STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 2/5/14
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
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***** Wednesday, 2/5/14 NBA Information *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
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Betting Notes - Wednesday
•Hot Teams
-- Wizards won three of last four games, are over .500 for first time since October 31, 2009.
-- Suns won seven of their last nine games. Houston won six of eight.
-- Memphis won six of its last seven games (5-2 vs. spread). Mavericks won three of their last four.
-- Hawks won three of their last four road games.
-- Thunder won 11 of its last 12 games (10-2 vs. spread). Timberwolves won six of their last nine games.
-- Raptors won four of their last five games.
-- Miami won five of its last six games. Clippers won five of last seven.
•Cold Teams
-- Lakers lost last seven games, covered one of last five. Cleveland is 0-5 in last five games, both SU/ATS.
-- Celtics lost seven of their last nine games. 76ers lost six of last seven.
-- Spurs are 4-5 in last nine games, but did win last two.
-- Pistons lost five of their last seven games. Orlando lost seven of nine.
-- Knicks lost seven of last eleven games. Portland lost three of last four.
-- New Orleans lost four of its last six home games.
-- Denver lost five of its last eight games. Bucks lost six of their last seven games (10-15 vs. spread on road).
-- Kings lost seven of their last eight games.
•Totals
-- Nine of last eleven Laker games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-3 in last nine games for both Wizards/Spurs.
-- Five of last six Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Portland games; eight of last ten Knick games went over.
-- Four of last five Houston games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games went over the total; nine of last ten Memphis games stayed under
-- Eight of last ten Atlanta games went over the total; four of last five Pelican games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Minnesota games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Last four Sacramento games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 14-9 in Clipper home games this season.
•Back-To-Backs
-- Lakers are 5-6 versus spread if they played night before, 3-2 if they lost.
-- Phoenix is 3-2 versus spread if it lost the night before.
-- Hawks are 2-5 versus spread on road if they played at home night before.
-- Minnesota is 3-4 versus spread if it won the night before.
•Series Records
-- Lakers lost last three visits to Cleveland by 6-5-6 points.
-- Celtics lost three of last four visits to Philadelphia.
-- Spurs won 10 in row versus Wizards; last four here were all by 11+.
-- Pistons won three of last four games with Orlando.
-- Knicks lost last three games with Portland by 5-15-11 points.
-- Suns won five of their last seven games with Houston.
-- Grizzlies won seven of last ten games with Dallas.
-- Hawks lost three of last four visits to New Orleans.
-- Thunder won 16 of its last 18 games with Minnesota.
-- Nuggets won their last six games versus Milwaukee (5-1 vs. spread).
-- Kings won five of last seven games with Toronto.
-- Home side won last ten Miami-Clipper games.
•Situational Trends of The Day
-- ORLANDO is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games after a game where they attempted 10 or less free throws over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 92.0, OPPONENT 103.3.
-- CLEVELAND is 23-8 UNDER (+14.2 Units) in home games after a game where they failed to cover the spread over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CLEVELAND 94.6, OPPONENT 96.5.
-- NEW YORK is 24-8 (+15.2 Units) against the 1rst half line revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEW YORK 50.5, OPPONENT 47.7.
-- DENVER is 10-0 OVER (+10.0 Units) the 1rst half total after 2 straight games giving up 10 or less offensive rebounds this season.
The average score was DENVER 60.1, OPPONENT 56.4.
-- MIKE D'ANTONI is 17-3 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games after 5 or more consecutive losses in all games he has coached since 1996.
The average score was D'ANTONI 103.0, OPPONENT 104.9.
•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- PHILADELPHIA is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 100.8, OPPONENT 113.0.
-- ATLANTA is 18-4 OVER (+13.6 Units) in road games versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=24 free throws/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ATLANTA 102.4, OPPONENT 100.5.
-- MIAMI is 19-38 (-22.8 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 50.3, OPPONENT 48.2.
-- WASHINGTON is 16-1 OVER (+14.9 Units) the 1rst half total in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was WASHINGTON 52.8, OPPONENT 53.6.
-- JEFF HORNACEK is 26-9 ATS (+16.1 Units) versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season as the coach of PHOENIX.
The average score was HORNACEK 107.3, OPPONENT 102.4.
•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play On - Any team where the money line is +135 to -155 (MEMPHIS) - average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against an explosive offensive team (>=102 PPG), after allowing 90 points or less 3 straight games against opponent after allowing 100 points or more 3 straight games.
