Ecks and Bacon
Ben lee did the splits in soccer on Tuesday winning with Liverpool -$120/Everton (4-0) and losing his play on the Draw +$280.
For Wednesday across the pond we go.
E&B have a two plays on the pitch Tottenham +280/Manchester City and a play on the Draw +$260.
Ecks and Bacon is 2-1 +$50 for week fourteen and 50-58-2 -$1176.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted
Ben lee did the splits in soccer on Tuesday winning with Liverpool -$120/Everton (4-0) and losing his play on the Draw +$280.
For Wednesday across the pond we go.
E&B have a two plays on the pitch Tottenham +280/Manchester City and a play on the Draw +$260.
Ecks and Bacon is 2-1 +$50 for week fourteen and 50-58-2 -$1176.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted
The system bets for January 29 are:
Oklahoma [A] bet (this is a confirmed official system bet)
Charlotte [A] bet (this is a confirmed official system bet)
Chicago [A] bet *Note: Check for Joakim Noah's (Chicago's best player)
active status. He's declared sick and currently has 50% chance to play.
===================================
Remember to bet on the point spread (handicap line)
- Remember to purchase 3 points for the team you're betting on.
- If your team is still a favorite after buying 3 points, then
you can either bet on the money line, or bet on the point spread
with the 3 points as normal, but do not continue betting on the
series if your team wins the game but the bet does not win.
Always consider the injury and the best/worst road team filters.
Check the injuries to ensure your team's best player isn't out.
I will always make my best effort to notify you of game-changing
injuries whenever I am aware of them to ensure that you don't make
wagers on team that don't pass the injury filter. However, I cannot
make guarantees that I will always be able to be on top of every
single injury, every game, every day, at all times. Some teams may
hold off on releasing relevant injury information until much later
in the day. A bet will be unofficial if it does not pass the filters
of the system. Ultimately as a bettor, I always strongly encourage
that if there's any uncertainty about the active status of your team's
best player for a game that you always check on final injury updates.
The NBA and MLB systems have together generated well in the
hundreds of official series wins to only very few series losses
over the years. I'm convinced that our great run will never end.
Good luck,
The Sports Betting Champ
Oklahoma [A] bet (this is a confirmed official system bet)
Charlotte [A] bet (this is a confirmed official system bet)
Chicago [A] bet *Note: Check for Joakim Noah's (Chicago's best player)
active status. He's declared sick and currently has 50% chance to play.
===================================
Remember to bet on the point spread (handicap line)
- Remember to purchase 3 points for the team you're betting on.
- If your team is still a favorite after buying 3 points, then
you can either bet on the money line, or bet on the point spread
with the 3 points as normal, but do not continue betting on the
series if your team wins the game but the bet does not win.
Always consider the injury and the best/worst road team filters.
Check the injuries to ensure your team's best player isn't out.
I will always make my best effort to notify you of game-changing
injuries whenever I am aware of them to ensure that you don't make
wagers on team that don't pass the injury filter. However, I cannot
make guarantees that I will always be able to be on top of every
single injury, every game, every day, at all times. Some teams may
hold off on releasing relevant injury information until much later
in the day. A bet will be unofficial if it does not pass the filters
of the system. Ultimately as a bettor, I always strongly encourage
that if there's any uncertainty about the active status of your team's
best player for a game that you always check on final injury updates.
The NBA and MLB systems have together generated well in the
hundreds of official series wins to only very few series losses
over the years. I'm convinced that our great run will never end.
Good luck,
The Sports Betting Champ
SPORTSWAGERS.CA - Pucks
N.Y. Islanders +128 over N.Y. Rangers
OT included. The Rangers are coming off that big win at Yankee Stadium in a game they had no business winning. The score says differently but pay no attention to that, as the Devils goaltending sprung a huge leak and the Rangers took advantage. Early in the game, the Rangers were down 3-1 and had Cory Schneider been in goal instead of Martin Brodeur, we’d probably be talking about Henrik Lundqvist allowing seven goals because he was well on his way to doing so. Lundqvist has had some good games this season and he’s obviously been one of the games’ best for years but like all goaltenders, eventually those miles take a toll and were seeing that this year from Lundqvist. Whether it’s just one bad year or a sign of things to come, Lundqvist is fighting the puck. In 39 starts this season, Lundqvist has posted a save % of .875 or less 16 times. What’s even more interesting about that is that once he posts a low save percentage game, it has carried over into successive games 12 of those 16 times. That tells us that he’s fragile mentally and streaky. In the game at Yankee Stadium, Lundqvist allowed three goals on 22 shots for a save % of .864 and all three goals were stoppable. Lundqvist will now face some hot shooters and if his last game outdoors is any indication of what’s in store tonight, he may not make it to the third period.
The Islanders are still in this thing. With 27 games left, the Islanders are just seven points out of a playoff spot and one good run puts them right in the thick of it. The Islanders have lost three in a row and have allowed 16 goals over that span but things figure to get at least a little better here with the return of Evgeni Nabokov. Dave Poulin’s .891 save percentage is the NHL’s lowest mark and while the Islanders defense is certainly a work in progress, your goaltender is supposed to win you games from time to time (see Jonathan Bernier). In any event, Nabokov instills a little more confidence to the team in front of him and when they get adequate goaltending, the Islanders are dangerous as hell. The Islanders have scored three goals or more in six straight. Their 61 goals in 17 games since the all-star break is tops in the league and they’re healthier now than they’ve been all season. In a game in which the Islanders have at least a 50% chance of winning and probably more, taking back a tag on them in their first outdoor game ever is where the value lies.
N.Y. Islanders +128 over N.Y. Rangers
OT included. The Rangers are coming off that big win at Yankee Stadium in a game they had no business winning. The score says differently but pay no attention to that, as the Devils goaltending sprung a huge leak and the Rangers took advantage. Early in the game, the Rangers were down 3-1 and had Cory Schneider been in goal instead of Martin Brodeur, we’d probably be talking about Henrik Lundqvist allowing seven goals because he was well on his way to doing so. Lundqvist has had some good games this season and he’s obviously been one of the games’ best for years but like all goaltenders, eventually those miles take a toll and were seeing that this year from Lundqvist. Whether it’s just one bad year or a sign of things to come, Lundqvist is fighting the puck. In 39 starts this season, Lundqvist has posted a save % of .875 or less 16 times. What’s even more interesting about that is that once he posts a low save percentage game, it has carried over into successive games 12 of those 16 times. That tells us that he’s fragile mentally and streaky. In the game at Yankee Stadium, Lundqvist allowed three goals on 22 shots for a save % of .864 and all three goals were stoppable. Lundqvist will now face some hot shooters and if his last game outdoors is any indication of what’s in store tonight, he may not make it to the third period.
The Islanders are still in this thing. With 27 games left, the Islanders are just seven points out of a playoff spot and one good run puts them right in the thick of it. The Islanders have lost three in a row and have allowed 16 goals over that span but things figure to get at least a little better here with the return of Evgeni Nabokov. Dave Poulin’s .891 save percentage is the NHL’s lowest mark and while the Islanders defense is certainly a work in progress, your goaltender is supposed to win you games from time to time (see Jonathan Bernier). In any event, Nabokov instills a little more confidence to the team in front of him and when they get adequate goaltending, the Islanders are dangerous as hell. The Islanders have scored three goals or more in six straight. Their 61 goals in 17 games since the all-star break is tops in the league and they’re healthier now than they’ve been all season. In a game in which the Islanders have at least a 50% chance of winning and probably more, taking back a tag on them in their first outdoor game ever is where the value lies.
GC: NCAAB Play
Hump day card has the 6* Mountain West Conference Game Of the Year a Big 12 Play with 9 Statistical Indicators, NCAAB Top plays moved to 4-0 cashing with New Mexico. NBA Continues atop several leader boards and tonight the lead play is a Perfect system in the OKC at Miami game. College hoops Play below.
On Wednesday night the NCAAB Play is on Morehead St. Game 812 at 9:00 eastern. Morehead St has some nice right back revenge here as they lost by 14 to Belmont of the road last Thursday. They come in off a road win and will be poised to exact revenge on a Belmont team that us just 1-4 straight up as a road favorite of 3 or less and has failed to cover 12 of the last 17 in the second half of the season vs a winning team. Morehead St has won 7 of 9 here at home and is also 4-1 with road loss revenge. The last time these two met here Belmont escaped with a 1 point win. Look for another tight game. We take Morehead St tonight at home plus the points. On Wednesday the lead play is the highest Rated 6* Double Perfect Mountain West Conference Game of the Year and a Big 12 Power play. NCAAB Top plays have cashed 4 straight New Mexico outright as a dog last night. NBA Continues to be solid and tonight the NBA Game of the Week is a Perfect system play in the Oklahoma City at Miami game. Jump on now and get on the "Giving End" of Hump day tonight. For the Bonus Play Morehead is always better. We will back Morehead St. GC
Hump day card has the 6* Mountain West Conference Game Of the Year a Big 12 Play with 9 Statistical Indicators, NCAAB Top plays moved to 4-0 cashing with New Mexico. NBA Continues atop several leader boards and tonight the lead play is a Perfect system in the OKC at Miami game. College hoops Play below.
On Wednesday night the NCAAB Play is on Morehead St. Game 812 at 9:00 eastern. Morehead St has some nice right back revenge here as they lost by 14 to Belmont of the road last Thursday. They come in off a road win and will be poised to exact revenge on a Belmont team that us just 1-4 straight up as a road favorite of 3 or less and has failed to cover 12 of the last 17 in the second half of the season vs a winning team. Morehead St has won 7 of 9 here at home and is also 4-1 with road loss revenge. The last time these two met here Belmont escaped with a 1 point win. Look for another tight game. We take Morehead St tonight at home plus the points. On Wednesday the lead play is the highest Rated 6* Double Perfect Mountain West Conference Game of the Year and a Big 12 Power play. NCAAB Top plays have cashed 4 straight New Mexico outright as a dog last night. NBA Continues to be solid and tonight the NBA Game of the Week is a Perfect system play in the Oklahoma City at Miami game. Jump on now and get on the "Giving End" of Hump day tonight. For the Bonus Play Morehead is always better. We will back Morehead St. GC
Bones Best Bet
NHL
RANGERS @ ISLANDERS - OVER 5.5 +108 *2*
These two teams have played to two 8 goal games in the past month including one 8 days ago.
The Rangers went all out in game 1 of their 2 outdoor games on the 26th, putting up a 7 spot.
The Islanders have played to 6 straight overs and 8 of 9 overall.
NHL
RANGERS @ ISLANDERS - OVER 5.5 +108 *2*
These two teams have played to two 8 goal games in the past month including one 8 days ago.
The Rangers went all out in game 1 of their 2 outdoor games on the 26th, putting up a 7 spot.
The Islanders have played to 6 straight overs and 8 of 9 overall.
STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 1/29/14
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_________________________________________
***** Wednesday, 1/29/14 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.
____________________________________________________________
Betting Notes - Wednesday
•Hot Teams
-- Thunder won its last eight games (7-1 vs. spread). Miami won four of its last five games.
-- Raptors won three of their last four games.
-- Suns won four of their last five games.
-- Pelicans/Timberwolves both won four of their last five games.
-- Rockets won seven of their last ten games.
-- Nuggets won last two games, covered last three.
-- Bulls won six of their last seven road games.
-- Grizzlies won eight of their last nine games.
