STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 1/24/14
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
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***** Friday, 1/24/14 NBA Information *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
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Betting Notes - Friday
•Hot Teams
-- Atlanta won three of last four at home (6-1 HU). Spurs won seven of their last nine games (11-5 AF).
-- Thunder won/covered their last five games.
-- Brooklyn won/covered eight of its last nine games. Dallas is 6-1 versus spread in game following last seven losses.
-- Bobcats won three of their last four games.
-- Clippers won six of their last eight games. Chicago won nine of its last eleven games.
-- Houston won six of last seven games. Grizzlies won five of their last six games.
-- Wizards won seven of their last nine road games. Suns won three of their last four games overall.
-- Indiana won/covered five of its last six games.
-- Minnesota won its last two games, by 26-15 points.
•Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost 12 of its last 13 games. Lakers lost eight of their last ten games, but covered last six.
-- Philly lost six of its last eight games overall. Raptors lost their last four road games.
-- Celtics lost 15 of their last 18 games (4-2 last six HU).
-- Cavaliers lost three of last four games. Bucks lost nine of last ten games, covered three of last four.
-- Pelicans lost nine of last ten games, covered three of last four. Detroit lost nine of its last twelve.
-- Knicks lost last five games (0-6 vs. spread last six).
-- Kings lost three of last four games, covered six of last nine.
•Totals
-- Last five Lakers road games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Toronto road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Atlanta home games stayed under; four of last five San Antonio road games went over.
-- Four of last five Boston home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Dallas road games stayed under total.
-- Last five Cleveland home games stayed under total.
-- 12 of last 13 Detroit home games went over the total; four of last five Pelican road games stayed under.
-- Ten of last twelve Charlotte road games went over.
-- Eight of last nine Clipper road games stayed under.
-- Last four Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Phoenix road games went over total.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in Indiana's last six away games.
-- Under is 12-2 in last fourteen Minnesota-Golden State games.
•Series Records
-- Lakers lost six of their last nine games with Orlando.
-- 76ers lost three of last four games with Toronto.
-- Spurs won nine of last ten games with Atlanta.
-- Thunder won five of last six games with Celtics, winning three of last four visits to Boston.
-- Nets lost six of last eight games with Dallas.
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with Milwaukee.
-- Pelicans won their last three games with Detroit.
-- Knicks lost three of their last four games with Charlotte.
-- Clippers won last three games with Chicago; they won 121-82 in first meeting this season at Staples.
-- Rockets are 2-0 versus Houston this year, winning by 7-8 points.
-- Wizards beat Phoenix twice LY, after losing previous seven games to the Suns.
-- Pacers won seven of last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Warriors won their last seven games with Minnesota.
•Situational Trends of The Day
-- SAN ANTONIO is 30-9 ATS (+20.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 107.6, OPPONENT 95.6.
-- NEW ORLEANS is 14-2 OVER (+11.8 Units) as a road underdog of 6 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 100.8, OPPONENT 103.9.
-- LA LAKERS are 3-17 (-15.7 Units) against the 1rst half line in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was LA LAKERS 45.9, OPPONENT 54.9.
-- PHILADELPHIA is 11-0 OVER (+11.0 Units) the 1rst half total in home games after playing 2 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 51.7, OPPONENT 57.2.
-- MIKE BROWN is 12-1 UNDER (+10.9 Units) off a home loss against a division rival in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was BROWN 94.2, OPPONENT 91.0.
•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- MILWAUKEE is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 93.0, OPPONENT 104.1.
-- PHOENIX is 13-2 OVER (+10.8 Units) in home games versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 113.3, OPPONENT 104.6.
-- PHOENIX is 16-4 (+11.6 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 53.8, OPPONENT 51.4.
-- LA LAKERS are 15-3 OVER (+11.7 Units) the 1rst half total in road games versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was LA LAKERS 52.8, OPPONENT 56.4.
-- JACQUE VAUGHN is 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) versus poor rebounding teams - outrebounded by opponents by 3+ per game as the coach of ORLANDO.
The average score was VAUGHN 93.4, OPPONENT 103.7.
•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play On - Favorites of -165 to -500 versus the money line (PHOENIX) - 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.
(58-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (92.1%, +46.7 units. Rating = 5*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -226
The average score in these games was: Team 107.7, Opponent 97.2 (Average point differential = +10.5)
The situation's record this season is: (11-3, +4 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (30-3, +23 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (111-38, +3.7 units).
-- Play Against - Any team (MILWAUKEE) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points against opponent off an upset loss to a division rival as a home favorite.
(39-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (79.6%, +28.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (40-9 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 2.9
The average score in these games was: Team 106.8, Opponent 98 (Average point differential = +8.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 23 (46.9% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (17-5).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (93-74).
-- Play Under - Home teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (ATLANTA) - after going over the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season.
(42-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (80.8%, +31.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 204.1
The average score in these games was: Team 99.3, Opponent 96.9 (Total points scored = 196.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 31 (60.8% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (7-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (22-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (98-60).
-- Play Under - Home teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (ATLANTA) - after going over the total by 42 or more points total in their last five games, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season.
(35-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (81.4%, +26.2 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 204.1
The average score in these games was: Team 99.8, Opponent 96.3 (Total points scored = 196.1)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (57.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (6-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-5).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (80-48).
-- Play On - Home underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points versus the first half line (ATLANTA) - good shooting team - shooting >=46% on the season, hot shooting team - 3 straight games making >=47% of their shots.
(22-4 since 1996.) (84.6%, +17.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3
The average first half score in these games was: Team 53.7, Opponent 48.7 (Average first half point differential = +5)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (1-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-2).
-- Play Under - All teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points (NEW YORK) - after being beaten by the spread by more than 6 points in three consecutive games, on Friday nights.
(38-9 since 1996.) (80.9%, +28.1 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 93.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 44.1, Opponent 44.8 (Total first half points scored = 88.9)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (5-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (7-3).