(31-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (88.6%, +29.8 units. Rating = 6*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +106.5
The average score in these games was: Team 99.3, Opponent 91.9 (Average point differential = +7.5)
The situation's record this season is: (4-0, +4 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-2, +18.6 units).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (103-47, +10 units).
-- Play On - All teams of 10 or more points (OKLAHOMA CITY) - average 3PT shooting team (33-36.5%) against an average 3PT defense (33-36.5%) after 42+ games, average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO) vs. an average pressure defense (14.5-16.5 TO) - 42+ games.
(33-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.7%, +22.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (31-12 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.9
The average score in these games was: Team 100.9, Opponent 95 (Average point differential = +6)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 20 (46.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (23-4).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (114-87).
-- Play Under - All teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (HOUSTON) - well rested team - playing 6 or less games in 14 days, revenging a straight up loss versus opponent as a favorite, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%).
(28-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.8%, +22.5 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 208.6
The average score in these games was: Team 98.3, Opponent 96.5 (Total points scored = 194.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (68.6% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-1).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (82-50).
-- Play Under - All teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (MEMPHIS) - an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after allowing 90 points or less 2 straight games against opponent after scoring 100 points or more 5 straight games.
(27-6 since 1996.) (81.8%, +20.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 186.4
The average score in these games was: Team 93.5, Opponent 86.1 (Total points scored = 179.7)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 17 (51.5% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (7-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-0).
-- Play On - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (WASHINGTON) - after going under the total by more than 12 points in two consecutive games, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season, in a game involving two good three point shooting teams (>=36.5%).
(47-16 since 1996.) (74.6%, +29.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.6
The average first half score in these games was: Team 50.4, Opponent 44.6 (Average first half point differential = +5.8)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (8-5).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-6).
-- Play Under - All teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points (MEMPHIS) - an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after allowing 90 points or less 2 straight games.
(29-6 since 1996.) (82.9%, +22.4 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 93.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 45, Opponent 40.3 (Total first half points scored = 85.3)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (5-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2).
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Wednesday's Match-ups
#701 BOSTON @ #702 PHILADELPHIA
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, CSN New England (Boston), CSN Philadelphia - Line: Celtics -2.5, Total: 203) - Not much has gone right for the Philadelphia 76ers over the past month but one bright spot was a win at Boston a week ago, which they'll try to repeat when they host the Celtics on Wednesday. The 76ers won 95-94 on Evan Turner's winning jumper at the buzzer last Wednesday in Boston, but they've lost three straight since. The Celtics, who didn't have point guard Rajon Rondo for the last meeting, have lost 11 of their last 12 on the road and four of their last five in Philadelphia.
Rondo had his best game since returning from a torn ACL in Sunday's 96-89 win over Orlando, racking up 19 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals while helping Boston snap a four-game losing streak. "I just thought we played together; we didn't really worry about shots," Celtics forward Jared Sullinger told reporters. "We created for one another; we moved the ball really quickly. Rondo played a lot like himself." Philadelphia has lost five straight and 11 of 13 at home and is trying to avoid its first six-game home skid since dropping a franchise-record 12 straight during the 1996-97 campaign.
•ABOUT THE CELTICS (16-33 SU, 23-25-1 ATS): Boston has been in a tailspin over the past month and a half, losing 19 of 23 to fall five games out of playoff position. Rondo (8.4 points, 6.3 assists) hasn't been enough of a factor to reverse the slide, but his play against the Magic was encouraging. Sullinger has put together two straight huge games, following up his 24 points and 17 rebounds against Philadelphia with 21 points and 12 boards against Orlando.
•ABOUT THE 76ERS (15-34 SU, 20-29-0 ATS): After winning four straight from Dec. 29-Jan. 4, Philadelphia has dropped 13 of its last 16 and committed a season-high 26 turnovers in a 108-102 loss at Brooklyn on Monday. Rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams (17.3 points, 6.6 assists) has looked to score more recently, topping 20 points in seven of the past 14 games. Carter-Williams and forwards Turner (17.9 points, 6 rebounds) and Thaddeus Young (17.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals) give the Sixers a strong offensive trio, but they are one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
•PREGAME NOTES: Boston has been outscored in the paint for eight straight games, and the 76ers held a 58-40 advantage inside last week.... The 76ers, who have hit the century mark only four times in their last 16 contests, are 3-22 when failing to reach triple digits.... Rondo (3,987) needs 13 assists to become the sixth player in Celtics history with 4,000. Rondo has averaged 15.4 assists in his past five games against the 76ers.... Philadelphia is 3-16 versus the spread in home games versus teams who make 6 or more 3-point shots/game on the season this season.... Boston is 7-21 against the spread in road games when playing against a team with a losing record 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, PHILADELPHIA covered the spread 500 times, while BOSTON covered the spread 500 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, BOSTON won the game straight up 548 times, while PHILADELPHIA won 428 times. In 1000 simulated games, 678 games went under the total, while 296 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHILADELPHIA covered the first half line 538 times, while BOSTON covered the first half line 462 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 638 games went under first half total, while 362 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--BOSTON is 40-37 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--BOSTON is 40-39 straight up against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--39 of 76 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--BOSTON is 42-34 versus the first half line when playing against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--41 of 77 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Celtics are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Philadelphia.
--Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win.
--Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Under is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
--Under is 5-0-1 in 76ers last 6 after scoring 100 points or more.
--Over is 6-1-1 in 76ers last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
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#703 LA LAKERS @ #704 CLEVELAND
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, TWC SportsNet (Los Angeles), FSN Ohio (Cleveland) - Line: Cavaliers -6.5, Total: 208.5) - The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be attempting to set a record for the most games lost to injury in a single season. The Lakers will try to make it through one game without losing someone when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Los Angeles got Steve Nash (back) and Steve Blake (elbow) back on Tuesday but Pau Gasol (groin) missed the game while Jordan Hill (cervical strain) and Jodie Meeks (ankle) both went down in the first half.
The surviving members of the Lakers put up a strong effort and cut a 25-point deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter only to fall 109-99 at Minnesota on Tuesday — the team’s seventh straight setback. Los Angeles is tied with the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings for the worst record in the Western Conference at 16-32, though that would tie it with Cleveland ahead of four others if the team played in the East. The Cavaliers are losers of five in a row and are returning home after a three-game road trip that saw them fall by an average of 20.7 points.
•ABOUT THE LAKERS (16-32 SU, 25-22-1 ATS): The bright spot through the latest round of players hitting the training table on Tuesday came from Nash, who made his first appearance since Nov. 10 and handed out nine assists to go along with seven points in 25 minutes. The former MVP, who turns 40 on Friday, will likely sit out the second night of the back-to-back on Wednesday. Blake (elbow) played 32 minutes in his first action since Dec. 10 and played through a burst right eardrum suffered in the first half. Blake was cleared to fly with the team after Tuesday’s game and could be available against Cleveland.
•ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (16-32 SU, 19-29-0 ATS): Cleveland is enduring some of the same problems as the Lakers on the defensive end, where it is allowing 109.2 points in the last five games and was crushed 124-107 at Dallas on Monday. “We just have to stay positive,” Kyrie Irving told reporters. “This stretch has definitely been tough and it tests your character and your mental strength. As professionals it’s our job to go out and play and give it our best effort every single night.” The Cavaliers have a chance to snap the slide with three of the next four at home, where they own an 11-12 mark.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Cavaliers earned a 120-118 victory in Los Angeles on Jan. 14 behind 27 points from Luol Deng and have taken three straight in the series at home.... Meeks is not expected to play Wednesday and could be out for the remainder of the road trip.... Los Angeles G Nick Young has gone over 20 points in back-to-back games despite shooting 35.3 percent in those contests.... The Cavaliers are 9-23 against the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 36% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.... The Lakers are 13-25 versus the spread versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting less than 24 free throws/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, CLEVELAND covered the spread 539 times, while LA LAKERS covered the spread 461 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CLEVELAND won the game straight up 671 times, while LA LAKERS won 310 times. In 1000 simulated games, 649 games went under the total, while 351 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, CLEVELAND covered the first half line 518 times, while LA LAKERS covered the first half line 482 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 598 games went under first half total, while 361 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CLEVELAND is 19-13 against the spread versus LA LAKERS since 1996.
--LA LAKERS is 18-15 straight up against CLEVELAND since 1996.
--19 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CLEVELAND is 17-15 versus the first half line when playing against LA LAKERS since 1996.
--20 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Lakers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Cleveland.
--Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
--Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Cleveland.
--Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 7-0 in Lakers last 7 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 7-0 in Cavaliers last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
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#705 SAN ANTONIO @ #706 WASHINGTON
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington) - Line: Pick, Total: 194.5) - The Washington Wizards have finally inched above the .500 mark for the first time in four-plus years but staying there includes defeating San Antonio when the Spurs visit on Wednesday. Washington has lost 15 consecutive games against San Antonio, including dropping its last eight home contests against the Spurs. San Antonio began its nine-game rodeo road trip by rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
The Wizards had been at or below .500 for an astounding 355 consecutive games before notching a 100-90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. “It’s only one game over but yeah, it’s a big relief,” point guard John Wall said afterward. “But the main thing is we’ve got bigger goals to try to keep winning games and try to keep getting better and try not to go back down so we won’t have to have this talk again.” The Spurs received 32 points from Tony Parker in the comeback win over New Orleans and have a solid 17-5 road mark.
•ABOUT THE SPURS (35-13 SU, 23-25-0 ATS): San Antonio struggled most of the contest in its first game of the long excursion but really turned it on in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Pelicans 38-19 to claim a 102-95 victory. Tim Duncan scored 21 points and tied a season high with six blocked shots but was well aware the Spurs dodged a bullet. “We played badly for 24-plus minutes – made a lot of mistakes and finally put a stretch together,” Duncan said afterward. “We finally made some shots, honestly.” The contest against Washington is the first of five against Eastern Conference foes and the Spurs are 13-4 against the East this season.
•ABOUT THE WIZARDS (24-23 SU, 26-21-0 ATS): Washington had failed to move above .500 in its previous seven chances to do so before getting it done against the Trail Blazers. Yet coach Randy Wittman was still a bit salty when asked about the accomplishment. “It ain’t out of the way. How many more games have we got to play?” Wittman said. “You act like that was the last daggum game. … If we’re going to be a good basketball team, we have to do this every night, no matter who you’re playing.” Wittman reiterated later in the postgame session that he wants to see his club go on a run that keeps them well above the break-even mark.
•PREGAME NOTES: Parker’s 16 points led six player in double digits as San Antonio notched a 92-79 home win over the Wizards on Nov. 13.... Washington has allowed an average of 85.3 points in its last three wins – against solid offensive squads Golden State, Oklahoma City and Portland.... Spurs G/F Danny Green returned from a 10-game absence due to a broken finger to score seven points on 1-of-7 shooting against the Pelicans.... Washington is 11-2 against the spread in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... San Antonio is 11-3 versus the spread in road games versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting less than 24 free throws/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO covered the spread 543 times, while WASHINGTON covered the spread 428 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO won the game straight up 543 times, while WASHINGTON won 428 times. In 1000 simulated games, 647 games went over the total, while 353 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, SAN ANTONIO covered the first half line 534 times, while WASHINGTON covered the first half line 431 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 605 games went over first half total, while 363 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAN ANTONIO is 20-9 against the spread versus WASHINGTON since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 25-7 straight up against WASHINGTON since 1996.
--18 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 20-11 versus the first half line when playing against WASHINGTON since 1996.
--22 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Spurs are 18-6-2 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
--Spurs are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Washington.
--Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
--Favorite is 18-6-2 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Spurs are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
--Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
--Spurs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 Wednesday games.
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#707 PORTLAND @ #708 NEW YORK
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, ESPN, CSN Northwest (Portland), MSG (New York) - Line: Trail Blazers -2, Total: 207) - The New York Knicks enjoyed a season-best scoring binge late last month, but have had trouble matching that output in back-to-back losses to Miami and Milwaukee. The Knicks can only hope they recovering their offensive spark Wednesday night as they host the powerhouse Portland Trail Blazers. New York is coming off a demoralizing 101-98 loss to the Bucks, and now have to contend with a Portland team averaging 108 points per game.
Despite facing the team that leads the league in scoring, the Knicks may be catching the Trail Blazers at the right time. Portland enters the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden having lost three of four, scoring more than 90 points just once in that span. The Trail Blazers are coming off a 100-90 loss to the Washington Wizards, shooting just 5-for-19 from beyond the arc to fall flat in the opener of a four-game road trip.
•ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (34-14 SU, 25-23-0 ATS): Portland head coach Terry Stotts has a versatile player in forward Nicolas Batum - and plans to add to his already impressive resume. Stotts used Batum to defend Kyle Lowry and John Wall in losses to the Raptors and Wizards, and liked what he saw so much that he hopes to use him in similar situations moving forward. "His length is the biggest thing," Stotts told OregonLive.com. "For as long as he is, when guards are using ball screens, he's still able to get through them and catch up."