-- Clippers won nine of their last eleven games. Wizards won six of their last nine.
•Cold Teams
-- Magic lost 14 of their last 16 games.
-- Pistons lost four of their last five games. Atlanta lost two of its last three home games.
-- 76ers/Celtics both lost six of their last seven games.
-- Bucks lost 12 of last 13 games (1-4 vs. spread last five).
-- Dallas is 4-6 in last ten games, but covered six of last eight.
-- Bobcats covered twice in their last eight road games.
-- Spurs lost three of their last four games.
-- Sacramento lost six of its last seven games.
•Totals
-- Seven of last ten Thunder games stayed under the total; six of last eight Miami games went over.
-- Last four Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Philly games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last ten Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight New Orleans games.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Denver games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Last seven Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games went over the total.
•Back-To-Backs
-- Orlando is 3-2 versus spread when playing second night in row on road.
-- Detroit is 2-5-1 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Celtics are 8-4 versus spread if they played night before, 1-1 at home.
-- Pelicans are 1-2-1 versus spread if they won night before.
-- Houston is 7-3 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Memphis is 2-3 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Wizards are 3-1 versus spread if they won the night before.
•Series Records
-- Thunder lost their last six games with Miami.
-- Raptors won their last four games with Orlando.
-- Hawks won nine of last eleven games with Detroit.
-- 76ers lost seven of last nine games in Boston.
-- Suns won five of last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Pelicans lost four of last five games with Minnesota.
-- Mavericks won 12 of last 13 games with Houston.
-- Nuggets won last four games with Charlotte, all by 11+ points.
-- Spurs beat Chicago by 18-14 points LY, after losing five of previous six games with the Bulls.
-- Kings lost 14 of their last 16 games with Memphis.
-- Clippers won nine of last ten games with Washington.
•Situational Trends of The Day
-- CHARLOTTE is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 91.6, OPPONENT 106.9.
-- DETROIT is 17-4 OVER (+12.6 Units) when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses versus opponent this season.
The average score was DETROIT 99.8, OPPONENT 106.8.
-- MIAMI is 4-19 against the 1rst half line (-16.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 49.2, OPPONENT 49.5.
-- PHILADELPHIA is 26-9 OVER (+16.1 Units) the 1rst half total after playing 2 consecutive games as an underdog this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 51.8, OPPONENT 56.5.
-- DOC RIVERS is 33-9 UNDER (+23.0 Units) after leading in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was RIVERS 96.4, OPPONENT 92.9.
•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- MILWAUKEE is 7-24 ATS (-19.4 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 92.1, OPPONENT 104.3.
-- TORONTO is 21-5 UNDER (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 93.1, OPPONENT 91.6.
-- BOSTON is 17-4 against the 1rst half line (+12.6 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season.
The average score was BOSTON 53.0, OPPONENT 48.3.
-- PHOENIX is 14-1 OVER (+12.9 Units) the 1rst half total versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 56.5, OPPONENT 53.5.
-- KEVIN MCHALE is 27-7 UNDER (+19.3 Units) the 1rst half total in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was MCHALE 46.1, OPPONENT 47.3.
•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play Against - Road underdogs with a money line of +135 to -155 (HOUSTON) - poor defensive team - allowing 99+ points/game on the season, after scoring 40 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games against opponent after a combined score of 215 points or more.
(49-6 since 1996.) (89.1%, +39.2 units. Rating = 5*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -163.3
The average score in these games was: Team 100.8, Opponent 92.1 (Average point differential = +8.7)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1, -1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2, +2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-3, +2.3 units).
-- Play On - Road teams (PHILADELPHIA) - a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games, in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game).
(80-26 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.5%, +51.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (61-47 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.5
The average score in these games was: Team 102.8, Opponent 101 (Average point differential = +1.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 56 (53.3% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (22-6).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (45-14).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (185-131).
-- Play Under - Any team where the total is 200 to 209.5 points (MIAMI) - in a game involving two good excellent shooting teams (>=47%), in a game involving two average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO's) after 42+ games.
(30-6 since 1996.) (83.3%, +23.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 203.4
The average score in these games was: Team 97.4, Opponent 97.4 (Total points scored = 194.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (60% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (8-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-0).
-- Play Against - Home teams versus the 1rst half line (BOSTON) - after being beaten by the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game against opponent after going under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games.
(32-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (82.1%, +24.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 1.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 50, Opponent 46.5 (Average first half point differential = +3.5)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-3).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (68-58).
-- Play Under - Road teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (HOUSTON) - explosive offensive team - scoring 103+ points/game, after going under the total by more than 6 points in three consecutive games, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team.
(44-14 since 1996.) (75.9%, +28.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 103.7
The average first half score in these games was: Team 48, Opponent 51.6 (Total first half points scored = 99.6)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-4).
__________________________________________
Wednesday's Match-ups
#701 ORLANDO @ #702 TORONTO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Florida (Orlando), TSN2 (Toronto) - Line: Raptors -10, Total: 194.5) - The Toronto Raptors are prepared to press on without leading scorer DeMar DeRozan on Wednesday when they host the Orlando Magic. DeRozan missed Toronto's win in Brooklyn on Monday with a sprained ankle, and no timetable has been set for his return as the Raptors face a daunting five-game road trip on the horizon. Playing without DeRozan for the first time this season Monday, Toronto still managed to pick up an important win, getting a game-winner from Patrick Patterson in the closing seconds to knock off the Nets 104-103.
Orlando has lost 14 of its last 16 after a 103-87 loss at Detroit on Tuesday, the club's ninth straight setback on the road. Rookie Victor Oladipo continued to shine with 19 points in 26 minutes off the bench but the Magic were again beaten up underneath, losing the rebounding battle 56-40 and getting outscored in the paint by a 44-22 margin. Orlando has scored 94 points or fewer in each of its last 10 road contests.
•ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-34 SU, 19-27-0 ATS): Oladipo has had the look of a rookie at times, posting some poor shooting nights and high turnover totals, but seems to have settled in of late. He is averaging 19 points on 49.1 percent shooting while recording 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in his last four games. The University of Indiana product, who had 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, also has hit 5-of-10 3-pointers during the quality stretch.
•ABOUT THE RAPTORS (23-21 SU, 26-18-0 ATS): Toronto head coach Dwane Casey told the Toronto Sun earlier this week that he is expecting others to step up as long as DeRozan is out. Patterson's performance certainly qualifies, as his decisive shot against Brooklyn was part of a 15-point effort in just 21 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry, who has been excellent all season, also picked up a good portion of the slack with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting for the Raptors, who have won 17 of their last 26 overall.
•PREGAME NOTES: Magic F Tobias Harris is averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last four games.... Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas has produced 37 points and 25 rebounds in the last two games.... Toronto won all four meetings last season.... The Magic are 1-10 against the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game this season.... The Raptors are 21-5 Under when playing against a team with a losing record - 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, TORONTO covered the spread 619 times, while ORLANDO covered the spread 355 times. *EDGE against the spread =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO won the game straight up 826 times, while ORLANDO won 157 times. In 1000 simulated games, 539 games went under the total, while 461 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the first half line 530 times, while ORLANDO covered the first half line 434 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 497 games went under first half total, while 475 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--TORONTO is 35-30 against the spread versus ORLANDO since 1996.
--ORLANDO is 36-30 straight up against TORONTO since 1996.
--33 of 62 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--TORONTO is 40-25 versus the first half line when playing against ORLANDO since 1996.
--31 of 61 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Magic are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Magic are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Magic are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Raptors are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
_______________________________
#703 OKLAHOMA CITY @ #704 MIAMI
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, ESPN, FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Sun Sports (Miami) - Line: Heat -4.5, Total: 204) - Kevin Durant's recent scoring barrage has moved him front and center in the race for the NBA's most valuable player award. On Wednesday Durant will come face-to-face with the greatest challenge to his MVP quest as he leads the Oklahoma City Thunder into Miami to face LeBron James and the powerhouse Heat. Durant has scored 30 or more points in 11 straight games, the main catalyst behind the Thunder's eight-game winning streak.
Durant is on the fast track to his fourth NBA scoring title, but faces one of his toughest assignments of the year - tasked with scoring on, and defending, the four-time league MVP and two-time defending NBA champion. James' numbers have taken a tumble in recent years, but he remains the most productive player on a team that sits second in the Eastern Conference. James will have help, too, as Dwyane Wade returns to the starting lineup.
•ABOUT THE THUNDER (36-10 SU, 27-19-0 ATS): Durant isn't just shooting his way to superstardom - he's thinking his way around defensive schemes designed to shut him down. Durant hit the game-winning shot in Monday's narrow victory over the Atlanta Hawks, and said afterward that he was successful because he had seen the game-ending defensive setup before. "This is the third team we played that's been under that San Antonio umbrella," he said of the Hawks' approach. "They brought that (double-team). And they were bold enough to do it in the fourth quarter."
•ABOUT THE HEAT (32-12 SU, 19-25-0 ATS): Wade was given the green light to join the starting five after coming off the bench in Sunday's one-sided win over the San Antonio Spurs. Wade, who scored eight points in 24 minutes in a reserve role, relishes the challenge of facing the team with the best record in the West. "I asked (head coach Eric Spoelstra) to take me out as a starter that one game, but I didn't ask him to do it the whole year," Wade told reporters Monday. "So we can stop that conversation."
•PREGAME NOTES: The teams haven't met since last Feb. 14, when James (39 points) got the better of Durant (40) in a 110-100 Miami victory.... Durant averages 29.3 points in 12 career games against the Heat.... Miami is an Eastern Conference-best 12-2 against West foes.... The Thunder are 13-4 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.... The Heat are 26-12 versus the spread after failing to cover three of their last four against the spread 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, OKLAHOMA CITY covered the spread 651 times, while MIAMI covered the spread 349 times. *EDGE against the spread =OKLAHOMA CITY. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY won the game straight up 537 times, while MIAMI won 438 times. In 1000 simulated games, 603 games went over the total, while 370 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY covered the first half line 620 times, while MIAMI covered the first half line 380 times. *EDGE against first half line =OKLAHOMA CITY. In 1000 simulated games, 507 games went over first half total, while 456 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MIAMI is 18-18 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--MIAMI is 21-16 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--20 of 35 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-17 versus the first half line when playing against MIAMI since 1996.
--18 of 36 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Thunder are 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Thunder are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.
--Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
--Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 5-1 in Heat last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
_______________________________
#705 PHILADELPHIA @ #706 BOSTON
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, CSN Philadelphia, CSN New England (Boston) - Line: Celtics -4.5, Total: 202) - With the season the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are having, even the winner will lose when the teams square off Wednesday in Boston. Both teams appear headed for lottery picks in what figures to be a talent-rich draft, so a loss Wednesday might turn into a long-term victory. Don't tell that to the players on these struggling squads, though, as both teams are eager to snap three-game skids.
The Celtics have dropped 18 of their last 21, and the latest one was ugly — a 114-88 drubbing at the hands of the New York Knicks on Tuesday. "I think the proof is in the pudding," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "Whatever we are record-wise, we're not a very good basketball team." The 76ers can understand the sentiment, as they've lost 10 of 12 since a season-best four-game winning streak.
•ABOUT THE 76ERS (14-31 SU, 18-27-0 ATS): Philadelphia has a solid building block in rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams (17.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds), who has scored 20 or more points in six of the last 11 games. Fourth-year swingman Evan Turner also is having a great season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Thaddeus Young (17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds) is having a breakout season as well, but all the offensive prowess hasn't resulted in success as the 76ers allow a league-high 109.9 points per game.
