (46% FG, 41% threes) in nine games in this series.
Oklahoma City looks like it could be the team to beat in the Western Conference this season as it has performed admirably with and without star PG Russell Westbrook (21.3 PPG, 7.0 APG, 6.0 RPG). The Thunder are scoring 104.7 PPG on 46.3% FG this season, which both rank sixth in the NBA. Their defense has been solid as well, allowing only 97.6 PPG (7th in league) on a stingy 41.9% FG (2nd in NBA). On Thursday held one of the top offenses in the league (Rockets) to a franchise-low 19 second-half points on 19% FG and 0-of-14 threes. SF Kevin Durant (30.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.5 SPG) is carrying the team on his back right now in averaging 36.8 PPG (44% FG) and 5.4 APG over the past five games. He has shot poorly against the Warriors this season, with 22.5 PPG on 34% FG (2-of-8 threes), but has grabbed 10.0 RPG and dished out 6.5 APG in the two meetings. He has shot much better in his 23 career starts against them though, averaging 29.7 PPG (50% FG, 44% threes), with 8.8 RPG and 5.0 APG. PF Serge Ibaka (14.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG) had a huge game against Houston on Thursday (21 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks), and is averaging 16.3 PPG, 13.7 RPG and 4.0 BPG over the past three games. Ibaka has a higher career average against the Warriors (13.1 PPG, 59% FG in 15 games) than he has against any other NBA team while also averaging 8.1 RPG and 2.4 BPG in those contests. Ibaka has been wonderful against Golden State this season with 22.5 PPG (60% FG), 13.0 RPG and 3.5 BPG. PG Reggie Jackson (13.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG) has delivered with Westbrook out, and put up 23 points (11-of-19 FG) to go along with six steals against the Rockets on Thursday. He has scored 10.0 PPG (42% FG) in two games versus the Warriors this season while coming off the bench, but is just 1-for-14 from three-point range in his nine career games against them.
by Freddy Wander
Tip-off: Friday, 9:35 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma City -1.5, Total: 207.5
The Thunder try to win on back-to-back nights against tough Western Conference opponents when they host the Warriors on Friday.
Golden State is coming back down to earth after a 10-game SU winning streak (7-3 ATS), losing two of its past three games (0-3 ATS). The Warriors played in a shootout on Wednesday night against Denver, eventually losing 123-116 to the 9-point underdog Nuggets while allowing a season-high 54.2% FG. The Thunder just played in a big come-from-behind win against the Rockets on Thursday night as they allowed 73 points in the first half and were trailing by 14 points going into the break, but held Houston to a paltry 19 second-half points, and won easily by a score of 104-92. The victory snapped a three-game road losing streak for Oklahoma City and was only their fourth win in the past nine games. Golden State has won seven of its past eight road games (5-3 ATS) coming into this one and is 13-10 (both SU and ATS) away from home this season. The Thunder have been one of the better home teams in the NBA on the season at 16-3 SU, but are only 10-9 ATS there. These two have already met twice this season with the home team coming away with a one-point victory in each game, but the away team covering ATS and the total going over in both. The Over has gone 8-2 in the past 10 meetings in this series with Oklahoma City going 8-2 SU (7-3 ATS) in those contests. The Warriors have been great as road underdogs over the past three seasons though, going 47-29 ATS (62%) in those situations, but the Thunder have been good to bettors as favorites over the past two seasons with a 65-49 ATS record (57%). C Jermaine O’Neal (wrist) remains out indefinitely for the Warriors while newly acquired SGs Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks are both expected to make their Golden State debuts on Friday. PG Russell Westbrook (knee) is likely out until the All-Star break for Oklahoma City.
Golden State has been a great offensive team for years now and is averaging 107.1 PPG and 46.8% FG in seven January games to improve its season numbers to 103.6 PPG (9th in NBA) on 46.3% FG (7th in league). The Warriors benefit from tremendous three-point shooting and are ranked 3rd in the league in three-pointers made (9.4 per game), while hitting 38.4% of their shots from deep (4th in the NBA). Golden State's strong defense has allowed 99.0 PPG (11th in league) on 43.2% FG (4th in NBA) this season, but gave up its most points since Oct. 31 when it surrendered 123 points to the Nuggets on Wednesday night. PG Stephen Curry (23.0 PPG, 9.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG) has been cold over the past five games, making just 36% FG and 26% from behind the arc (12-of-47). However, Curry has averaged 27.0 PPG (44% threes), 8.0 RPG and 7.0 APG in two games versus the Thunder this season, increasing his numbers to 22.9 PPG (49% FG), 6.7 APG and 4.3 RPG in 16 career contests against them. PF David Lee (19.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG) is coming off his fourth double-double (28 points, 11 rebounds) in seven January games, averaging 23.1 PPG on a tremendous 61% FG with 10.9 RPG this month. He has played in 20 career games (17 starts) against Oklahoma City, scoring 16.8 PPG (51% FG) and grabbing 10.8 RPG, but has underperformed in the two games against them this season (15.0 PPG on 35% FG, 8.0 RPG). SG Klay Thompson (19.3 PPG, 41% threes) is one of the league’s biggest threats from long range and has dropped 21.5 PPG (8-of-18 threes) in two games against the Thunder this season. Overall in his young career, he has netted 13.2 PPG (46% FG, 41% threes) in nine games in this series.