•ABOUT THE KNICKS (19-29 SU, 20-28-0 ATS): Veteran power forward Amar'e Stoudemire wants more of a role on the team - and he suggests that it's coach Mike Woodson, and not the Knicks' doctors, that are keeping him out of action. Stoudemire missed seven games with a left ankle, but has played just 21 minutes in two games since. "From a doctor's standpoint, there hasn't been limitations since the first week of the season, so we can't keep saying limitations," he told the New York Post. "That's a coach's decision at the end of the day."
•PREGAME NOTES: Portland has won three straight meetings, including a 102-91 decision Nov. 25.... Batum averages 13.4 points in nine career games versus the Knicks.... The Trail Blazers are 7-1 against Atlantic Division foes.... New York is 16-4 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.... Portland is 5-15 against the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 36% of their attempts - 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, NEW YORK covered the spread 513 times, while PORTLAND covered the spread 457 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, PORTLAND won the game straight up 510 times, while NEW YORK won 459 times. In 1000 simulated games, 593 games went over the total, while 383 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK covered the first half line 504 times, while PORTLAND covered the first half line 467 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 593 games went over first half total, while 407 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW YORK is 18-12 against the spread versus PORTLAND since 1996.
--PORTLAND is 19-13 straight up against NEW YORK since 1996.
--17 of 31 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--NEW YORK is 20-11 versus the first half line when playing against PORTLAND since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Home team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Trail Blazers are 3-9-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings in New York.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Under is 3-0-1 in Trail Blazers last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Over is 7-1 in Knicks last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 after allowing 100 points or more.
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#709 DETROIT @ #710 ORLANDO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Detroit, FSN Florida (Orlando) - Line: Pistons -3, Total: 202.5) - The Detroit Pistons look to get back on track in their quest to end a four-year playoff drought when they visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Pistons have dropped five of their last seven games to fall into ninth in the Eastern Conference after a valiant effort ended with a 102-96 loss at Miami on Monday. The Magic have lost five of their last six overall but own three wins in four games at home over the Pistons, including a 109-92 triumph on Dec. 27.
The Pistons have a slightly better record on the road (10-13) than at home (9-15), but have dropped three straight away from Detroit. Orlando center Nikola Vucevic was in the lineup as the Magic outrebounded Detroit in their win after Christmas and he was not available Jan. 28 when the Pistons had a 56-40 edge on the boards in a 16-point home victory. Orlando is 0-26 this season when it gets outrebounded.
•ABOUT THE PISTONS (19-28 SU, 20-26-1 ATS): Brandon Jennings is averaging 25 points over his last six outings after being shut out against the Los Angeles Clippers, including 20 to go along with eight assists in the 103-87 victory over Orlando. Josh Smith (15.4), Rodney Stuckey (14) and Greg Monroe (14.4) have also contributed big numbers on the offensive end as Detroit averages 99.9 per game. Andre Drummond averages 12.7 rebounds, ranking third best in the league overall and first on the offensive glass at 5.2
•ABOUT THE MAGIC (13-37 SU, 20-30-0 ATS): Orlando starts a four-game homestand which includes games against the two conference leaders (Indiana, Oklahoma City) and one of the hottest teams in the league (Memphis). Vucevic is averaging 14.5 points and 10 rebounds in four games since returning from a concussion and totals 19 double-doubles in 32 outings this season. Arron Afflalo averages 20 points and 42.4 percent shooting from 3-point range to lead the team and is 15-of-23 from the field against Detroit in 2013-14.
•PREGAME NOTES: Drummond is second in the league in double-doubles with 35 – two shy of the most by a Piston since 2003-2004 (Monroe last season).... Orlando rookie G Victor Oladipo recorded 16 assists combined in the last two games while taking over the point for injured G Jameer Nelson (sore left knee).... Detroit was tied for sixth through Monday in rebounding margin (plus-2.8) and is Orlando tied for 25th at minus-3.2.... The Magic is 21-41 versus the spread when playing against a team with a losing record over the last two seasons.... The Pistons are 15-5 against the spread when playing against a team with a losing record - 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, ORLANDO covered the spread 569 times, while DETROIT covered the spread 405 times. *EDGE against the spread =ORLANDO. In 1000 simulated games, ORLANDO won the game straight up 490 times, while DETROIT won 485 times. In 1000 simulated games, 693 games went under the total, while 307 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ORLANDO covered the first half line 577 times, while DETROIT covered the first half line 423 times. *EDGE against first half line =ORLANDO. In 1000 simulated games, 615 games went under first half total, while 351 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DETROIT is 41-34 against the spread versus ORLANDO since 1996.