•ABOUT THE CELTICS (15-32 SU, 22-24-1 ATS): Boston has been a pitiful at the offensive end lately, averaging 83.3 points during its three-game losing streak. The Celtics already are missing guard Avery Bradley (14.5 points), who is sidelined with ankle and hand injuries, and they likely will be without point guard Rajon Rondo, who typically has sat out the second game of back-to-back sets since returning from a torn ACL. One of the few bright spots for Boston recently has come from forward Chris Johnson, who was signed to a second 10-day contract Tuesday and scored 12 points against the Knicks, raising his average to 10.2 points in five games with the Celtics.
•PREGAME NOTES: Young has recorded three or more steals in four consecutive games, matching the longest streak by a Philadelphia player since Allen Iverson did it in five straight games in 2005.... The Celtics are playing their 13th back-to-back of the season and have been swept in eight of the first 12.... Philadelphia is 2-20 when failing to score at least 100 points.... Boston is 13-3 Under in home games in January games over the last two seasons.... The Sixers are 11-2 Under versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season 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, BOSTON covered the spread 517 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the spread 483 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, BOSTON won the game straight up 627 times, while PHILADELPHIA won 353 times. In 1000 simulated games, 587 games went under the total, while 386 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHILADELPHIA covered the first half line 512 times, while BOSTON covered the first half line 488 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 585 games went under first half total, while 379 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--BOSTON is 40-36 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--BOSTON is 40-38 straight up against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--39 of 75 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--BOSTON is 42-33 versus the first half line when playing against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--40 of 76 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--76ers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 road games.
--Celtics are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Celtics are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
_______________________________
#707 DETROIT @ #708 ATLANTA
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN Detroit (Detroit), SportSouth (Atlanta) - Line: Hawks -4.5, Total: 209) - The Atlanta Hawks look to maintain their home dominance of the Detroit Pistons when the two teams tangle Wednesday in their third meeting of the season. Atlanta has won 10 straight games in the series at home, including a 93-85 triumph at Philips Arena on Nov. 20 that put the Hawks two games above .500, exactly where they are more than two months later. Atlanta became the latest victim of Kevin Durant's torrid stretch in a tough 111-109 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday.
The Pistons snapped a four-game losing streak with a 103-87 win over Orlando on Tuesday before venturing into the snowy, icy metro Atlanta area. Brandon Jennings scored 20 points and dished out eight assists as part of a balanced attack for Detroit, which has tied a season high by scoring at least 100 points in six straight games. Wednesday's contest marks the second game back in Atlanta for long-time Hawk and current Piston Josh Smith, who was held to 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting in the loss at Atlanta in November.
•ABOUT THE PISTONS (18-27 SU, 18-26-1 ATS): Jennings is on another one of his hot streaks, scoring at least 20 points in four straight games after being held scoreless on 0-of-7 shooting on Jan. 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers. A visit to Atlanta should allow him to continue that stretch, as Jennings has averaged 25.3 points in his last three games at Philips Arena and has been far superior on the road this season, posting 19.9 points and shooting 40.7 percent from 3-point range. The up-and-down guard entered Tuesday averaging 13.9 points with a 25 percent mark from long range at home.
•ABOUT THE HAWKS (23-21 SU, 24-20-0 ATS): The effort against Durant and the Thunder was a solid one, especially considering the continued absence of guard Jeff Teague, who ranks third on the team in scoring (16.2) and first in assists (7.3). Teague has missed two straight games due to a sprained ankle and there is no immediate timetable for his return, although he was expected to miss both halves of the recently completed two-game road trip. Shelvin Mack has averaged 12 points and 5.5 assists starting in Teague's place while Louis Williams has upped his contributions off the bench with 13.3 points and five assists in the last three games.
•PREGAME NOTES: Hawks F Mike Scott has scored in double figures in nine straight games after doing so a total of 12 times in his first 33 games.... Pistons C Andre Drummond leads the Eastern Conference with 33 double-doubles.... Atlanta F Elton Brand needs 11 points to tie Pistons great and Hall of Famer Joe Dumars for 95th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.... The Pistons are 5-14 against the spread versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.... The Hawks are 17-5 versus the spread vs. poor free throw shooting teams - making less than 71% of their attempts 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 628 times, while DETROIT covered the spread 372 times. *EDGE against the spread =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA won the game straight up 711 times, while DETROIT won 271 times. In 1000 simulated games, 588 games went under the total, while 388 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the first half line 576 times, while DETROIT covered the first half line 424 times. *EDGE against first half line =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, 606 games went under first half total, while 394 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DETROIT is 40-34 against the spread versus ATLANTA since 1996.
--DETROIT is 44-32 straight up against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 74 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DETROIT is 41-32 versus the first half line when playing against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pistons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Pistons are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Over is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 Wednesday games.
--Over is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 overall.
--Over is 8-1 in Hawks last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Over is 6-0 in Hawks last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#709 NEW ORLEANS @ #710 MINNESOTA
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN New Orleans, FSN North (Minnesota) - Line: Timberwolves -8, Total: 204) - The Minnesota Timberwolves hope the 11th time is the charm as they try to clear a pesky hurdle when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. The Timberwolves are trying to move above .500 — something they've failed to do in 10 tries since falling to 8-8 on Nov. 25. The Pelicans, who are coming off a 100-89 win at Cleveland on Wednesday, aim for a season-best fourth consecutive victory.
If the Timberwolves are going to cross the break-even threshold, they'll have to do so without center Nikola Pekovic, who will be out at least a week with bursitis in his right ankle. Half of the duo the team is touting as the "Bruise Brothers," along with Kevin Love, Pekovic is averaging career highs in points (18) and rebounds (9.1). Both teams have plenty of ground left to make up to get back into the Western Conference playoff picture, as Minnesota is three games behind eighth-place Dallas and New Orleans is six games out of the last playoff spot.
•ABOUT THE PELICANS (19-25 SU, 20-22-2 ATS): New Orleans is far from full strength with starters Ryan Anderson (back), Jrue Holiday (stress fracture) and Jason Smith (knee) all out, but it still has Anthony Davis. The second-year forward has been a dominant force in the paint at both ends, averaging 20.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and a league-best 3.27 blocks. Guard Eric Gordon (16 points) is also playing well at the offensive end and dished out a season-high nine assists against the Cavaliers.
•ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-22 SU, 24-20-0 ATS): Minnesota must lean more than ever on Love (24.9 points, 12.9 rebounds) but might also need more scoring from its backcourt while Pekovic is out. Kevin Martin (18.9 points) is capable of being the second option, and small forward Corey Brewer has averaged 14 points over the past four games. Minnesota looks to Ronny Turiaf to take Pekovic's place as Love's bruising brethren, and it hopes the oft-injured big man can duplicate his 14-point, seven-rebound performance in Monday's 95-86 win at Chicago.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Timberwolves have won three straight meetings and seven of 11 overall against New Orleans, including a 124-112 home victory Jan. 1.... Davis has recorded four or more blocked shots in five consecutive games, tying Alonzo Mourning's franchise record.... Minnesota's Ricky Rubio (117) and Brewer (72) have combined for 189 steals, the most by any pair of teammates in the NBA.... The Timberwolves are 18-6 against the spread versus teams who are called for 2+ more fouls/game than their opponents over the last two seasons.... The Pelicans are 12-2 Over in road games revenging a road loss versus opponent of 10 points or more 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, MINNESOTA covered the spread 504 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the spread 472 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA won the game straight up 712 times, while NEW ORLEANS won 260 times. In 1000 simulated games, 595 games went over the total, while 375 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA covered the first half line 508 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the first half line 492 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 567 games went over first half total, while 396 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW ORLEANS is 26-21 against the spread versus MINNESOTA since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 25-22 straight up against MINNESOTA since 1996.
--24 of 47 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--MINNESOTA is 26-20 versus the first half line when playing against NEW ORLEANS since 1996.
--25 of 46 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Pelicans are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Minnesota.
--Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings in Minnesota.
--Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pelicans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
--Pelicans are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 Wednesday games.
--Pelicans are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Timberwolves are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
_______________________________
#711 PHOENIX @ #712 MILWAUKEE
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee) - Line: Suns -8.5, Total: 201) - A knee injury to guard Eric Bledsoe was supposed to torpedo the Phoenix Suns' chances of making the playoffs in the ruthless Western Conference. But Gerald Green has emerged to help keep the team afloat - and he'll look to improve on a season-best performance as he leads the Suns into Milwaukee for a Wednesday date with the Bucks. Green's 30 points lifted the Suns past Philadelphia on Monday for their fourth win in five games.
While Phoenix has been able to overcome Bledsoe's absence with relative ease, the Bucks haven't had any success replacing their missing players. Milwaukee had to do without O.J. Mayo, Larry Sanders and Ekpe Udoh for their Monday encounter with the Los Angeles Clippers, and simply couldn't keep up as it fell 114-86 for its 15th loss in 17 games. The Bucks are just 4-17 at home and are averaging a league-worst 91.1 points per game.
•ABOUT THE SUNS (26-18 SU, 29-14-1 ATS): Few Phoenix players could have entertained the thought of being named to the Western Conference All-Star Team when the 2013-14 season began. But as the win total grows, so do the expectations - and for at least one Suns player, the idea of making an all-star team is almost too much to handle. "If they put me there, I'll probably be the happiest guy in the whole world," guard Goran Dragic told the Arizona Republic. "If that happens, I think I'm going to cry or something."
•ABOUT THE BUCKS (8-36 SU, 15-29-0 ATS): Milwaukee is a long shot to have any players make the Eastern Conference All-Star Team - and that shouldn't surprise anyone, least of all the Bucks themselves. Milwaukee is on pace for the worst season in franchise history, following up on its only win this month with three straight losses by an average of 22.7 points. Head coach Larry Drew did manage to find some positives in the loss to the Clippers, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "I thought our energy was better. I thought we played harder."
•PREGAME NOTES: Dragic has a case for being named an All-Star reserve, averaging 19.4 points on 49.5 percent shooting.... The Suns prevailed 116-100 in their previous meeting Jan. 4 in Phoenix.... The Bucks are 1-14 against the Western Conference.... The Suns are 24-9 against the spread versus teams who make six or more 3-point shots/game on the season this season.... Milwaukee is 7-24 versus the spread versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots/game on the season 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 531 times, while MILWAUKEE covered the spread 469 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX won the game straight up 712 times, while MILWAUKEE won 267 times. In 1000 simulated games, 602 games went under the total, while 374 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MILWAUKEE covered the first half line 493 times, while PHOENIX covered the first half line 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 591 games went under first half total, while 409 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 19-14 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 27-7 straight up against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--19 of 33 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 22-12 versus the first half line when playing against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--23 of 33 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Suns are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee.
--Favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Over is 6-1-1 in Suns last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
--Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 13-3-1 in Bucks last 17 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.
_______________________________
#713 HOUSTON @ #714 DALLAS
(TV: 8:30 PM EST, CSN Houston, FSN Southwest (Dallas) - Line: Mavericks -2, Total: 213) - The Houston Rockets still aren’t scoring at their usual rate but may be finding a way to win when the 3-pointers aren’t hitting the bottom of the net. The Rockets hope to have James Harden (thumb) healthy when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Houston averaged 84 points in back-to-back losses to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend but avoided a third straight setback on Tuesday with a dominating inside performance against the San Antonio Spurs.
Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones combined for 44 points and 25 rebounds to overwhelm the Spurs’ frontcourt in a 97-90 triumph, making the team’s 5-of-18 effort from 3-point range a mere footnote. The Mavericks are fighting off a crowd at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff bracket and are not helping themselves with a 3-4 mark in the last seven games. Dallas is coming off a 116-106 home win over the Detroit Pistons, however, showing they can hang with a strong frontcourt as long as Dirk Nowitzki is making his shots.
•ABOUT THE ROCKETS (30-17 SU, 23-22-2 ATS): Houston has failed to reach 100 points in three straight games — its longest such stretch of the season — and was missing Harden due to a bruised left thumb on Tuesday against San Antonio. Jeremy Lin started and scored 18 points in Harden’s spot, but Howard and Jones did the bulk of the damage as Chandler Parsons struggled to find his shooting stroke. Since going off for 10 3-pointers in one half on Friday against Memphis, Parsons is just 8-of-27 from the field over the last two games, including 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
•ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (26-20 SU, 26-20-0 ATS): Dallas took two of the first three meetings with Houston this season and would like a win in the finale to wrap up any potential tiebreaker it might need down the line. “It’s usually a very opened-up game,” Nowitzki told reporters of the battles with the Rockets. “They love going up and down. They take quick shots, and that obviously is a lot of possessions for both teams. It’s been fun and close games.” Nowitzki averaged 29.3 points in those three games, including two of his four 30-point outbursts on the season. The star forward went for 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Sunday’s win over Detroit.
•PREGAME NOTES: Mavericks G Monta Ellis scored a season-high 37 points in a 123-120 home win over the Rockets on Nov. 20.... Harden struggled to an average of 13 points on 33.3 percent shooting in the two games before sitting out Tuesday.... Dallas G Devin Harris, who missed the first 41 games with a toe injury, played a season-high 24 minutes on Sunday and posted his second straight 14-point outing.... The Mavericks are 14-4 against the spread versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... The Rockets are 13-4 versus the spread after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread 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 535 times, while HOUSTON covered the spread 442 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS won the game straight up 587 times, while HOUSTON won 396 times. In 1000 simulated games, 714 games went under the total, while 266 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the first half line 536 times, while HOUSTON covered the first half line 425 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 682 games went under first half total, while 318 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DALLAS is 44-29 against the spread versus HOUSTON since 1996.
--DALLAS is 46-31 straight up against HOUSTON since 1996.
--40 of 73 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--HOUSTON is 38-34 versus the first half line when playing against DALLAS since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Rockets are 9-24 ATS in the last 33 meetings.
--Rockets are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Dallas.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Under is 4-0-1 in Rockets last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 13-3 in Mavericks last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 13-2-2 in Mavericks last 17 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
_______________________________
#715 CHARLOTTE @ #716 DENVER
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, SportSouth (Charlotte), Altitude (Denver) - Line: Nuggets -8, Total: 208) - The Denver Nuggets have enjoyed a bit of resurgence of late at 8-5 in the new year heading into Wednesday's visit from the Charlotte Bobcats. Denver has showed some resiliency of late, bouncing back from a three-game skid with back-to-back wins over Indiana and Sacramento. Yet the Nuggets remain out of the playoff picture and coach Brian Shaw told the Denver Post, "The downs have been really down (but) I want the roller coaster ride to go up a little more before it starts to descend."
Charlotte seems to be heading in the opposite direction at a season-worst eight games under .500 after only five wins in its last 17 games. After getting torched in New York on Carmelo Anthony's historic 62-point night for the Knicks last Friday, the Bobcats were edged at home by Chicago the following night and now face the perils of a four-game slate of games on the road, where they are just 8-14 this season. Center Al Jefferson has been a bright spot of late, recording at least 20 points and eight rebounds in nine consecutive games.
•ABOUT THE BOBCATS (19-27 SU, 24-20-2 ATS): Jefferson's recent spurt has sparked some talk of an All-Star selection for the 10th-year pro and some lofty praise from coach Steve Clifford. "These last eight, nine games, nobody's playing better than Al," he told the Charlotte Observer. Jefferson, whose averages of 18.9 points and 10.5 rebounds are both team bests, despite missing nine games with an ankle problem that could mean offseason surgery, seems confident that he can sustain this kind of production. "I know when I'm healthy, I can play at this level," Jefferson said. "I'm feeling really good, so I'm not surprised."
•ABOUT THE NUGGETS (22-21 SU, 21-22-0 ATS): Denver's offense has been prolific since the turn of the calendar, with the Nuggets scoring 100 points or more in all 13 games for an average of nearly 114 per night. Against Sacramento last time out, point guards Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson combined for 39 points and 14 assists and Lawson's average of 17.9 points per game leads the team. Denver has six players averaging double figures in an offense that ranks among the league's top 10.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Nuggets are 12-5 all-time against Charlotte, with four straight wins in the series and five in a row as the home team.... Jefferson's run of nine straight games with 20 or more points is the first such streak by a Bobcats player since G Jason Richardson also had a nine-game stretch in 2008.... Denver C Timofey Mozgov is enjoying a breakout season, averaging career highs in points (8.9), rebounds (5.8), blocks (1.3) and field goal percentage (56.8).... Charlotte is 5-15 against the spread in road games versus teams who make six or more 3-point shots/game - 2nd half of the season 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, DENVER covered the spread 602 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the spread 368 times. *EDGE against the spread =DENVER. In 1000 simulated games, DENVER won the game straight up 792 times, while CHARLOTTE won 191 times. In 1000 simulated games, 554 games went under the total, while 427 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DENVER covered the first half line 577 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the first half line 423 times. *EDGE against first half line =DENVER. In 1000 simulated games, 530 games went under first half total, while 439 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DENVER is 12-5 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--DENVER is 12-5 straight up against CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CHARLOTTE is 9-7 versus the first half line when playing against DENVER since 1996.
--12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bobcats are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Bobcats are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Denver.
--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bobcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 8-1 in Bobcats last 9 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 6-0 in Bobcats last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#717 CHICAGO @ #718 SAN ANTONIO
(TV: 9:30 PM EST, ESPN, CSN Chicago, KENS (San Antonio) - Line: Spurs -8, Total: 190) - The San Antonio Spurs could use a few of their injured players back before slipping too much lower in the standings. The Spurs will look to avoid a third straight setback when they host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. San Antonio is down three starters due to injury, and the absence of Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard was noticed Tuesday when the Spurs could not hang with the Houston Rockets on the boards in a 97-90 loss.
The Bulls keep plugging along despite their own injury issues and will offer another stiff challenge to that San Antonio frontcourt. The Spurs mark the start of a six-game road trip for the Bulls, who have won six of their last seven away from home. “There’s going to be a lot of adversity," forward Taj Gibson told Chicago’s website. “There’s going to be a lot of naysayers, a lot of people not on our bandwagon. … It will be good to get away, get away from home for a while, to focus on getting some wins and focus on having adversity on the road.”
•ABOUT THE BULLS (22-22 SU, 20-24-0 ATS): Chicago is without Derrick Rose — presumably for the rest of the season — due to a knee injury and traded away Luol Deng but was making its way up the ladder in the Eastern Conference until Joakim Noah’s illness sapped some momentum. The Bulls were without Noah against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Monday and could not overcome the loss of a third All-Star in the 95-86 setback. “Whenever you lose an All-Star, you’re going to feel it,” Gibson said. “(Noah) was playing real phenomenal. He’s one of our vocal leaders on the court. Rebounding, playing defense, controlling the offensive end as far as making plays for guys.” Noah is expected to be ready for the road trip.
•ABOUT THE SPURS (33-12 SU, 22-23-0 ATS): Splitter (shoulder) could be back by the end of the week but Leonard (hand) and Danny Green (hand) are not as close to a return. San Antonio has dropped four of its last six and has two home games remaining before the annual “rodeo road trip” sends them on the road for nine straight through the All-Star break. Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw did their parts with a combined 25 rebounds on Tuesday, but no one else managed more than three as the Spurs were outdone on the boards 55-39 by the Rockets.
•PREGAME NOTES: Spurs G Manu Ginobili (left hamstring) left Tuesday’s game and will not play Wednesday.... Chicago G Kirk Hinrich (hamstring) has missed the last four games and is questionable for Wednesday.... San Antonio took both meetings last season by an average of 16 points.... The Bulls are 15-29 versus the spread in non-conference games over the last two seasons.... The Spurs are 3-12 against the spread versus teams who average 53 or more rebounds/game on the season 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, SAN ANTONIO covered the spread 520 times, while CHICAGO covered the spread 459 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO won the game straight up 715 times, while CHICAGO won 262 times. In 1000 simulated games, 592 games went over the total, while 384 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO covered the first half line 502 times, while CHICAGO covered the first half line 498 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 528 games went over first half total, while 435 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAN ANTONIO is 19-13 against the spread versus CHICAGO since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 21-11 straight up against CHICAGO since 1996.
--20 of 32 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 18-14 versus the first half line when playing against CHICAGO since 1996.
--21 of 32 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bulls are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in San Antonio.
--Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.
--Under is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in San Antonio.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Under is 9-2 in Bulls last 11 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Over is 21-8-1 in Spurs last 30 home games.
--Over is 8-3-1 in Spurs last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#719 MEMPHIS @ #720 SACRAMENTO
(TV: 10:00 PM EST, SportSouth (Memphis), CSN California (Sacramento) - Line: Grizzlies -4.5, Total: 191.5) - The surging Memphis Grizzlies have rolled off eight wins in their last nine games and four straight on the road and will look to extend their run in Sacramento, taking on the Kings on Wednesday. Memphis kicked off a three-game road swing with a 98-81 win in Portland on Tuesday, led by 23 points and 10 rebounds from Zach Randolph. The effort from Randolph was his 190th double-double as a member of the Grizzlies, moving him past former Memphis forward Pau Gasol as the franchise's all-time leader.
Sacramento has lost four in a row and seven of their last nine games, but after playing without leading scorers DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay the last three, reinforcements could be on the way. Gay warmed up in Utah on Monday but was a late scratch, and though Cousins did not accompany the team for its tilt against the Jazz, both players have a shot at playing against Memphis. "I think it's a realistic possibility," coach Michael Malone told The Sacramento Bee, "but we'll have a better idea as we get closer to that time."
•ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (23-20 SU, 20-22-1 ATS): Memphis is 13-5 since falling to five games under .500 in a road loss to the Mavericks on Dec. 18 and Tuesday's win moved the Grizzlies to within 1 1/2 games of Dallas, which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis' recent push has come largely without the services of guard Tony Allen, who missed his 11th straight game with a sprained wrist. Allen's return, which could come as early as Wednesday, would give the Grizzlies five active players averaging 10 or more points.
•ABOUT THE KINGS (15-29 SU, 19-23-2 ATS): Sacramento has missed upwards of 42 points per game in the absence of Cousins and Gay, who were each injured in last Wednesday's loss in Houston. The Kings have had three different players — Jason Thompson (19), Isaiah Thomas (22) and Marcus Thornton (42) — lead the team in scoring in the three losses without its dynamic duo, actually managing to best its season scoring average of 102.2 by nearly seven points in the span. Thornton's scoring output in an overtime loss to Indiana on Friday matched his career-high.