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Friday's Match-ups
#801 LA LAKERS @ #802 ORLANDO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, TWC SportsNet Los Angeles, FSN (Florida) Orlando -Line: Magic -1, Total: 206) - The Orlando Magic are losers of 12 of their last 13 games but get the opportunity to take advantage of a tired, depleted team when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The Magic could not overcome a big deficit in a 112-109 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and are struggling on the inside with center Nikola Vucevic sidelined. The Lakers are playing the second night of a back-to-back after falling at Miami on Thursday.
Pau Gasol continues to provide steady minutes for Los Angeles but the team cannot seem to keep pace on the defensive end. Los Angeles allowed the Heat to shoot 57.7 percent from the field on Thursday and are surrendering an average of 114.5 points while dropping eight of the last 10. Gasol has scored at least 20 points in six straight and 10 of the last 12 and is averaging 12.2 rebounds this month, but he is often the lone frontcourt player on the floor in a small-ball lineup that has trouble getting stops.
•ABOUT THE LAKERS (16-27 SU, 24-18-1 ATS): Los Angeles dropped to 2-3 on its seven-game road trip with the 109-102 loss to Miami on Thursday and will finish up at the New York Knicks after dealing with Orlando. Kobe Bryant is traveling with the team and is expected to have his left knee examined early next week when the team finally returns home. The Lakers could use the veteran superstar to provide something of a mid-range presence to a lineup that is relying heavily on 3-point shots from the likes of Nick Young, Jodie Meeks and Ryan Kelly.
•ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-32 SU, 18-25-0 ATS): Vucevic is expected to miss his 10th straight game with a concussion, and Orlando is 1-14 in games the big man has missed this season. The Magic went to a smaller lineup with Jameer Nelson, Victor Oladipo and Arron Afflalo starting in the backcourt together against the Hawks and got a combined 47 points and 17 assists out of the trio but could not make up a 42-33 disadvantage on the glass. Tobias Harris is averaging 15.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in the last nine games without Vucevic, but he and Glen Davis together have not been able to replicate Vucevic’s consistent double-double output.
•PREGAME NOTES: The teams split the two meetings last season, with the Lakers taking a 106-97 decision at Orlando on March 12 behind 39 points and 16 rebounds from since-departed Dwight Howard.... Los Angeles F Xavier Henry (bruised right knee) has been out since Dec. 29 and is anticipating a return this weekend, though likely not Friday.... Young is averaging 26.3 points in three games since returning from a one-game suspension.... The Magic are 0-9 against the spread versus poor rebounding teams outrebounded by opponents by three or more per game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, ORLANDO covered the spread 541 times, while LA LAKERS covered the spread 435 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, ORLANDO won the game straight up 565 times, while LA LAKERS won 401 times. In 1000 simulated games, 706 games went under the total, while 272 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ORLANDO covered the first half line 548 times, while LA LAKERS covered the first half line 452 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 670 games went under first half total, while 299 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--LA LAKERS is 20-15 against the spread versus ORLANDO since 1996.
--LA LAKERS is 25-12 straight up against ORLANDO since 1996.
--22 of 35 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--ORLANDO is 22-13 versus the first half line when playing against LA LAKERS since 1996.
--19 of 35 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Lakers are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Orlando.
--Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
--Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Orlando.
--Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Road team is 12-5-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Over is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 overall.
--Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
--Magic are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 6-1 in Magic last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
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#803 TORONTO @ #804 PHILADELPHIA
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, TSN2 Toronto, CSN Philadelphia - Line: Raptors -6.5, Total: 206) - The Toronto Raptors have been on a roller-coaster the past week - and are hoping for a more normal outcome Friday when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers. After squandering a big lead in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and seeing a 30-point second-half rally fall just short in Charlotte, Toronto turned the tables with a 21-point comeback in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks. They'll face a Philadelphia 76ers team coming off a 110-106 triumph over the New York Knicks.
While the Raptors seek some consistency as the Atlantic Division leaders, the 76ers find themselves at the bottom of the division standings and looking to build on the momentum of a rare victory. Philadelphia has dropped seven of its last nine games, and a porous defense is largely to blame for the 76ers' season-long woes. They enter Friday night's encounter having surrendered a whopping 109.8 points per game, easily the most in the NBA.
•ABOUT THE RAPTORS (21-20 SU, 24-17-0 ATS): Chatter is heating up among Raptors fans about which Toronto guard is more worthy of an All-Star berth. While point guard Kyle Lowry has had a strong month of January (17.1 points, 7.5 assists), backcourt mate DeMar DeRozan made an enormous statement in the comeback victory over Dallas. DeRozan poured in a career-best 40 points on 15-of-22 from the field, increasing his January scoring average to 24.2 - ninth-best in the NBA - to go with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
•ABOUT THE 76ERS (14-28 SU, 18-24-0 ATS): With the season officially reaching its halfway point, the race for NBA Rookie of the Year has become Michael Carter-Williams' to lose. The 22-year-old Syracuse standout is having far and away the strongest season of any first-year player, leading all freshmen in scoring (17.5), rebounding (5.9), assists (6.7), steals (2.48) and double-doubles (nine) while recording one of two triple-doubles by a rookie. Carter-Williams was at his most versatile in the win over New York, scoring 19 points while adding 12 rebounds and seven assists.
•PREGAME NOTES: Toronto has won both meetings this season, scoring 108 points in each.... DeRozan averages 15.7 points in 17 career games versus the 76ers.... Carter-Williams also leads all first-year players in minutes (34.6).... The Sixers are 3-12 against the spread after allowing 55 points or more in the first half in two straight games this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the spread 582 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the spread 418 times. *EDGE against the spread =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO won the game straight up 703 times, while PHILADELPHIA won 276 times. In 1000 simulated games, 689 games went under the total, while 287 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the first half line 551 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the first half line 449 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 654 games went under first half total, while 307 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--TORONTO is 42-27 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--TORONTO is 37-36 straight up against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--37 of 70 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--TORONTO is 40-31 versus the first half line when playing against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--40 of 70 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Raptors are 20-8-2 ATS in the last 30 meetings in Philadelphia.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
--Raptors are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
--Under is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 road games.
--Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 overall.
--Under is 3-0-1 in 76ers last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Under is 3-0-1 in 76ers last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
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#805 SAN ANTONIO @ #806 ATLANTA
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN Southwest San Antonio, FSN South Atlanta - Line: Spurs -4.5, Total: 208) - The San Antonio Spurs' injury list is becoming a growing concern as they begin a challenging three-game road trip at Atlanta on Friday. San Antonio lost defensive whiz Kawhi Leonard to a broken finger during Wednesday's 111-105 home loss to Oklahoma City, an injury the Spurs can hardly afford with center Tiago Splitter (sprained shoulder) and guard Danny Green (broken finger) already sidelined. The Hawks look to improve on their 15-6 home mark as they aim for their third straight victory.
Kevin Durant torched the Spurs for 36 points and Reggie Jackson matched a career high with 27, a reflection of San Antonio's weakened defense. The Hawks don't have anyone as dynamic as Durant at the offensive end but forward Paul Millsap has been a force and stuffed the stat sheet in Thursday's 112-109 win at Orlando, racking up 24 points, six rebounds, five assists, five blocks and three steals. "I wish they could put a leadership column on the stat sheet," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "When we got down, Paul was the one that pulled them together. All the other stuff is great — we appreciate the rebounds and the blocks — but I think it's his leadership and I think our group needs that going forward."
•ABOUT THE SPURS (32-10 SU, 21-21-0 ATS): In addition to the mounting list of key players relegated to street clothes, leading scorer Tony Parker (18.4 points, 6.3 assists) is playing through a painful bruised shin and reserve forward Matt Bonner is adjusting to a protective mask he has to wear after breaking his nose last week against Portland. "It's tough," forward Tim Duncan told reporters. "We're dropping like flies right now." Duncan (14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds) and fellow veteran Manu Ginobili (12.6 points, 4.6 assists) are among the few healthy Spurs and will need to play more minutes than San Antonio might prefer until some of the supporting cast returns.
•ABOUT THE HAWKS (22-19 SU, 22-19-0 ATS): Millsap, whom teammate Jeff Teague nicknamed "Do-It-All Paul," has averaged 19.7 points and 8.1 rebounds since center Al Horford — the team's leading scorer and rebounder at the time — went down with a torn pectoral muscle. He isn't the only big man stepping up, as rookie Pero Antic has grown into his new starting role, putting up 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in eight starts, but will miss two to four weeks with a stress fracture in his right ankle. Atlanta has more injury concerns as DeMarre Carroll, who has become one of the team's top defenders, left in the third quarter against Orlando with a sore hamstring and is day-to-day.
•PREGAME NOTES: Atlanta SF Kyle Korver has extended his NBA-record streak of consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer to 110.... The Spurs are 15-3 on the road — including a 5-0 mark against Eastern Conference teams — and have won five straight away from home dating to Dec. 18.... The Hawks have gone 68-of-73 from the foul line over the past three games.... The Spurs are 12-1 versus the spread off an upset loss as a home favorite over the last two seasons.... The Hawks are 1-11 against the spread in home games versus good 3-point shooting teams making more than 36% of their attempts during the 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the spread 537 times, while SAN ANTONIO covered the spread 463 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO won the game straight up 559 times, while ATLANTA won 415 times. In 1000 simulated games, 539 games went over the total, while 436 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the first half line 556 times, while SAN ANTONIO covered the first half line 444 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 495 games went over first half total, while 463 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAN ANTONIO is 21-10 against the spread versus ATLANTA since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 25-7 straight up against ATLANTA since 1996.
--18 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 18-11 versus the first half line when playing against ATLANTA since 1996.
--16 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Spurs are 17-8-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
--Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
--Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 7-1 in Spurs last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Hawks are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
--Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 overall.
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#807 MILWAUKEE @ #808 CLEVELAND
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Ohio (Cleveland) -Line: Cavaliers -8.5, Total: 194.5) - The Cleveland Cavaliers look to rediscover their form at home when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Although the Cavaliers have been on the outside looking in to the Eastern Conference playoff race most of the season, they did perform well at Quicken Loans Arena early on, racing to an 8-4 mark. However, they've followed up an impressive 3-2 road trip with two straight home losses — including Wednesday's 98-87 setback against Chicago — and are 2-6 in their last eight at home.
All-Star Kyrie Iving had 26 points but his teammates shot 23-of-79 from the floor in the loss to the Bulls, which dropped Cleveland to 9-19 against Eastern Conference teams. Milwaukee snapped a nine-game slide with a 104-101 win over Detroit at home Wednesday. The Cavaliers and Bucks have split the first two meetings this season, the home team emerging victorious each time.
•ABOUT THE BUCKS (8-33 SU, 15-26-0 ATS): Milwaukee has utilized 19 different starting lineups in 41 games this season but hopes to be able to shuffle the rotation a bit more Friday night. Both center Larry Sanders and shooting guard O.J. Mayo were out Wednesday with illnesses, leaving the Bucks without one of their top rebounders and one of their few scoring threats off the bench. Veteran Caron Butler did more than fill the gap against Detroit, returning from a one-game layoff due to dental work to score 30 points.
•ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (15-27 SU, 18-24-0 ATS): Cleveland's lackluster offense ranks 22nd in the NBA in scoring, compared to last for Milwaukee, but the Cavs fall to the Bucks' dreadful level when it comes to shooting, ranking 29th with a 42.5 percent mark from the floor. Cleveland has shot below that mark in both of the losses on the homestand. Irving has been the constant during this up-and-down stretch, averaging 24 points in his last four games and shooting over 50 percent in two of them.