--DETROIT is 47-33 straight up against ORLANDO since 1996.
--40 of 75 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DETROIT is 42-34 versus the first half line when playing against ORLANDO since 1996.
--39 of 78 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pistons are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Over is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 Wednesday games.
--Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
--Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
--Over is 6-1 in Magic last 7 home games.
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#711 MINNESOTA @ #712 OKLAHOMA CITY
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City) - Line: Thunder -10, Total: 205) - The Minnesota Timberwolves go from playing one of the worst teams in the Western Conference to the best when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. The Timberwolves climbed back to .500 by taking out the lowly Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday and will be enduring the second night of a back-to-back against Kevin Durant and company. Durant got back to his 30-point ways and Oklahoma City picked up its 11th win in 12 games on Monday.
Durant, who “slumped” to 26 points in back-to-back games, scored 31 in Monday’s 86-77 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies and could have even more success against a Minnesota team not known for its defense. The Timberwolves managed to hold the Lakers under the century mark in a 109-99 win on Tuesday but allow an average of 101.6 points and surrendered 120 in their last road game - a loss at Atlanta on Saturday. Minnesota is still without its best interior defender in Nikola Pekovic (ankle), who sat out the last four games.
•ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-24 SU, 25-23-0 ATS): Minnesota got a big boost on Tuesday from Kevin Martin, who poured in a game-high 32 points on 13-of-26 shooting and went 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Martin had slumped to 14.3 points on 37.9 percent shooting in the four previous games but settled right in against the Lakers and provided enough of a compliment to Kevin Love’s 31 points and 17 rebounds to make up for the loss of Pekovic for the night. Martin, who played for Oklahoma City last season, averaged 16.7 points in the three previous meetings this season, with the Timberwolves coming out on top in just the first date on Nov. 1.
•ABOUT THE THUNDER (39-11 SU, 30-20-0 ATS): Oklahoma City dropped that 100-81 decision at Minnesota on Nov. 1 but put up an average of 114 points in taking the next two from the Timberwolves. The Thunder failed to reach 90 points in either of their last two games but coach Scott Brooks was impressed with the defensive effort and his team’s ability to play a different style in Monday’s win. “We did a good job of playing tough defensive basketball throughout the game,” Brooks told reporters. “One of the strengths of our team, obviously, is our versatility. (Monday) it was shown that sometimes you have to play different styles of basketball to get a win.”
•PREGAME NOTES: Durant is averaging 31 points on 53.1 percent shooting in the three meetings this season.... Love is averaging a Durant-like 33 points to go along with 16.5 rebounds in the four games without Pekovic.... Oklahoma City F Serge Ibaka has made 50 percent or more of his field goal attempts in eight straight games.... The Timberwolves are 23-35 versus the spread revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last two seasons.... The Thunder are 14-4 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA covered the spread 532 times, while OKLAHOMA CITY covered the spread 442 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA CITY won the game straight up 695 times, while MINNESOTA won 289 times. In 1000 simulated games, 577 games went over the total, while 399 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MINNESOTA covered the first half line 560 times, while OKLAHOMA CITY covered the first half line 404 times. *EDGE against first half line =MINNESOTA. In 1000 simulated games, 584 games went over first half total, while 416 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-32 against the spread versus MINNESOTA since 1996.
--OKLAHOMA CITY is 47-27 straight up against MINNESOTA since 1996.
--38 of 73 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--MINNESOTA is 40-33 versus the first half line when playing against OKLAHOMA CITY since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Timberwolves are 4-12-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings in Oklahoma City.
--Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Oklahoma City.
--Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 4-1 in Timberwolves last 5 games following a ATS loss.
--Under is 4-1-1 in Timberwolves last 6 after scoring 100 points or more.
--Over is 6-1-1 in Timberwolves L8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Thunder are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 Wednesday games.
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#713 DALLAS @ #714 MEMPHIS
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN Southwest (Dallas), SportSouth (Memphis) - Line: Grizzlies -3, Total: 189.5) - The Dallas Mavericks seek their third straight win when they begin a stretch filled with road games at Memphis on Wednesday. Dallas completed a 3-1 homestand with a 124-107 rout of Cleveland on Monday, pulling past the Grizzlies and into eighth place in the Western Conference in the process. Twelve of the next 18 games for the Mavericks will be played away from home, and three of the six home contests in that span come against powers Indiana, Miami and Portland.