•PREGAME NOTES: Memphis has won six consecutive games against the Kings, including three straight in Sacramento, and is 15-5 in the last 20 meetings between the two teams.... Thomas shot 0-for-2 from 3-point range on Monday, ending his streak of 37 consecutive games with at least one make from beyond the arc — the second-longest run in franchise history behind G Mitch Richmond's 39 in a row.... Randolph ranks eighth among active players with 384 career double-doubles.... The Grizzlies are 16-5 against the spread versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... The Kings are 14-3 Over in home games versus good ball handling teams - committing less 14 turnovers/game 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, SACRAMENTO covered the spread 690 times, while MEMPHIS covered the spread 310 times. *EDGE against the spread =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO won the game straight up 570 times, while MEMPHIS won 405 times. In 1000 simulated games, 754 games went over the total, while 246 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO covered the first half line 648 times, while MEMPHIS covered the first half line 352 times. *EDGE against first half line =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, 689 games went over first half total, while 311 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MEMPHIS is 36-27 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 40-26 straight up against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--34 of 63 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 34-28 versus the first half line when playing against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--37 of 62 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
--Under is 6-0 in Grizzlies last 6 overall.
--Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
--Kings are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
--Over is 4-0-1 in Kings last 5 Wednesday games.
_______________________________
#721 WASHINGTON @ #722 LA CLIPPERS
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles) - Line: Clippers -9, Total: 207) - The Washington Wizards keep knocking on the door of a winning record but can’t seem to break through. The Wizards will take another shot at jumping above the .500 mark when they close out a four-game road trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Washington is 0-5 in games in which it has an opportunity to get on the good side of .500 but gave itself another chance by winning at Golden State on Tuesday.
The Clippers are winners of three straight and nine of their last 11 and closed out a seven-game road trip with a 5-2 mark by thrashing Milwaukee 114-86 on Monday. “I look at this as a nine-game road trip because we go home for 24 hours, play a game and then we fly right back on the road,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said. “Then we have four in five (nights), so this is clearly a very difficult trip, tough teams.” The 5-2 excursion marked the best-ever Grammy Awards road trip for the Clippers, who are running away from the rest of the Pacific Division.
•ABOUT THE WIZARDS (22-22 SU, 23-21-0 ATS): Washington has alternated wins and losses over the last six games, with each of the losses coming with the team having a chance to move above .500. The Wizards allowed 104 points in a loss at Utah on Saturday but got back to .500 by putting things together on the defensive end at Golden State, holding the Warriors to 37.5 percent shooting. “It wasn’t a pretty game by either team offensively, but these are the kind of games our defense can win for us when we shoot 37 percent,” coach Randy Wittman told reporters. “That was a big win for us.”
•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (32-15 SU, 28-19-0 ATS): Jamal Crawford’s play has taken a step forward with Chris Paul out of the lineup, and the reserve guard is averaging 22.3 points over the last 12 games. Crawford knocked down five 3-pointers for the second straight game in Monday’s win over the Bucks while Darren Collison, who is drawing the starting point guard assignment in Paul’s absence, added 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting and seven assists. Collison is spreading out the defense as well by knocking down 8-of-12 from 3-point range over the last four contests, opening things up underneath for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Wizards have lost their last five visits to the Los Angeles Clippers.... Jordan has pulled down double-digit boards in 24 consecutive games.... Washington G Bradley Beal knocked down four 3-pointers on Tuesday, his highest total since a 6-of-7 effort Nov. 20.... The Wizards are 0-8 versus the spread in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) over the last three seasons.... The Clippers are 5-15 against the spread in home games after playing two consecutive road 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, LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 581 times, while WASHINGTON covered the spread 386 times. *EDGE against the spread =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS won the game straight up 784 times, while WASHINGTON won 189 times. In 1000 simulated games, 624 games went under the total, while 356 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 529 times, while WASHINGTON covered the first half line 438 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 592 games went under first half total, while 408 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--LA CLIPPERS is 16-15 against the spread versus WASHINGTON since 1996.
--WASHINGTON is 17-16 straight up against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--18 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--WASHINGTON is 20-12 versus the first half line when playing against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--18 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Road team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 Wednesday games.
--Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
_______________________________
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_________________________________________
***** Wednesday, 1/29/14 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.
____________________________________________________________
Betting Notes - Wednesday
•Hot Teams
-- Thunder won its last eight games (7-1 vs. spread). Miami won four of its last five games.
-- Raptors won three of their last four games.
-- Suns won four of their last five games.
-- Pelicans/Timberwolves both won four of their last five games.
-- Rockets won seven of their last ten games.
-- Nuggets won last two games, covered last three.
-- Bulls won six of their last seven road games.
-- Grizzlies won eight of their last nine games.
-- Clippers won nine of their last eleven games. Wizards won six of their last nine.
•Cold Teams
-- Magic lost 14 of their last 16 games.
-- Pistons lost four of their last five games. Atlanta lost two of its last three home games.
-- 76ers/Celtics both lost six of their last seven games.
-- Bucks lost 12 of last 13 games (1-4 vs. spread last five).
-- Dallas is 4-6 in last ten games, but covered six of last eight.
-- Bobcats covered twice in their last eight road games.
-- Spurs lost three of their last four games.
-- Sacramento lost six of its last seven games.
•Totals
-- Seven of last ten Thunder games stayed under the total; six of last eight Miami games went over.
-- Last four Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Philly games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last ten Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight New Orleans games.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Denver games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Last seven Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games went over the total.
•Back-To-Backs
-- Orlando is 3-2 versus spread when playing second night in row on road.
-- Detroit is 2-5-1 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Celtics are 8-4 versus spread if they played night before, 1-1 at home.
-- Pelicans are 1-2-1 versus spread if they won night before.
-- Houston is 7-3 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Memphis is 2-3 versus spread on road if it played night before.
-- Wizards are 3-1 versus spread if they won the night before.
•Series Records
-- Thunder lost their last six games with Miami.
-- Raptors won their last four games with Orlando.
-- Hawks won nine of last eleven games with Detroit.
-- 76ers lost seven of last nine games in Boston.
-- Suns won five of last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Pelicans lost four of last five games with Minnesota.
-- Mavericks won 12 of last 13 games with Houston.
-- Nuggets won last four games with Charlotte, all by 11+ points.
-- Spurs beat Chicago by 18-14 points LY, after losing five of previous six games with the Bulls.
-- Kings lost 14 of their last 16 games with Memphis.
-- Clippers won nine of last ten games with Washington.
•Situational Trends of The Day
-- CHARLOTTE is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CHARLOTTE 91.6, OPPONENT 106.9.
-- DETROIT is 17-4 OVER (+12.6 Units) when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses versus opponent this season.
The average score was DETROIT 99.8, OPPONENT 106.8.
-- MIAMI is 4-19 against the 1rst half line (-16.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 49.2, OPPONENT 49.5.
-- PHILADELPHIA is 26-9 OVER (+16.1 Units) the 1rst half total after playing 2 consecutive games as an underdog this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 51.8, OPPONENT 56.5.
-- DOC RIVERS is 33-9 UNDER (+23.0 Units) after leading in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was RIVERS 96.4, OPPONENT 92.9.
•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- MILWAUKEE is 7-24 ATS (-19.4 Units) versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 92.1, OPPONENT 104.3.
-- TORONTO is 21-5 UNDER (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 93.1, OPPONENT 91.6.
-- BOSTON is 17-4 against the 1rst half line (+12.6 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season.
The average score was BOSTON 53.0, OPPONENT 48.3.
-- PHOENIX is 14-1 OVER (+12.9 Units) the 1rst half total versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 56.5, OPPONENT 53.5.
-- KEVIN MCHALE is 27-7 UNDER (+19.3 Units) the 1rst half total in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was MCHALE 46.1, OPPONENT 47.3.
•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play Against - Road underdogs with a money line of +135 to -155 (HOUSTON) - poor defensive team - allowing 99+ points/game on the season, after scoring 40 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games against opponent after a combined score of 215 points or more.
(49-6 since 1996.) (89.1%, +39.2 units. Rating = 5*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -163.3
The average score in these games was: Team 100.8, Opponent 92.1 (Average point differential = +8.7)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1, -1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2, +2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-3, +2.3 units).
-- Play On - Road teams (PHILADELPHIA) - a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games, in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game).
(80-26 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.5%, +51.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (61-47 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.5
The average score in these games was: Team 102.8, Opponent 101 (Average point differential = +1.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 56 (53.3% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (22-6).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (45-14).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (185-131).
-- Play Under - Any team where the total is 200 to 209.5 points (MIAMI) - in a game involving two good excellent shooting teams (>=47%), in a game involving two average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO's) after 42+ games.
(30-6 since 1996.) (83.3%, +23.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 203.4
The average score in these games was: Team 97.4, Opponent 97.4 (Total points scored = 194.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (60% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (8-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (10-0).
-- Play Against - Home teams versus the 1rst half line (BOSTON) - after being beaten by the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game against opponent after going under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games.
(32-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (82.1%, +24.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 1.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 50, Opponent 46.5 (Average first half point differential = +3.5)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-3).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (68-58).
-- Play Under - Road teams where the first half total is greater than 100 (HOUSTON) - explosive offensive team - scoring 103+ points/game, after going under the total by more than 6 points in three consecutive games, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team.
(44-14 since 1996.) (75.9%, +28.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 103.7
The average first half score in these games was: Team 48, Opponent 51.6 (Total first half points scored = 99.6)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-4).
__________________________________________
Wednesday's Match-ups
#701 ORLANDO @ #702 TORONTO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Florida (Orlando), TSN2 (Toronto) - Line: Raptors -10, Total: 194.5) - The Toronto Raptors are prepared to press on without leading scorer DeMar DeRozan on Wednesday when they host the Orlando Magic. DeRozan missed Toronto's win in Brooklyn on Monday with a sprained ankle, and no timetable has been set for his return as the Raptors face a daunting five-game road trip on the horizon. Playing without DeRozan for the first time this season Monday, Toronto still managed to pick up an important win, getting a game-winner from Patrick Patterson in the closing seconds to knock off the Nets 104-103.
Orlando has lost 14 of its last 16 after a 103-87 loss at Detroit on Tuesday, the club's ninth straight setback on the road. Rookie Victor Oladipo continued to shine with 19 points in 26 minutes off the bench but the Magic were again beaten up underneath, losing the rebounding battle 56-40 and getting outscored in the paint by a 44-22 margin. Orlando has scored 94 points or fewer in each of its last 10 road contests.
•ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-34 SU, 19-27-0 ATS): Oladipo has had the look of a rookie at times, posting some poor shooting nights and high turnover totals, but seems to have settled in of late. He is averaging 19 points on 49.1 percent shooting while recording 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in his last four games. The University of Indiana product, who had 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, also has hit 5-of-10 3-pointers during the quality stretch.
•ABOUT THE RAPTORS (23-21 SU, 26-18-0 ATS): Toronto head coach Dwane Casey told the Toronto Sun earlier this week that he is expecting others to step up as long as DeRozan is out. Patterson's performance certainly qualifies, as his decisive shot against Brooklyn was part of a 15-point effort in just 21 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry, who has been excellent all season, also picked up a good portion of the slack with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting for the Raptors, who have won 17 of their last 26 overall.