Oklahoma City looks like it could be the team to beat in the Western Conference this season as it has performed admirably with and without star PG Russell Westbrook (21.3 PPG, 7.0 APG, 6.0 RPG). The Thunder are scoring 104.7 PPG on 46.3% FG this season, which both rank sixth in the NBA. Their defense has been solid as well, allowing only 97.6 PPG (7th in league) on a stingy 41.9% FG (2nd in NBA). On Thursday held one of the top offenses in the league (Rockets) to a franchise-low 19 second-half points on 19% FG and 0-of-14 threes. SF Kevin Durant (30.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.5 SPG) is carrying the team on his back right now in averaging 36.8 PPG (44% FG) and 5.4 APG over the past five games. He has shot poorly against the Warriors this season, with 22.5 PPG on 34% FG (2-of-8 threes), but has grabbed 10.0 RPG and dished out 6.5 APG in the two meetings. He has shot much better in his 23 career starts against them though, averaging 29.7 PPG (50% FG, 44% threes), with 8.8 RPG and 5.0 APG. PF Serge Ibaka (14.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 BPG) had a huge game against Houston on Thursday (21 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks), and is averaging 16.3 PPG, 13.7 RPG and 4.0 BPG over the past three games. Ibaka has a higher career average against the Warriors (13.1 PPG, 59% FG in 15 games) than he has against any other NBA team while also averaging 8.1 RPG and 2.4 BPG in those contests. Ibaka has been wonderful against Golden State this season with 22.5 PPG (60% FG), 13.0 RPG and 3.5 BPG. PG Reggie Jackson (13.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG) has delivered with Westbrook out, and put up 23 points (11-of-19 FG) to go along with six steals against the Rockets on Thursday. He has scored 10.0 PPG (42% FG) in two games versus the Warriors this season while coming off the bench, but is just 1-for-14 from three-point range in his nine career games against them.
SPORTS WAGERS NHL
COLUMBUS -½ +136 over Washington
Regulation only. The Capitals are among the biggest imposters in the NHL and they are just starting to get exposed now. Washington has dropped seven of its past nine games and 11 of its past 16. One of their two wins over the past nine games came against the then reeling Maple Leafs, 3-2, and the other victory (4-3) occurred against the Lightning with Anders Lindback in net in a game the Caps were outshot 36-20. Over their past nine games, the Capitals have played the Sabres three times and they are 1-2 in those games. Washington is also 0-6 in their last six games playing on one day rest and they are 0-4 when playing its third game in four days. Both those scenarios apply here.
The Jackets are a well-balanced outfit that has been moving up the standings for weeks. This is a huge game for them in their quest to overtake the teams above them in the standings. Columbus has 48 points and they’re four points back of the Caps for eighth place in the East. A win here and they move within two points of Washington with a game in hand. The Blue Jackets have won four in a row and eight of its past 11 with only losses over that span occurring against Colorado, St. Louis and Pittsburgh with their back-up goaltender in net. Since the return of Sergei Bobrovsky the Blue Jackets are undefeated, while outscoring the opposition 16-8 over four victories. Home team in great form gets the call.
COLUMBUS -½ +136 over Washington
Regulation only. The Capitals are among the biggest imposters in the NHL and they are just starting to get exposed now. Washington has dropped seven of its past nine games and 11 of its past 16. One of their two wins over the past nine games came against the then reeling Maple Leafs, 3-2, and the other victory (4-3) occurred against the Lightning with Anders Lindback in net in a game the Caps were outshot 36-20. Over their past nine games, the Capitals have played the Sabres three times and they are 1-2 in those games. Washington is also 0-6 in their last six games playing on one day rest and they are 0-4 when playing its third game in four days. Both those scenarios apply here.