•PREGAME NOTES: Irving scored 39 points in a 114-111 overtime win the last time the teams met Dec. 20 in Cleveland.... Bucks G Brandon Knight is averaging 22.5 points while making 12-of-23 3-pointers over his last four games.... After averaging 19.8 points over the first six games this month, Cavaliers G C.J. Miles has been held to single digits in four of his last five contests.... The Bucks are 7-21 against the spread versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots/game on the season this season.... The Cavaliers are 3-15 against the spread in home games on Friday nights over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, MILWAUKEE covered the spread 518 times, while CLEVELAND covered the spread 482 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CLEVELAND won the game straight up 696 times, while MILWAUKEE won 281 times. In 1000 simulated games, 593 games went under the total, while 407 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MILWAUKEE covered the first half line 506 times, while CLEVELAND covered the first half line 454 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 561 games went under first half total, while 401 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CLEVELAND is 33-33 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE since.
--MILWAUKEE is 36-33 straight up against CLEVELAND since 1996
--36 of 68 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996
--MILWAUKEE is 36-32 versus the first half line when playing against CLEVELAND since 1996.
--36 of 68 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bucks are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Cleveland.
--Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
--Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.
--Bucks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
--Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Over is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 Friday games.
--Over is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
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#809 DALLAS @ #810 BROOKLYN
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN Southwest (Dallas), YES (Brooklyn) - Nets -2.5, Total: 201) - After being huge disappointments over the first two months of the season, the Brooklyn Nets are now the hottest team in the league entering Friday’s home contest against the Dallas Mavericks. The Nets are an NBA-best 8-1 in January and have won their last three games and are suddenly just four games below .500 as well as bona fide playoff contenders in the weak Eastern Conference. The Mavericks have lost three of their last five games and are concluding a three-game road swing.
Standout forward Dirk Nowitzki will be back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors. Dallas led by as many as 21 before blowing the lead – it marks the fifth time the Mavericks have lost after leading by 17 or more – but coach Rick Carlisle refused to question the timing of resting the veteran. “It was just the right thing to do, the right thing for him and for the organization,” Carlisle said afterward. “He needed a day to rest.” The Nets have held the opponent under 100 points in eight of the past nine games.
•ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (25-19 SU, 24-20-0 ATS): The collapse against Toronto continues a season-long trend in which Dallas struggles to hold large leads, and veteran Vince Carter is troubled by the situation. “I think we just have to zero in on staying focused, staying the course and continuing to do what got us to that point,” Carter said after the loss. “I think that sometimes we get comfortable and we’re still learning how to win. It’s very frustrating. This is a game that we should have won regardless of if Dirk was on the floor or not.”
•ABOUT THE NETS (18-22 SU, 20-20-0 ATS): First-year coach Jason Kidd is becoming more comfortable running the team and the players are deciphering what he’s preaching as the season has taken a strong upward turn. Point guard Deron Williams and forward Paul Pierce both cited a better approach coming out of halftime as a huge factor in January’s success. “We’re not only winning but we’re pretty convincingly turning it on in the third quarter with the defense, the way we’re moving the ball,” Pierce said. “That’s what we want. That’s all (Kidd) wants out of us – night-in, night-out – a consistent effort.”
•PREGAME NOTES: Dallas has won 20 of the last 25 meetings.... The Nets have won six consecutive home games dating back to a Christmas Day loss to the Chicago Bulls.... The Mavericks are 17-4 when holding opponents under 100 points.... The Nets are 8-0 Over/Under after following two straight games where opponent was called for 18 or less fouls over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the spread 614 times, while BROOKLYN covered the spread 386 times. *EDGE against the spread =DALLAS. In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS won the game straight up 538 times, while BROOKLYN won 434 times. In 1000 simulated games, 540 games went under the total, while 436 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the first half line 602 times, while BROOKLYN covered the first half line 398 times. *EDGE against first half line =DALLAS. In 1000 simulated games, 559 games went under first half total, while 441 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DALLAS is 20-12 against the spread versus BROOKLYN since 1996.
--DALLAS is 21-11 straight up against BROOKLYN since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DALLAS is 17-15 versus the first half line when playing against BROOKLYN since 1996.
--19 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Under is 6-0 in Mavericks last 6 games following a ATS loss.
--Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games.
--Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Over is 5-0 in Nets last 5 Friday games.
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#811 OKLAHOMA CITY @ #812 BOSTON
(TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), CSN New England (Boston) - Line: Thunder -6.5, Total: 198) - The Oklahoma City Thunder have risen to the top of the Western Conference with a five-game winning streak and look to add another when they visit the injury-depleted Boston Celtics on Friday. NBA leading scorer Kevin Durant continued his hot streak with 36 points in a 111-105 win at San Antonio on Wednesday and is averaging 40.4 over the last five games. The Celtics are 2-12 over the last 14 contests and are expected to be without second-leading scorer Avery Bradley due to an ankle injury.
The Celtics won at Washington in overtime on Wednesday without Bradley and Rajon Rondo, who was rested on the second of a back-of-back. Jeff Green, who spent his first 3 1/2 seasons with the Oklahoma City franchise, leads Boston against a Thunder squad near the end of a stretch with seven games in 10 days. Durant scored at least 30 points in nine straight outings since registering 21 in the 119-96 victory over Boston on Jan. 5 at home.
•ABOUT THE THUNDER (33-10 SU, 25-18-0 ATS): Durant averages 31 points and 5.1 assists overall and is shooting 52.8 percent – 41.3 from 3-point range – since Christmas Day. Serge Ibaka is averaging 17.2 points over the last five games - 14.3 overall - while Reggie Jackson scored 27 against Boston earlier this month. The Thunder stand fourth in the league in scoring (105.5) and second in rebounding (46.5) without second-leading scorer Russell Westbrook (arthroscopic knee surgery) for almost a month.
•ABOUT THE CELTICS (14-29 SU, 22-21-1 ATS): Green, who averages 16.2 points, scored 39 in the victory Wednesday to carry the Celtics without Rondo, Bradley and injured guard Jerryd Bayless (left big toe). Rondo should be back in the lineup after collecting 15 points and 13 assists while shooting 7-of-27 from the field over three games since returning from knee surgery. Jared Sullinger has recorded 14.1 points and 11 rebounds over the last eight, with five of his 12 double-doubles coming in that span.