•PREGAME NOTES: Magic F Tobias Harris is averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last four games.... Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas has produced 37 points and 25 rebounds in the last two games.... Toronto won all four meetings last season.... The Magic are 1-10 against the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game this season.... The Raptors are 21-5 Under when playing against a team with a losing record - 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, TORONTO covered the spread 619 times, while ORLANDO covered the spread 355 times. *EDGE against the spread =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO won the game straight up 826 times, while ORLANDO won 157 times. In 1000 simulated games, 539 games went under the total, while 461 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the first half line 530 times, while ORLANDO covered the first half line 434 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 497 games went under first half total, while 475 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--TORONTO is 35-30 against the spread versus ORLANDO since 1996.
--ORLANDO is 36-30 straight up against TORONTO since 1996.
--33 of 62 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--TORONTO is 40-25 versus the first half line when playing against ORLANDO since 1996.
--31 of 61 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Magic are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Magic are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Magic are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Raptors are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
_______________________________
#703 OKLAHOMA CITY @ #704 MIAMI
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, ESPN, FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Sun Sports (Miami) - Line: Heat -4.5, Total: 204) - Kevin Durant's recent scoring barrage has moved him front and center in the race for the NBA's most valuable player award. On Wednesday Durant will come face-to-face with the greatest challenge to his MVP quest as he leads the Oklahoma City Thunder into Miami to face LeBron James and the powerhouse Heat. Durant has scored 30 or more points in 11 straight games, the main catalyst behind the Thunder's eight-game winning streak.
Durant is on the fast track to his fourth NBA scoring title, but faces one of his toughest assignments of the year - tasked with scoring on, and defending, the four-time league MVP and two-time defending NBA champion. James' numbers have taken a tumble in recent years, but he remains the most productive player on a team that sits second in the Eastern Conference. James will have help, too, as Dwyane Wade returns to the starting lineup.
•ABOUT THE THUNDER (36-10 SU, 27-19-0 ATS): Durant isn't just shooting his way to superstardom - he's thinking his way around defensive schemes designed to shut him down. Durant hit the game-winning shot in Monday's narrow victory over the Atlanta Hawks, and said afterward that he was successful because he had seen the game-ending defensive setup before. "This is the third team we played that's been under that San Antonio umbrella," he said of the Hawks' approach. "They brought that (double-team). And they were bold enough to do it in the fourth quarter."
•ABOUT THE HEAT (32-12 SU, 19-25-0 ATS): Wade was given the green light to join the starting five after coming off the bench in Sunday's one-sided win over the San Antonio Spurs. Wade, who scored eight points in 24 minutes in a reserve role, relishes the challenge of facing the team with the best record in the West. "I asked (head coach Eric Spoelstra) to take me out as a starter that one game, but I didn't ask him to do it the whole year," Wade told reporters Monday. "So we can stop that conversation."
•PREGAME NOTES: The teams haven't met since last Feb. 14, when James (39 points) got the better of Durant (40) in a 110-100 Miami victory.... Durant averages 29.3 points in 12 career games against the Heat.... Miami is an Eastern Conference-best 12-2 against West foes.... The Thunder are 13-4 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.... The Heat are 26-12 versus the spread after failing to cover three of their last four against the spread 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, OKLAHOMA CITY covered the spread 651 times, while MIAMI covered the spread 349 times. *EDGE against the spread =OKLAHOMA CITY. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY won the game straight up 537 times, while MIAMI won 438 times. In 1000 simulated games, 603 games went over the total, while 370 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY covered the first half line 620 times, while MIAMI covered the first half line 380 times. *EDGE against first half line =OKLAHOMA CITY. In 1000 simulated games, 507 games went over first half total, while 456 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MIAMI is 18-18 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--MIAMI is 21-16 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--20 of 35 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-17 versus the first half line when playing against MIAMI since 1996.
--18 of 36 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Thunder are 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Thunder are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.
--Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
--Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 5-1 in Heat last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
_______________________________
#705 PHILADELPHIA @ #706 BOSTON
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, CSN Philadelphia, CSN New England (Boston) - Line: Celtics -4.5, Total: 202) - With the season the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are having, even the winner will lose when the teams square off Wednesday in Boston. Both teams appear headed for lottery picks in what figures to be a talent-rich draft, so a loss Wednesday might turn into a long-term victory. Don't tell that to the players on these struggling squads, though, as both teams are eager to snap three-game skids.
The Celtics have dropped 18 of their last 21, and the latest one was ugly — a 114-88 drubbing at the hands of the New York Knicks on Tuesday. "I think the proof is in the pudding," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "Whatever we are record-wise, we're not a very good basketball team." The 76ers can understand the sentiment, as they've lost 10 of 12 since a season-best four-game winning streak.
•ABOUT THE 76ERS (14-31 SU, 18-27-0 ATS): Philadelphia has a solid building block in rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams (17.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds), who has scored 20 or more points in six of the last 11 games. Fourth-year swingman Evan Turner also is having a great season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Thaddeus Young (17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds) is having a breakout season as well, but all the offensive prowess hasn't resulted in success as the 76ers allow a league-high 109.9 points per game.
•ABOUT THE CELTICS (15-32 SU, 22-24-1 ATS): Boston has been a pitiful at the offensive end lately, averaging 83.3 points during its three-game losing streak. The Celtics already are missing guard Avery Bradley (14.5 points), who is sidelined with ankle and hand injuries, and they likely will be without point guard Rajon Rondo, who typically has sat out the second game of back-to-back sets since returning from a torn ACL. One of the few bright spots for Boston recently has come from forward Chris Johnson, who was signed to a second 10-day contract Tuesday and scored 12 points against the Knicks, raising his average to 10.2 points in five games with the Celtics.
•PREGAME NOTES: Young has recorded three or more steals in four consecutive games, matching the longest streak by a Philadelphia player since Allen Iverson did it in five straight games in 2005.... The Celtics are playing their 13th back-to-back of the season and have been swept in eight of the first 12.... Philadelphia is 2-20 when failing to score at least 100 points.... Boston is 13-3 Under in home games in January games over the last two seasons.... The Sixers are 11-2 Under versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season 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, BOSTON covered the spread 517 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the spread 483 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, BOSTON won the game straight up 627 times, while PHILADELPHIA won 353 times. In 1000 simulated games, 587 games went under the total, while 386 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHILADELPHIA covered the first half line 512 times, while BOSTON covered the first half line 488 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 585 games went under first half total, while 379 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--BOSTON is 40-36 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--BOSTON is 40-38 straight up against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--39 of 75 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--BOSTON is 42-33 versus the first half line when playing against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--40 of 76 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--76ers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 road games.
--Celtics are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Celtics are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
_______________________________
#707 DETROIT @ #708 ATLANTA
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, FSN Detroit (Detroit), SportSouth (Atlanta) - Line: Hawks -4.5, Total: 209) - The Atlanta Hawks look to maintain their home dominance of the Detroit Pistons when the two teams tangle Wednesday in their third meeting of the season. Atlanta has won 10 straight games in the series at home, including a 93-85 triumph at Philips Arena on Nov. 20 that put the Hawks two games above .500, exactly where they are more than two months later. Atlanta became the latest victim of Kevin Durant's torrid stretch in a tough 111-109 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday.
The Pistons snapped a four-game losing streak with a 103-87 win over Orlando on Tuesday before venturing into the snowy, icy metro Atlanta area. Brandon Jennings scored 20 points and dished out eight assists as part of a balanced attack for Detroit, which has tied a season high by scoring at least 100 points in six straight games. Wednesday's contest marks the second game back in Atlanta for long-time Hawk and current Piston Josh Smith, who was held to 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting in the loss at Atlanta in November.
•ABOUT THE PISTONS (18-27 SU, 18-26-1 ATS): Jennings is on another one of his hot streaks, scoring at least 20 points in four straight games after being held scoreless on 0-of-7 shooting on Jan. 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers. A visit to Atlanta should allow him to continue that stretch, as Jennings has averaged 25.3 points in his last three games at Philips Arena and has been far superior on the road this season, posting 19.9 points and shooting 40.7 percent from 3-point range. The up-and-down guard entered Tuesday averaging 13.9 points with a 25 percent mark from long range at home.
•ABOUT THE HAWKS (23-21 SU, 24-20-0 ATS): The effort against Durant and the Thunder was a solid one, especially considering the continued absence of guard Jeff Teague, who ranks third on the team in scoring (16.2) and first in assists (7.3). Teague has missed two straight games due to a sprained ankle and there is no immediate timetable for his return, although he was expected to miss both halves of the recently completed two-game road trip. Shelvin Mack has averaged 12 points and 5.5 assists starting in Teague's place while Louis Williams has upped his contributions off the bench with 13.3 points and five assists in the last three games.
•PREGAME NOTES: Hawks F Mike Scott has scored in double figures in nine straight games after doing so a total of 12 times in his first 33 games.... Pistons C Andre Drummond leads the Eastern Conference with 33 double-doubles.... Atlanta F Elton Brand needs 11 points to tie Pistons great and Hall of Famer Joe Dumars for 95th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.... The Pistons are 5-14 against the spread versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.... The Hawks are 17-5 versus the spread vs. poor free throw shooting teams - making less than 71% of their attempts 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 628 times, while DETROIT covered the spread 372 times. *EDGE against the spread =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA won the game straight up 711 times, while DETROIT won 271 times. In 1000 simulated games, 588 games went under the total, while 388 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the first half line 576 times, while DETROIT covered the first half line 424 times. *EDGE against first half line =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, 606 games went under first half total, while 394 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DETROIT is 40-34 against the spread versus ATLANTA since 1996.
--DETROIT is 44-32 straight up against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 74 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DETROIT is 41-32 versus the first half line when playing against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pistons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Pistons are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Over is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 Wednesday games.
--Over is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 overall.
--Over is 8-1 in Hawks last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Over is 6-0 in Hawks last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#709 NEW ORLEANS @ #710 MINNESOTA
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN New Orleans, FSN North (Minnesota) - Line: Timberwolves -8, Total: 204) - The Minnesota Timberwolves hope the 11th time is the charm as they try to clear a pesky hurdle when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. The Timberwolves are trying to move above .500 — something they've failed to do in 10 tries since falling to 8-8 on Nov. 25. The Pelicans, who are coming off a 100-89 win at Cleveland on Wednesday, aim for a season-best fourth consecutive victory.
If the Timberwolves are going to cross the break-even threshold, they'll have to do so without center Nikola Pekovic, who will be out at least a week with bursitis in his right ankle. Half of the duo the team is touting as the "Bruise Brothers," along with Kevin Love, Pekovic is averaging career highs in points (18) and rebounds (9.1). Both teams have plenty of ground left to make up to get back into the Western Conference playoff picture, as Minnesota is three games behind eighth-place Dallas and New Orleans is six games out of the last playoff spot.
•ABOUT THE PELICANS (19-25 SU, 20-22-2 ATS): New Orleans is far from full strength with starters Ryan Anderson (back), Jrue Holiday (stress fracture) and Jason Smith (knee) all out, but it still has Anthony Davis. The second-year forward has been a dominant force in the paint at both ends, averaging 20.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and a league-best 3.27 blocks. Guard Eric Gordon (16 points) is also playing well at the offensive end and dished out a season-high nine assists against the Cavaliers.
•ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-22 SU, 24-20-0 ATS): Minnesota must lean more than ever on Love (24.9 points, 12.9 rebounds) but might also need more scoring from its backcourt while Pekovic is out. Kevin Martin (18.9 points) is capable of being the second option, and small forward Corey Brewer has averaged 14 points over the past four games. Minnesota looks to Ronny Turiaf to take Pekovic's place as Love's bruising brethren, and it hopes the oft-injured big man can duplicate his 14-point, seven-rebound performance in Monday's 95-86 win at Chicago.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Timberwolves have won three straight meetings and seven of 11 overall against New Orleans, including a 124-112 home victory Jan. 1.... Davis has recorded four or more blocked shots in five consecutive games, tying Alonzo Mourning's franchise record.... Minnesota's Ricky Rubio (117) and Brewer (72) have combined for 189 steals, the most by any pair of teammates in the NBA.... The Timberwolves are 18-6 against the spread versus teams who are called for 2+ more fouls/game than their opponents over the last two seasons.... The Pelicans are 12-2 Over in road games revenging a road loss versus opponent of 10 points or more 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, MINNESOTA covered the spread 504 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the spread 472 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA won the game straight up 712 times, while NEW ORLEANS won 260 times. In 1000 simulated games, 595 games went over the total, while 375 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA covered the first half line 508 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the first half line 492 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 567 games went over first half total, while 396 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW ORLEANS is 26-21 against the spread versus MINNESOTA since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 25-22 straight up against MINNESOTA since 1996.
--24 of 47 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--MINNESOTA is 26-20 versus the first half line when playing against NEW ORLEANS since 1996.
--25 of 46 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Pelicans are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Minnesota.
--Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings in Minnesota.
--Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pelicans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
--Pelicans are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 Wednesday games.
--Pelicans are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Timberwolves are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
_______________________________
#711 PHOENIX @ #712 MILWAUKEE
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee) - Line: Suns -8.5, Total: 201) - A knee injury to guard Eric Bledsoe was supposed to torpedo the Phoenix Suns' chances of making the playoffs in the ruthless Western Conference. But Gerald Green has emerged to help keep the team afloat - and he'll look to improve on a season-best performance as he leads the Suns into Milwaukee for a Wednesday date with the Bucks. Green's 30 points lifted the Suns past Philadelphia on Monday for their fourth win in five games.
While Phoenix has been able to overcome Bledsoe's absence with relative ease, the Bucks haven't had any success replacing their missing players. Milwaukee had to do without O.J. Mayo, Larry Sanders and Ekpe Udoh for their Monday encounter with the Los Angeles Clippers, and simply couldn't keep up as it fell 114-86 for its 15th loss in 17 games. The Bucks are just 4-17 at home and are averaging a league-worst 91.1 points per game.
•ABOUT THE SUNS (26-18 SU, 29-14-1 ATS): Few Phoenix players could have entertained the thought of being named to the Western Conference All-Star Team when the 2013-14 season began. But as the win total grows, so do the expectations - and for at least one Suns player, the idea of making an all-star team is almost too much to handle. "If they put me there, I'll probably be the happiest guy in the whole world," guard Goran Dragic told the Arizona Republic. "If that happens, I think I'm going to cry or something."
•ABOUT THE BUCKS (8-36 SU, 15-29-0 ATS): Milwaukee is a long shot to have any players make the Eastern Conference All-Star Team - and that shouldn't surprise anyone, least of all the Bucks themselves. Milwaukee is on pace for the worst season in franchise history, following up on its only win this month with three straight losses by an average of 22.7 points. Head coach Larry Drew did manage to find some positives in the loss to the Clippers, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "I thought our energy was better. I thought we played harder."
•PREGAME NOTES: Dragic has a case for being named an All-Star reserve, averaging 19.4 points on 49.5 percent shooting.... The Suns prevailed 116-100 in their previous meeting Jan. 4 in Phoenix.... The Bucks are 1-14 against the Western Conference.... The Suns are 24-9 against the spread versus teams who make six or more 3-point shots/game on the season this season.... Milwaukee is 7-24 versus the spread versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots/game on the season 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 531 times, while MILWAUKEE covered the spread 469 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX won the game straight up 712 times, while MILWAUKEE won 267 times. In 1000 simulated games, 602 games went under the total, while 374 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MILWAUKEE covered the first half line 493 times, while PHOENIX covered the first half line 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 591 games went under first half total, while 409 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 19-14 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 27-7 straight up against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--19 of 33 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 22-12 versus the first half line when playing against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--23 of 33 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Suns are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee.
--Favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Over is 6-1-1 in Suns last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
--Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 13-3-1 in Bucks last 17 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.
_______________________________
#713 HOUSTON @ #714 DALLAS
(TV: 8:30 PM EST, CSN Houston, FSN Southwest (Dallas) - Line: Mavericks -2, Total: 213) - The Houston Rockets still aren’t scoring at their usual rate but may be finding a way to win when the 3-pointers aren’t hitting the bottom of the net. The Rockets hope to have James Harden (thumb) healthy when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Houston averaged 84 points in back-to-back losses to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend but avoided a third straight setback on Tuesday with a dominating inside performance against the San Antonio Spurs.
Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones combined for 44 points and 25 rebounds to overwhelm the Spurs’ frontcourt in a 97-90 triumph, making the team’s 5-of-18 effort from 3-point range a mere footnote. The Mavericks are fighting off a crowd at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff bracket and are not helping themselves with a 3-4 mark in the last seven games. Dallas is coming off a 116-106 home win over the Detroit Pistons, however, showing they can hang with a strong frontcourt as long as Dirk Nowitzki is making his shots.
•ABOUT THE ROCKETS (30-17 SU, 23-22-2 ATS): Houston has failed to reach 100 points in three straight games — its longest such stretch of the season — and was missing Harden due to a bruised left thumb on Tuesday against San Antonio. Jeremy Lin started and scored 18 points in Harden’s spot, but Howard and Jones did the bulk of the damage as Chandler Parsons struggled to find his shooting stroke. Since going off for 10 3-pointers in one half on Friday against Memphis, Parsons is just 8-of-27 from the field over the last two games, including 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
•ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (26-20 SU, 26-20-0 ATS): Dallas took two of the first three meetings with Houston this season and would like a win in the finale to wrap up any potential tiebreaker it might need down the line. “It’s usually a very opened-up game,” Nowitzki told reporters of the battles with the Rockets. “They love going up and down. They take quick shots, and that obviously is a lot of possessions for both teams. It’s been fun and close games.” Nowitzki averaged 29.3 points in those three games, including two of his four 30-point outbursts on the season. The star forward went for 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Sunday’s win over Detroit.
•PREGAME NOTES: Mavericks G Monta Ellis scored a season-high 37 points in a 123-120 home win over the Rockets on Nov. 20.... Harden struggled to an average of 13 points on 33.3 percent shooting in the two games before sitting out Tuesday.... Dallas G Devin Harris, who missed the first 41 games with a toe injury, played a season-high 24 minutes on Sunday and posted his second straight 14-point outing.... The Mavericks are 14-4 against the spread versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... The Rockets are 13-4 versus the spread after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread 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 535 times, while HOUSTON covered the spread 442 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS won the game straight up 587 times, while HOUSTON won 396 times. In 1000 simulated games, 714 games went under the total, while 266 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the first half line 536 times, while HOUSTON covered the first half line 425 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 682 games went under first half total, while 318 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DALLAS is 44-29 against the spread versus HOUSTON since 1996.
--DALLAS is 46-31 straight up against HOUSTON since 1996.
--40 of 73 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--HOUSTON is 38-34 versus the first half line when playing against DALLAS since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Rockets are 9-24 ATS in the last 33 meetings.
--Rockets are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Dallas.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Under is 4-0-1 in Rockets last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 13-3 in Mavericks last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 13-2-2 in Mavericks last 17 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
_______________________________
#715 CHARLOTTE @ #716 DENVER
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, SportSouth (Charlotte), Altitude (Denver) - Line: Nuggets -8, Total: 208) - The Denver Nuggets have enjoyed a bit of resurgence of late at 8-5 in the new year heading into Wednesday's visit from the Charlotte Bobcats. Denver has showed some resiliency of late, bouncing back from a three-game skid with back-to-back wins over Indiana and Sacramento. Yet the Nuggets remain out of the playoff picture and coach Brian Shaw told the Denver Post, "The downs have been really down (but) I want the roller coaster ride to go up a little more before it starts to descend."
Charlotte seems to be heading in the opposite direction at a season-worst eight games under .500 after only five wins in its last 17 games. After getting torched in New York on Carmelo Anthony's historic 62-point night for the Knicks last Friday, the Bobcats were edged at home by Chicago the following night and now face the perils of a four-game slate of games on the road, where they are just 8-14 this season. Center Al Jefferson has been a bright spot of late, recording at least 20 points and eight rebounds in nine consecutive games.
•ABOUT THE BOBCATS (19-27 SU, 24-20-2 ATS): Jefferson's recent spurt has sparked some talk of an All-Star selection for the 10th-year pro and some lofty praise from coach Steve Clifford. "These last eight, nine games, nobody's playing better than Al," he told the Charlotte Observer. Jefferson, whose averages of 18.9 points and 10.5 rebounds are both team bests, despite missing nine games with an ankle problem that could mean offseason surgery, seems confident that he can sustain this kind of production. "I know when I'm healthy, I can play at this level," Jefferson said. "I'm feeling really good, so I'm not surprised."
•ABOUT THE NUGGETS (22-21 SU, 21-22-0 ATS): Denver's offense has been prolific since the turn of the calendar, with the Nuggets scoring 100 points or more in all 13 games for an average of nearly 114 per night. Against Sacramento last time out, point guards Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson combined for 39 points and 14 assists and Lawson's average of 17.9 points per game leads the team. Denver has six players averaging double figures in an offense that ranks among the league's top 10.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Nuggets are 12-5 all-time against Charlotte, with four straight wins in the series and five in a row as the home team.... Jefferson's run of nine straight games with 20 or more points is the first such streak by a Bobcats player since G Jason Richardson also had a nine-game stretch in 2008.... Denver C Timofey Mozgov is enjoying a breakout season, averaging career highs in points (8.9), rebounds (5.8), blocks (1.3) and field goal percentage (56.8).... Charlotte is 5-15 against the spread in road games versus teams who make six or more 3-point shots/game - 2nd half of the season 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, DENVER covered the spread 602 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the spread 368 times. *EDGE against the spread =DENVER. In 1000 simulated games, DENVER won the game straight up 792 times, while CHARLOTTE won 191 times. In 1000 simulated games, 554 games went under the total, while 427 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DENVER covered the first half line 577 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the first half line 423 times. *EDGE against first half line =DENVER. In 1000 simulated games, 530 games went under first half total, while 439 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DENVER is 12-5 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--DENVER is 12-5 straight up against CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CHARLOTTE is 9-7 versus the first half line when playing against DENVER since 1996.
--12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bobcats are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Bobcats are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Denver.
--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bobcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 8-1 in Bobcats last 9 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 6-0 in Bobcats last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Over is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#717 CHICAGO @ #718 SAN ANTONIO
(TV: 9:30 PM EST, ESPN, CSN Chicago, KENS (San Antonio) - Line: Spurs -8, Total: 190) - The San Antonio Spurs could use a few of their injured players back before slipping too much lower in the standings. The Spurs will look to avoid a third straight setback when they host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. San Antonio is down three starters due to injury, and the absence of Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard was noticed Tuesday when the Spurs could not hang with the Houston Rockets on the boards in a 97-90 loss.