Dallas has won the first two meetings this season with Memphis, which had its own winning streak snapped at six with Monday's 86-77 loss at Oklahoma City. Playing their second straight game without star point guard Mike Conley, the Grizzlies shot 39.5 percent from the floor and hit only 2-of-16 3-pointers. Memphis still owns one of the best road records at 13-8 and has won two games in a row against Southwest Division opponents after opening the season 0-10 versus divisional foes.
•ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (28-21 SU, 27-20-0 ATS): Dirk Nowitzki has garnered headlines for his recent surge and return to old form, but Dallas is at its best and among the NBA's best offensive teams when everyone contributes. Lately, a big contribution has been made by veteran reserve guard Devin Harris, who looks to be all the way back after missing the first half of the season following toe surgery. Harris scored 16 points in limited action in the rout of the Cavaliers and is averaging 13 points and 4.6 assists in just 20.4 minutes over his last five games.
•ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (26-21 SU, 22-24-1 ATS): While Conley is on the mend, Memphis hopes to get fellow guard and defensive stopper Tony Allen back, perhaps as soon as Wednesday. Allen has missed 15 consecutive games with a hand injury, but the team has responded well to his absence by winning 12 of those contests and actually stepping up its defensive prowess without the two-time All-Defensive first-teamer, holding 11 straight opponents under 100 points. Courtney Lee has been the primary fill-in for Allen, doing most of his damage on the other end of the court with an average of 14.1 points on 54.5 percent shooting in 12 starts.
•PREGAME NOTES: Mavericks F Shawn Marion has missed two straight games due to a sore shoulder.... Grizzlies F Tayshaun Prince has four points on 2-of-15 shooting in 52 minutes this month.... Nowitzki is averaging 30.8 points while making all 29 of his free throws in the last four games.... The Mavericks are 17-5 versus the spread in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game over the last two seasons.... The Grizzlies are 9-23 against the spread in home games versus poor rebounding teams - outrebounded by opponents by 3+ per game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
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 531 times, while MEMPHIS covered the spread 437 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, MEMPHIS won the game straight up 518 times, while DALLAS won 456 times. In 1000 simulated games, 768 games went over the total, while 232 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the first half line 541 times, while MEMPHIS covered the first half line 459 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 678 games went over first half total, while 322 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DALLAS is 42-28 against the spread versus MEMPHIS since 1996.
--DALLAS is 54-18 straight up against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--39 of 67 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DALLAS is 40-31 versus the first half line when playing against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--38 of 71 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Memphis.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 6-1 in Mavericks last 7 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games following a S.U. win.
--Under is 5-1-1 in Mavericks last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
--Grizzlies are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 games following a ATS loss.
--Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
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#715 PHOENIX @ #716 HOUSTON
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), CSN Houston - Line: Rockets -8, Total: 212.5) - Houston star James Harden has had time to rest his injured thumb and ailing foot and that could pose trouble for the Phoenix Suns when they visit the Rockets on Wednesday. Harden missed two games with injuries and returned to score 28 points against Cleveland on Saturday and then received three more days to rest up prior to the arrival of the high-octane Suns. Phoenix suffered a 101-92 home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday to see a five-game winning streak halted.
The Suns scored just 33 first-half points against Chicago and then allowed 32 fourth-quarter points while they were attempting to rally. “We gave up so much easy stuff,” said guard Goran Dragic, who scored 24 points. “We didn’t bring it – no energy and we didn’t do smart plays.” The Rockets have won three straight games, and Harden went 10-of-17 from the field in his return. “I need to injure my hand more often,” Harden joked. “I shot it better than I’ve been shooting before.”
•ABOUT THE SUNS (29-19 SU, 32-15-1 ATS): Phoenix is reportedly interested in acquiring Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers to bolster its frontcourt but nothing is expected to occur until after Gasol returns from a groin injury. The Suns are looking to add a marquee player in order to increase their odds of making a solid playoff push, and Los Angeles is eager to part ways with Gasol to create salary-cap space. Phoenix starts Miles Plumlee at center and P.J. Tucker and Channing Frye in the frontcourt and sees Gasol as a clear upgrade to the starting lineup.