•PREGAME NOTES: Boston F Chris Johnson has totaled 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting in two games since being signed to a 10-day contract on Jan. 17.... Thunder F Jeremy Lamb, who has come off the bench in all 43 games, is averaging 10.6 points since Christmas and 9.8 overall.... Oklahoma City is 11-2 against Eastern Conference teams and the Celtics are 3-15 against Western opponents.... The Celtics are 20-5 Over/Under in home games in January games over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, BOSTON covered the spread 514 times, while OKLAHOMA CITY covered the spread 486 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY won the game straight up 652 times, while BOSTON won 323 times. In 1000 simulated games, 531 games went over the total, while 446 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY covered the first half line 514 times, while BOSTON covered the first half line 486 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 491 games went under first half total, while 472 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--BOSTON is 19-13 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--BOSTON is 18-15 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--16 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--BOSTON is 18-14 versus the first half line when playing against OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--16 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Thunder are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Thunder are 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Boston.
--Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Under is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
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#813 CHARLOTTE @ #814 NEW YORK
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, SPSO Charlotte, MSG New York - Line: Knicks -4.5, Total: 186.5) - The Charlotte Bobcats came out of one of their most challenging homestands of the season with a winning record. They'll look to build on their strong showing as they travel to Madison Square Garden for a Friday night showdown with the New York Knicks. The Bobcats bounced back from a loss to Miami with victories over Toronto and the Los Angeles Clippers — and now have the privilege of facing a Knicks team that has dropped five consecutive decisions.
New York's inability to win at home has confounded everyone — most of all the Knicks themselves, who saw their MSG record fall to 7-15 with Wednesday's 110-106 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. "This is the time right here to make up ground and we're not," a frustrated J.R. Smith told reporters after the game. "We're playing better on the road than we are at home, and it should be the other way around if anything."
•ABOUT THE BOBCATS (19-25 SU, 24-18-2 ATS): Charlotte is finally getting the version of Al Jefferson they hoped for when they signed the marquee big man to a free-agent contract in the offseason. After dealing with early-season injuries and inconsistency, the 29-year-old has exploded this month, averaging 20.9 points and 10.8 rebounds in 12 January games. He has been particularly dangerous over his previous four games, averaging 24.5 points and 14.8 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor.
•ABOUT THE KNICKS (15-27 SU, 16-26-0 ATS): It's not hard to understand why dissension has seeped into the New York locker room. Center Tyson Chandler is the latest to speak up, openly questioning why the Knicks didn't do a better job containing 76ers forward Evan Turner, who erupted for 32 points in the 76ers triumph. "A lot of things went wrong defensively," Chandler told the New York Post. "I think we should've maybe been more aggressive on Evan Turner, especially once he got going. It's one of the things that kept them in the flow."
•PREGAME NOTES: New York has won six of the last nine meetings overall.... Jefferson averages 14.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in 19 career games versus the Knicks.... New York is 26th in the NBA in January scoring (96.3).... The Bobcats are 7-20 versus the spread following an upset win as an underdog over the last two seasons.... The Knicks are 7-20 against the spread when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, CHARLOTTE covered the spread 513 times, while NEW YORK covered the spread 487 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK won the game straight up 580 times, while CHARLOTTE won 391 times. In 1000 simulated games, 756 games went over the total, while 244 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, CHARLOTTE covered the first half line 506 times, while NEW YORK covered the first half line 494 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 663 games went over first half total, while 302 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CHARLOTTE is 23-11 against the spread versus NEW YORK since 1996.
--NEW YORK is 19-16 straight up against CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--19 of 34 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CHARLOTTE is 19-15 versus the first half line when playing against NEW YORK since 1996.
--22 of 35 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bobcats are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in New York.
--Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York.
--Road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 6-1 in Bobcats last 7 road games.
--Over is 6-1 in Bobcats last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Knicks are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Knicks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Under is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
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#815 NEW ORLEANS @ #816 DETROIT
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN New Orleans, FSN Detroit Plus - Line: Pistons -4.5, 202.5) - The Detroit Pistons will host the New Orleans Pelicans Friday, one game out of a playoff spot in the underwhelming Eastern Conference, despite being eight games under .500. If Detroit has any legitimate postseason hopes, it will want to avoid underestimating an opponent, as it did in a loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. "I think we got a little comfortable," Brandon Jennings said to the Detroit Free Press, adding, "At the end of the day, no matter their record, that's still an NBA team over there."
After snapping an eight-game losing streak in Memphis on Monday, New Orleans fell right back into an all-too-familiar rut the following night, falling by 17 at home to the Sacramento Kings. "I honestly have no idea what it was. We just didn't come out like we cared," forward Anthony Davis told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The Pelicans are 2-10 since pulling to within a game of .500 with a win over Portland on Dec. 30.
•ABOUT THE PELICANS (16-25 SU, 17-22-2 ATS): New Orleans has played two straight games with just 10 players in uniform with Ryan Anderson (neck), Jrue Holiday (leg), Anthony Morrow (illness) and Jason Smith (knee) all out of the lineup. Only Morrow has even a shot at returning Friday, leaving guard Brian Roberts to take a bottom line stance on the current state of the team. "It's not ideal, but it's all we can do," he said. "We have to keep fighting and keep plugging away."
•ABOUT THE PISTONS (17-25 SU, 17-24-1 ATS): Detroit has losses to league doormats Orlando, Utah and Milwaukee during a 3-9 slide that dates to late December, and with the very real possibility of a fifth straight non-playoff season looming, trade winds have begun to swirl. Greg Monroe, whose name has come up in recent reports, has noted the transition to forward from his customary center position has been a bit of a struggle for him but said that his focus remains on helping the Pistons turn things around. "I'm here," Monroe said. "If that changes, then I'll move forward, but until then I'm just going to focus on trying to win these games."