The Jackets are a well-balanced outfit that has been moving up the standings for weeks. This is a huge game for them in their quest to overtake the teams above them in the standings. Columbus has 48 points and they’re four points back of the Caps for eighth place in the East. A win here and they move within two points of Washington with a game in hand. The Blue Jackets have won four in a row and eight of its past 11 with only losses over that span occurring against Colorado, St. Louis and Pittsburgh with their back-up goaltender in net. Since the return of Sergei Bobrovsky the Blue Jackets are undefeated, while outscoring the opposition 16-8 over four victories. Home team in great form gets the call.
SPORTS WAGERS NBA
Sacramento +5½ -105 over MEMPHIS
The Grizzlies have owned the Kings recently with seven wins in a row when playing in Memphis with the average margin of victory being by 16 points. The Grizz has also defeated the Kings in 11 of the past 12 games and right now, Memphis is hot, having won four in a row and five of its past six. Why then, are the Grizzlies just a 5½-point choice over the 14-23 Kings? When you consider that the Grizzlies have been money in the bank recently with seven covers over their past eight games, one could only conclude that this small number is going to attract a lot of Grizzlies money. That’s a big red flag to us.
The oddsmakers must like the Kings’ chances here or they wouldn’t have put up such a small number and perhaps it’s time we start giving Sacramento some credit. DeMarcus Cousins is playing great. Isaiah Thomas has been spectacular at times. Rudy Gay has shot 62 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3 in his last five games. The Kings have a deeper bench than the Grizzlies, they are superior on the boards and they have recent wins over Portland and Minnesota. With DeMarcus Cousins on the floor and a very decent supporting cast, the Kings are suddenly one of liveliest dogs in the NBA. Cousins is one of the most devastating players in the world. It is a stark contrast from the underperforming player from the past two seasons. His willingness to bang inside and move people out of his way, as well as his ability to finish shots, has placed him into an elite level of post scorer. Cousins has grown immensely as a player; he's now a dominant scorer and rebounder. Of the top 10 double-double players (scoring and rebounding doubles) with just Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have averaged more assists per game than Cousins, so he is influencing the game with his passing as well. This isn’t the same Sacramento team that the Grizzlies have been beating up in the past. Sacramento is well aware of their futility against this squad and they figure to be extra jacked up here in an attempt to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Line says an upset is a distinct possibility and the points add some insurance.
Sacramento +5½ -105 over MEMPHIS
The Grizzlies have owned the Kings recently with seven wins in a row when playing in Memphis with the average margin of victory being by 16 points. The Grizz has also defeated the Kings in 11 of the past 12 games and right now, Memphis is hot, having won four in a row and five of its past six. Why then, are the Grizzlies just a 5½-point choice over the 14-23 Kings? When you consider that the Grizzlies have been money in the bank recently with seven covers over their past eight games, one could only conclude that this small number is going to attract a lot of Grizzlies money. That’s a big red flag to us.
The oddsmakers must like the Kings’ chances here or they wouldn’t have put up such a small number and perhaps it’s time we start giving Sacramento some credit. DeMarcus Cousins is playing great. Isaiah Thomas has been spectacular at times. Rudy Gay has shot 62 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3 in his last five games. The Kings have a deeper bench than the Grizzlies, they are superior on the boards and they have recent wins over Portland and Minnesota. With DeMarcus Cousins on the floor and a very decent supporting cast, the Kings are suddenly one of liveliest dogs in the NBA. Cousins is one of the most devastating players in the world. It is a stark contrast from the underperforming player from the past two seasons. His willingness to bang inside and move people out of his way, as well as his ability to finish shots, has placed him into an elite level of post scorer. Cousins has grown immensely as a player; he's now a dominant scorer and rebounder. Of the top 10 double-double players (scoring and rebounding doubles) with just Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have averaged more assists per game than Cousins, so he is influencing the game with his passing as well. This isn’t the same Sacramento team that the Grizzlies have been beating up in the past. Sacramento is well aware of their futility against this squad and they figure to be extra jacked up here in an attempt to get this proverbial monkey off their backs. Line says an upset is a distinct possibility and the points add some insurance.
This is not a shill post whatsoever....
Not sure where to post this, but wanted to see if anyone was going to get the "Sheeps" plays. I've been following him on twitter @buryrightnumber . From what he has put out and I've read his book - very legit. He is now putting plays on thephillygodfather site. I'd be willing to go in on them as it seems they are only doing longer term packages. Let me know - sorry if this the wrong spot.
Not sure where to post this, but wanted to see if anyone was going to get the "Sheeps" plays. I've been following him on twitter @buryrightnumber . From what he has put out and I've read his book - very legit. He is now putting plays on thephillygodfather site. I'd be willing to go in on them as it seems they are only doing longer term packages. Let me know - sorry if this the wrong spot.