The Bulls keep plugging along despite their own injury issues and will offer another stiff challenge to that San Antonio frontcourt. The Spurs mark the start of a six-game road trip for the Bulls, who have won six of their last seven away from home. “There’s going to be a lot of adversity," forward Taj Gibson told Chicago’s website. “There’s going to be a lot of naysayers, a lot of people not on our bandwagon. … It will be good to get away, get away from home for a while, to focus on getting some wins and focus on having adversity on the road.”
•ABOUT THE BULLS (22-22 SU, 20-24-0 ATS): Chicago is without Derrick Rose — presumably for the rest of the season — due to a knee injury and traded away Luol Deng but was making its way up the ladder in the Eastern Conference until Joakim Noah’s illness sapped some momentum. The Bulls were without Noah against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Monday and could not overcome the loss of a third All-Star in the 95-86 setback. “Whenever you lose an All-Star, you’re going to feel it,” Gibson said. “(Noah) was playing real phenomenal. He’s one of our vocal leaders on the court. Rebounding, playing defense, controlling the offensive end as far as making plays for guys.” Noah is expected to be ready for the road trip.
•ABOUT THE SPURS (33-12 SU, 22-23-0 ATS): Splitter (shoulder) could be back by the end of the week but Leonard (hand) and Danny Green (hand) are not as close to a return. San Antonio has dropped four of its last six and has two home games remaining before the annual “rodeo road trip” sends them on the road for nine straight through the All-Star break. Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw did their parts with a combined 25 rebounds on Tuesday, but no one else managed more than three as the Spurs were outdone on the boards 55-39 by the Rockets.
•PREGAME NOTES: Spurs G Manu Ginobili (left hamstring) left Tuesday’s game and will not play Wednesday.... Chicago G Kirk Hinrich (hamstring) has missed the last four games and is questionable for Wednesday.... San Antonio took both meetings last season by an average of 16 points.... The Bulls are 15-29 versus the spread in non-conference games over the last two seasons.... The Spurs are 3-12 against the spread versus teams who average 53 or more rebounds/game on the season 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, SAN ANTONIO covered the spread 520 times, while CHICAGO covered the spread 459 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO won the game straight up 715 times, while CHICAGO won 262 times. In 1000 simulated games, 592 games went over the total, while 384 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO covered the first half line 502 times, while CHICAGO covered the first half line 498 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 528 games went over first half total, while 435 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAN ANTONIO is 19-13 against the spread versus CHICAGO since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 21-11 straight up against CHICAGO since 1996.
--20 of 32 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 18-14 versus the first half line when playing against CHICAGO since 1996.
--21 of 32 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bulls are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in San Antonio.
--Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.
--Under is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in San Antonio.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--Under is 9-2 in Bulls last 11 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Over is 21-8-1 in Spurs last 30 home games.
--Over is 8-3-1 in Spurs last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
_______________________________
#719 MEMPHIS @ #720 SACRAMENTO
(TV: 10:00 PM EST, SportSouth (Memphis), CSN California (Sacramento) - Line: Grizzlies -4.5, Total: 191.5) - The surging Memphis Grizzlies have rolled off eight wins in their last nine games and four straight on the road and will look to extend their run in Sacramento, taking on the Kings on Wednesday. Memphis kicked off a three-game road swing with a 98-81 win in Portland on Tuesday, led by 23 points and 10 rebounds from Zach Randolph. The effort from Randolph was his 190th double-double as a member of the Grizzlies, moving him past former Memphis forward Pau Gasol as the franchise's all-time leader.
Sacramento has lost four in a row and seven of their last nine games, but after playing without leading scorers DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay the last three, reinforcements could be on the way. Gay warmed up in Utah on Monday but was a late scratch, and though Cousins did not accompany the team for its tilt against the Jazz, both players have a shot at playing against Memphis. "I think it's a realistic possibility," coach Michael Malone told The Sacramento Bee, "but we'll have a better idea as we get closer to that time."
•ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (23-20 SU, 20-22-1 ATS): Memphis is 13-5 since falling to five games under .500 in a road loss to the Mavericks on Dec. 18 and Tuesday's win moved the Grizzlies to within 1 1/2 games of Dallas, which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Memphis' recent push has come largely without the services of guard Tony Allen, who missed his 11th straight game with a sprained wrist. Allen's return, which could come as early as Wednesday, would give the Grizzlies five active players averaging 10 or more points.
•ABOUT THE KINGS (15-29 SU, 19-23-2 ATS): Sacramento has missed upwards of 42 points per game in the absence of Cousins and Gay, who were each injured in last Wednesday's loss in Houston. The Kings have had three different players — Jason Thompson (19), Isaiah Thomas (22) and Marcus Thornton (42) — lead the team in scoring in the three losses without its dynamic duo, actually managing to best its season scoring average of 102.2 by nearly seven points in the span. Thornton's scoring output in an overtime loss to Indiana on Friday matched his career-high.
•PREGAME NOTES: Memphis has won six consecutive games against the Kings, including three straight in Sacramento, and is 15-5 in the last 20 meetings between the two teams.... Thomas shot 0-for-2 from 3-point range on Monday, ending his streak of 37 consecutive games with at least one make from beyond the arc — the second-longest run in franchise history behind G Mitch Richmond's 39 in a row.... Randolph ranks eighth among active players with 384 career double-doubles.... The Grizzlies are 16-5 against the spread versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... The Kings are 14-3 Over in home games versus good ball handling teams - committing less 14 turnovers/game 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, SACRAMENTO covered the spread 690 times, while MEMPHIS covered the spread 310 times. *EDGE against the spread =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO won the game straight up 570 times, while MEMPHIS won 405 times. In 1000 simulated games, 754 games went over the total, while 246 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, SACRAMENTO covered the first half line 648 times, while MEMPHIS covered the first half line 352 times. *EDGE against first half line =SACRAMENTO. In 1000 simulated games, 689 games went over first half total, while 311 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MEMPHIS is 36-27 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 40-26 straight up against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--34 of 63 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 34-28 versus the first half line when playing against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--37 of 62 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
--Under is 6-0 in Grizzlies last 6 overall.
--Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
--Kings are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
--Over is 4-0-1 in Kings last 5 Wednesday games.
_______________________________
#721 WASHINGTON @ #722 LA CLIPPERS
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles) - Line: Clippers -9, Total: 207) - The Washington Wizards keep knocking on the door of a winning record but can’t seem to break through. The Wizards will take another shot at jumping above the .500 mark when they close out a four-game road trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Washington is 0-5 in games in which it has an opportunity to get on the good side of .500 but gave itself another chance by winning at Golden State on Tuesday.
The Clippers are winners of three straight and nine of their last 11 and closed out a seven-game road trip with a 5-2 mark by thrashing Milwaukee 114-86 on Monday. “I look at this as a nine-game road trip because we go home for 24 hours, play a game and then we fly right back on the road,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said. “Then we have four in five (nights), so this is clearly a very difficult trip, tough teams.” The 5-2 excursion marked the best-ever Grammy Awards road trip for the Clippers, who are running away from the rest of the Pacific Division.
•ABOUT THE WIZARDS (22-22 SU, 23-21-0 ATS): Washington has alternated wins and losses over the last six games, with each of the losses coming with the team having a chance to move above .500. The Wizards allowed 104 points in a loss at Utah on Saturday but got back to .500 by putting things together on the defensive end at Golden State, holding the Warriors to 37.5 percent shooting. “It wasn’t a pretty game by either team offensively, but these are the kind of games our defense can win for us when we shoot 37 percent,” coach Randy Wittman told reporters. “That was a big win for us.”
•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (32-15 SU, 28-19-0 ATS): Jamal Crawford’s play has taken a step forward with Chris Paul out of the lineup, and the reserve guard is averaging 22.3 points over the last 12 games. Crawford knocked down five 3-pointers for the second straight game in Monday’s win over the Bucks while Darren Collison, who is drawing the starting point guard assignment in Paul’s absence, added 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting and seven assists. Collison is spreading out the defense as well by knocking down 8-of-12 from 3-point range over the last four contests, opening things up underneath for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Wizards have lost their last five visits to the Los Angeles Clippers.... Jordan has pulled down double-digit boards in 24 consecutive games.... Washington G Bradley Beal knocked down four 3-pointers on Tuesday, his highest total since a 6-of-7 effort Nov. 20.... The Wizards are 0-8 versus the spread in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) over the last three seasons.... The Clippers are 5-15 against the spread in home games after playing two consecutive road 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, LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 581 times, while WASHINGTON covered the spread 386 times. *EDGE against the spread =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS won the game straight up 784 times, while WASHINGTON won 189 times. In 1000 simulated games, 624 games went under the total, while 356 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 529 times, while WASHINGTON covered the first half line 438 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 592 games went under first half total, while 408 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--LA CLIPPERS is 16-15 against the spread versus WASHINGTON since 1996.
--WASHINGTON is 17-16 straight up against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--18 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--WASHINGTON is 20-12 versus the first half line when playing against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--18 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Road team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 Wednesday games.
--Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
_______________________________
Today's NBA Picks
Philadelphia at Boston
The Sixers travel to Boston tonight to face a Celtics team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games. Philadelphia is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
Philadelphia at Boston
The Sixers travel to Boston tonight to face a Celtics team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games. Philadelphia is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Time Posted: 12:30 p.m. EST |
| Game 701-702: Orlando at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 108.576; Toronto 122.987 Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 14 1/2; 188 Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 10; 194 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-10); Under |
| Game 703-704: Oklahoma City at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.896; Miami 128.772 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 5; 209 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 3 1/2; 203 Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3 1/2); Over |
| Game 705-706: Philadelphia at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 110.328; Boston 109.547 Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 208 Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 204 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3 1/2); Over |
| Game 707-708: Detroit at Atlanta (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: N/A Dunkel Line & Total: N/A Vegas Line & Total: Postponed Dunkel Pick: N/A |
| Game 709-710: New Orleans at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 115.875; Minnesota 122.310 Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 6 1/2; 211 Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 8; 205 Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+8); Over |
| Game 711-712: Phoenix at Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 120.473; Milwaukee 108.265 Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 12; 196 Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 8; 201 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-8); Under |
| Game 713-714: Houston at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.817; Dallas 123.920 Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 5; 217 Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 3; 211 Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-3); Over |
| Game 715-716: Charlotte at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 112.720; Denver 123.746 Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 11; 204 Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8; 208 Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8); Under |
| Game 717-718: Chicago at San Antonio (9:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.522; San Antonio 125.555 Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 10; 184 Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 190 Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under |
| Game 719-720: Memphis at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 123.962; Sacramento 115.785 Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 8; 198 Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 192 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-4 1/2); Over |
| Game 721-722: Washington at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 118.674; LA Clippers 124.426 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6; 214 Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 8 1/2; 207 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+8 1/2); Over |
Today's NHL Picks
Chicago at Vancouver
The Blackhawks head to Vancouver tonight to take on a Canucks team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games against a team with a winning record. Chicago is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-120). Here are all of today's picks.
Chicago at Vancouver
The Blackhawks head to Vancouver tonight to take on a Canucks team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games against a team with a winning record. Chicago is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-120). Here are all of today's picks.
| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Time Posted: 12:00 p.m. EST |
| Game 51-52: NY Rangers at NY Islanders (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.128; NY Islanders 10.504 Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-140); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-140); Under |
| Game 53-54: San Jose at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.531; Edmonton 12.504 Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-175); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+155); Over |
| Game 55-56: Chicago at Vancouver (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.677; Vancouver 10.104 Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-120); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-120); Under |