•PREGAME NOTES: Detroit has lost three straight to New Orleans and is 3-7 in its last 10 games against the Pelicans/Hornets franchise.... New Orleans averages 15.9 3-point attempts — third-fewest in the NBA — and has attempted 11 or fewer from long range in eight of its last 11 games.... Monroe notched a season-high 28 points against the Pelicans on Dec. 11 in a 111-106 overtime loss for the Pistons.... The Pelicans are 14-1 Over/Under when playing against a team with a losing record this season.... The Pistons are 14-4 Over/Under versus good 3-point shooting teams making more than 36% of their attempts this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW ORLEANS covered the spread 554 times, while DETROIT covered the spread 446 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, DETROIT won the game straight up 559 times, while NEW ORLEANS won 413 times. In 1000 simulated games, 542 games went over the total, while 458 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW ORLEANS covered the first half line 550 times, while DETROIT covered the first half line 450 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 502 games went over first half total, while 461 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW ORLEANS is 25-24 against the spread versus DETROIT since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 26-23 straight up against DETROIT since 1996.
--25 of 47 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 25-24 versus the first half line when playing against DETROIT since 1996.
--26 of 49 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in Detroit.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Under is 3-0-1 in Pelicans last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 6-0 in Pelicans last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
--Pistons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.
--Pistons are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Over is 8-1 in Pistons last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
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#817 MEMPHIS @ #818 HOUSTON
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, SportSouth Memphis, CSN Houston - Line: Rockets -6.5, Total: 199.5) - The Houston Rockets are 2-0 against the Memphis Grizzlies this season and aim to double that victory total when the teams play back-to-back games, beginning with Friday’s tilt in Houston. The high-scoring Rockets only averaged 96.5 points in those two wins, using a defense that gave up an average of 89 to post the two victories. Houston has won six of its past seven games while Memphis had a season-best five-game winning streak halted by New Orleans on Monday.
The Grizzlies are 0-10 against division mates this season and those struggles are a big reason why they reside in fourth place in the Southwest, well behind San Antonio and Houston as well as trailing Dallas. Memphis put together a solid stretch of games before a dismal showing against the lowly Pelicans despite 23 points and a season-best 20 rebounds from power forward Zach Randolph. The Rockets have won their last three outings after routing the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
•ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (20-20 SU, 17-22-1 ATS): Memphis is waiting on enter Marc Gasol to flourish and regain his rhythm after missing seven-plus weeks with a knee injury. Gasol has scored in double digits in three of four games since his return but has yet to make his typical impact on either end of the court. The 7-footer has grabbed more than five rebounds just once and all four of his blocked shots came in one game. Gasol missed both of the losses to Houston earlier this season and averaged just 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in last season’s four meetings.
•ABOUT THE ROCKETS (29-15 SU, 22-20-2 ATS): Center Dwight Howard was the standout in the victory over the Kings with 26 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots. Howard is averaging 23.3 points and 13 rebounds over the past three games and has been more aggressive early in the contests. “I watch a lot of film and I see things that I can do better every night and I take that to the next game,” Howard said after the contest. “Each game is a different challenge, but one thing that we can all learn to do is just play hard every game and when we do that, good things happen.” Howard is 27-of-39 shooting during the hot streak.
•PREGAME NOTES: Memphis’ victory in Houston last April 12 snapped its 13-game road losing streak in the series.... The Grizzlies have scored 92 or fewer in each of their last four games after topping 100 in five straight.... Rockets PF Terrence Jones (thigh) is a game-time decision after missing the previous two games.... Memphis is 11-1 against the spread in road games after playing four consecutive games as favorite over the last two seasons.... The Rockets are 15-4 versus the spread after three straight games where they made 47% of their shots or better over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, MEMPHIS covered the spread 529 times, while HOUSTON covered the spread 471 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, HOUSTON won the game straight up 616 times, while MEMPHIS won 358 times. In 1000 simulated games, 564 games went over the total, while 436 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, MEMPHIS covered the first half line 554 times, while HOUSTON covered the first half line 446 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 540 games went over first half total, while 460 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MEMPHIS is 35-34 against the spread versus HOUSTON since 1996.
--HOUSTON is 45-25 straight up against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--41 of 69 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--MEMPHIS is 36-31 versus the first half line when playing against HOUSTON since 1996.
--34 of 68 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston.
--Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
--Under is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings in Houston.
--Favorite is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
--Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 overall.
--Under is 4-0-2 in Rockets last 6 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 2-0-2 in Rockets last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Under is 2-0-2 in Rockets last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
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#819 LA CLIPPERS @ #820 CHICAGO
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, ESPN, Prime Ticket Los Angeles, WCIU Chicago - Line: Clippers -3.5, Total: 192.5) - The surging Chicago Bulls seek their fourth straight win when they host the Los Angeles Clippers in a prime-time matchup Friday night. The Bulls improved to 9-2 this month and 7-2 since the Luol Deng trade with a 98-87 victory at Cleveland on Wednesday, pushing the club over .500 for the first time since it was 6-5. D.J. Augustin continued his solid play of late with a game-high 27 points as Chicago survived the absences of forward Carlos Boozer and guard Kirk Hinrich, who were out with calf and hamstring injuries, respectively.
The Clippers are 2-2 thus far on a season high-tying seven-game road trip after a 95-91 setback at Charlotte on Wednesday. Los Angeles had only seven made free throws and was 6-for-26 from 3-point range in its worst offensive showing this month. Blake Griffin scored 27 points in the losing effort, continuing to carry more of the offensive load in the wake of the shoulder injury to Chris Paul, who is still targeting a return around the All-Star break.
•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (29-15 SU, 25-19-0 ATS): Los Angeles' largest win of the season was a 39-point rout of Chicago on Nov. 24 at home, but Paul had a season-high 17 assists in that one and the Bulls were just beginning to adjust in the wake of the season-ending injury to Derrick Rose. The Clippers deserve credit for continuing to share the basketball and take care of it without Paul in the fold, as they still rank tied for second in the league with a 1.77 assist-to-turnover ratio and managed 24 assists on 39 baskets in an otherwise rough offensive showing at Charlotte. Griffin is averaging 4.7 assists this month after producing 3.1 in both November and December.
•ABOUT THE BULLS (21-20 SU, 19-22-0 ATS): Among the many changes for Chicago since that embarrassing loss in Los Angeles before Thanksgiving is the presence of Augustin, who has scored 27 points in consecutive games, the latest while starting in place of Hinrich. Augustin is averaging 17 points on 52.4 percent shooting and 7.8 assists in four starts as a Bull and should continue to be more of a factor with Hinrich out for another week or so. Taj Gibson, who hit the game-winner for Chicago in its win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, filled in admirably for Boozer on Wednesday with 26 points, three blocks and no turnovers in 43 minutes.
•PREGAME NOTES: Los Angeles has won the last three games in Chicago and three straight in the series overall.... Boozer is considered day-to-day.... Bulls C Joakim Noah has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in 14 straight games, the franchise's longest such run since Dennis Rodman did it in 43 straight games to end the 1996-97 season.... The Clippers are 14-4 versus the spread after a game where they failed to cover the spread this season.... Chicago is 9-21 against the spread in home games after playing a game as an underdog over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 503 times, while CHICAGO covered the spread 497 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS won the game straight up 595 times, while CHICAGO won 383 times. In 1000 simulated games, 586 games went under the total, while 414 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, CHICAGO covered the first half line 534 times, while LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 425 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 583 games went under first half total, while 381 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--LA CLIPPERS is 18-13 against the spread versus CHICAGO since 1996.
--LA CLIPPERS is 19-14 straight up against CHICAGO since 1996.
--17 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--LA CLIPPERS is 20-13 versus the first half line when playing against CHICAGO since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Clippers are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Clippers are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.
--Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Chicago.
--Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
--Over is 6-0 in Clippers last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 5-0 in Clippers last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 game playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 7-1 in Bulls last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
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#821 WASHINGTON @ #822 PHOENIX
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, CSN Mid-Atlantic Washington, FSN (Arizona) Phoenix - Line: Suns -4, Total: 207) - The Phoenix Suns stumbled a bit when Eric Bledsoe first went down with a knee injury but appear to be finding a winning formula again. The Suns will look for their fourth win in five games when they host the Washington Wizards on Friday. Phoenix posted one of its more impressive victories of the season with a 124-100 triumph over the NBA-best Indiana Pacers on Wednesday as Gerald Green stepped up and scored 23 in Bledsoe’s spot.
The Wizards missed another chance to pull above .500 with a 113-111 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday but have won four of their last five road games as they open a four-game Western Conference swing. John Wall picked up his second career triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists but Washington could not overcome breakdowns on the defensive end against Boston. The Suns will try to exploit some of those holes in the perimeter defense with Green and Goran Dragic.
•ABOUT THE WIZARDS (20-21 SU, 21-20-0 ATS): Washington had trouble with a Celtics backcourt that was missing Rajon Rondo and allowed Boston to go 15-for-34 from 3-point range. The Wizards are in the middle tier of teams in terms of 3-point defense (35.9 percent) and will be taking on a Phoenix team that hoists up an average of 25.8 3-point attempts - second in the NBA. Center Marcin Gortat will be making his first trip back to Arizona since being traded from the Suns to the Wizards on the eve of opening night and is looking forward to the contest. “I just want to beat them,” Gortat told the Washington Post. “Quite honestly, I just want to beat them bad.”
•ABOUT THE SUNS (24-17 SU, 27-13-1 ATS): Green is still battling with his consistency and has gone over 20 points twice in the last five games while averaging 8.3 points in the other three contests. The high-flying guard can finish at the rim as well as anyone and is improving his outside shooting while knocking down 7-of-15 from beyond the arc in the last four games. “For us, Gerald is always a key,” coach Jeff Hornacek told the Arizona Republic. “When he plays well and in control, we seem to have a pretty good game.” Green’s play took some pressure off Dragic, who went 8-of-10 from the floor on Wednesday as the Suns shot 54.2 percent against the league’s top defense.
•PREGAME NOTES: Washington took both meetings last season after dropping the previous 10 in the series.... Gortat has recorded three straight double-doubles and is averaging 13 points and 10.2 boards over the last five contests.... Dragic is 26-for-41 from the floor over the last three games and is averaging 21.3 points in that span.... Washington is 3-17 versus the spread in road games on Friday nights over the last three seasons.... The Suns are 15-5 against the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams making more than 36% of their attempts this season.... The Wizards are 9-0 against the spread in road games after playing a home game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the spread 578 times, while WASHINGTON covered the spread 398 times. *EDGE against the spread =PHOENIX. In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX won the game straight up 674 times, while WASHINGTON won 301 times. In 1000 simulated games, 502 games went under the total, while 482 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the first half line 544 times, while WASHINGTON covered the first half line 420 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 524 games went under first half total, while 476 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 17-14 against the spread versus WASHINGTON since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 19-12 straight up against WASHINGTON since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--WASHINGTON is 16-14 versus the first half line when playing against PHOENIX since 1996.
--17 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Wizards are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
--Wizards are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Phoenix.
--Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Phoenix.
--Favorite is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Under is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Over is 4-0 in Suns last 4 overall.
--Over is 5-1 in Suns last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Suns last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
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#823 INDIANA @ #824 SACRAMENTO
(TV: 10:00 PM EST, FSN Indiana, KXTV Sacramento - Line: Pacers -10.5, Total: 196) - The Sacramento Kings could be missing both center DeMarcus Cousins and forward Rudy Gay when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday. The two players were injured in Wednesday’s loss to the Houston Rockets, and Gay will be in a walking boot for several days after suffering an Achilles’ tendon injury. Cousins injured his left ankle and it will be determined prior to game time whether or not he can suit up.
Indiana is hurting in a different way after being blown out by the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The 124-100 loss marked the most points the usually stingy Pacers have allowed in a game this season and the 24-point margin of defeat matched a season worst. Indiana smacked the Kings around earlier this month, delivering a 116-92 home victory on Jan. 14 behind 31 points from forward Paul George, who on Thursday was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter.
•ABOUT THE PACERS (33-8 SU, 28-13-0 ATS): Indiana played its worst defensive game of the season against a Phoenix team that rolled up a 28-5 edge in fast-break points. The Pacers lead the NBA in points allowed (89.2) and field-goal percentage defense (41.2) but couldn’t contain the fast-paced Suns. “We spoil you guys with great defense,” guard George Hill said afterwards, “so when you do have a bad game, you think the world is going to end.” Phoenix was 11-of-16 from 3-point range and committed just nine turnovers.
•ABOUT THE KINGS (15-26 SU, 18-22-1 ATS): Cousins was injured in the second quarter on Wednesday as his streak of 15 straight double-doubles came to an end. If Cousins joins Gay on the sidelines, power forward Derrick Williams will play a larger role after having 22 points and a season-high 11 rebounds against the Rockets. Williams is averaging 10 points on 49.5 percent shooting in 28 games since being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The timing of the injury was poor for Gay after the small forward matched his career high of 41 points in Tuesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Pacers have won the past three meetings.... Kings PG Isaiah Thomas has four outings of 20 or more points while averaging 23.6 over the last five games.... Indiana is 11-3 against Western Conference teams after falling to Phoenix.... Indiana is 16-6 versus the spread when playing against a team with a losing record this season.... Sacramento is 17-43 against the spread when playing eight or more games in 14 days over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO covered the spread 650 times, while INDIANA covered the spread 350 times. *EDGE against the spread =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, INDIANA won the game straight up 602 times, while SACRAMENTO won 379 times. In 1000 simulated games, 488 games went over the total, while 481 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO covered the first half line 609 times, while INDIANA covered the first half line 363 times. *EDGE against first half line =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, 508 games went under first half total, while 452 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--INDIANA is 18-12 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO since 1996.
--INDIANA is 18-14 straight up against SACRAMENTO since 1996.
--18 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--INDIANA is 18-14 versus the first half line when playing against SACRAMENTO since 1996.
--16 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Pacers are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Sacramento.
--Favorite is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
--Road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 4-0-1 in Pacers last 5 overall.
--Under is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 games following a ATS loss.
--Over is 3-0-1 in Pacers last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Kings are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
--Over is 6-0 in Kings last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
--Over is 3-0-1 in Kings last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
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#825 MINNESOTA @ #826 GOLDEN STATE
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, NBATV, FSN North Minnesota, CSN Bay Area - Line: Warriors -4, Total: 211) - The Golden State Warriors went from the hottest team in the NBA to a club searching for answers after four losses in six games. The Warriors will attempt to find some of those answers on both ends of the floor when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Timberwolves pulled out of their own funk with a pair of dominating performances against the Utah Jazz and have an opportunity to move back to .500 with a third straight triumph.
Golden State dropped the opener of a five-game homestand 102-94 to the Indiana Pacers on Monday and still has visits from Western Conference contenders Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers to look forward to over the next week. The Warriors fell behind early against the Pacers and are developing a trend of weak starts. “(The Pacers) made an effort to assert themselves early and I don’t know if we didn’t show up, we just didn’t have any kind of punch early in the game,” Stephen Curry told reporters. Hot starts were a key to Minnesota’s last two victories.
•ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (20-21 SU, 22-19-0 ATS): Minnesota held the Jazz 23 first-half points at home on Saturday and limited them to 39 before the break at Utah on Tuesday before coasting through the second half on both occasions. The Timberwolves have been searching for consistency on the defensive end and dominated that area against the Jazz, though Golden State’s plethora of weapons provides a different challenge. The Warriors shot 50 percent from the field in a 106-93 victory at Minnesota on Nov. 6 and Kevin Love’s 25 points and 16 rebounds could not make up the gap. Love has not reached 20 points in any of his last three games but is averaging 5.3 assists in that span.
•ABOUT THE WARRIORS (26-17 SU, 19-22-2 ATS): Klay Thompson did most of the damage with 30 points in the Nov. 6 meeting and hit five 3-pointers in the loss to the Pacers on Monday. Thompson and Curry are two of the most prolific 3-point shooters in the league but Curry’s once gaudy percentage from beyond the arc has taken a hit recently, and he is connecting on just 32.3 percent of his attempts this month. Those two will be counted on even more if the depleted front line can’t play to its usual standards. David Lee (shoulder) and Andrew Bogut (knee) were both limited in practice on Thursday while Jermaine O’Neal (wrist), who has been out since Dec. 9, returned to practice this week.
•PREGAME NOTES: Love (35) and Lee (23) each rank in the top 10 in the NBA in double-doubles, and Love has posted four straight.... Love, Curry, Thompson, Lee and Warriors F Andre Iguodala were all announced as members of the pool of 28 players for Team USA.... Golden State has taken seven straight in the series and won the last two by an average of 14.5 points.... The Timberwolves are 19-33 versus the spread after having won two of their last three games over the last three seasons.... The Warriors are 0-7 against the spread versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, GOLDEN STATE covered the spread 560 times, while MINNESOTA covered the spread 424 times. *EDGE against the spread =GOLDEN STATE. In 1000 simulated games, GOLDEN STATE won the game straight up 648 times, while MINNESOTA won 320 times. In 1000 simulated games, 620 games went under the total, while 358 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, GOLDEN STATE covered the first half line 536 times, while MINNESOTA covered the first half line 434 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 626 games went under first half total, while 374 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--GOLDEN STATE is 32-31 against the spread versus MINNESOTA since 1996.
--GOLDEN STATE is 33-32 straight up against MINNESOTA since 1996.
--36 of 63 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--GOLDEN STATE is 36-28 versus the first half line when playing against MINNESOTA since 1996.
--33 of 64 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Golden State.
--Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Golden State.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
--Under is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 5-0 in Warriors last 5 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Under is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
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