•ABOUT THE ROCKETS (32-17 SU, 25-22-2 ATS): Guard Jeremy Lin came off the bench in the victory over Cleveland to notch his first career triple-double. Lin had 15 points, a career-best 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first Houston reserve to post a triple-double since Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell recorded one way back on March 31, 1988. “Jeremy had a really good game,” Houston coach Kevin McHale said afterward. “We really needed it. He came out and brought good juice. Jeremy just had a good positive vibe going, playing hard and wasn’t losing his mind if something happened.”
•PREGAME NOTES: Phoenix has won five of the past seven meetings, including a 97-88 win in Houston on Dec. 4.... Suns G Gerald Green is averaging five points on 4-of-19 shooting over the past two games.... Rockets C Dwight Howard is 15-of-19 from the free-throw line over the last two games and is averaging 23.3 points over the past three outings.... Phoenix is 25-9 against the spread versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots/game on the season this season.... Houston is 17-5 versus the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 36% of their attempts - 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, PHOENIX covered the spread 603 times, while HOUSTON covered the spread 366 times. *EDGE against the spread =PHOENIX. In 1000 simulated games, HOUSTON won the game straight up 567 times, while PHOENIX won 409 times. In 1000 simulated games, 687 games went under the total, while 313 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the first half line 599 times, while HOUSTON covered the first half line 401 times. *EDGE against first half line =PHOENIX. In 1000 simulated games, 637 games went under first half total, while 338 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 38-26 against the spread versus HOUSTON since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 40-26 straight up against HOUSTON since 1996.
--35 of 64 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--HOUSTON is 35-28 versus the first half line when playing against PHOENIX since 1996.
--40 of 64 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Suns are 23-7 ATS in the last 30 meetings.
--Suns are 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings in Houston.
--Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
--Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Houston.
--Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Suns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Under is 10-1 in Suns L11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
--Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Over is 2-0-2 in Rockets last 4 Wednesday games.
--Under is 3-0-2 in Rockets last 5 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
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#717 ATLANTA @ #718 NEW ORLEANS
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, SportSouth (Atlanta), FSN New Orleans - Line: Pelicans -2.5, Total: 197.5) - The Atlanta Hawks are treading water in the Eastern Conference playoff race while the New Orleans Pelicans are trying to avoid sinking out of postseason contention in the West. The Pelicans, who host Atlanta on Wednesday, have buoyed their slim hopes by winning five of their last eight following an eight-game skid. The Hawks are holding steady at fourth in the East despite losing center Al Horford for the season in December and replacement Pero Antic late last month.
None of Atlanta's starters scored in double figures in an 89-85 loss to visiting Indiana on Tuesday, yet the Hawks battled the NBA's top team to the end. The Pelicans have split the first two contests on their four-game home stand, following a nine-point win over Chicago with a 102-95 loss to San Antonio on Monday. Although New Orleans has played better of late, it's still seven games behind eighth-place Dallas and needs a huge turnaround to avoid missing the playoffs for the third straight season.
•ABOUT THE HAWKS (25-22 SU, 26-21-0 ATS): Atlanta can't afford for All-Star forward Paul Millsap (17.5 points, 8.3 rebounds) to have nights like Tuesday, as he went 2-for-11 for seven points in the loss to Indiana. Millsap and point guard Jeff Teague (16 points, 7.3 assists) are the Hawks' top two scoring options, though they don't need to be prolific at the offensive end thanks to being a strong defensive team. Mike Scott (9.3 points) has stepped it up at the offensive end recently, scoring in double figures in a career-best 12 consecutive games.
•ABOUT THE PELICANS (20-27 SU, 21-24-2 ATS): New Orleans can't afford many more injuries, as second-leading scorer Ryan Anderson is sidelined long-term with a back injury, point guard Jrue Holiday is out indefinitely with a stress fracture in his right tibia and big man Jason Smith had season-ending knee surgery. Now the Pelicans could be without key reserve Tyreke Evans (12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists), who left Monday's game with a rib injury. Four of the team's top scorers are on that injured list, leaving only power forward Anthony Davis (20.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 blocks) and guard Eric Gordon (15.8 points).
•PREGAME NOTES: Hawks SG Kyle Korver has stretched his NBA-record streak to 116 consecutive games with a 3-pointer.... The Pelicans are 7-23 when they allow 100 or more points and 13-4 when they keep opponents in double digits.... Millsap has recorded a steal in a career-best 19 consecutive games, averaging 2.26 per game over that span.... Atlanta is 14-4 against the spread versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.... New Orleans is 16-6 Under when playing against a team with a winning record this season, including 8-1 Under when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%).
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 559 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the spread 441 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, NEW ORLEANS won the game straight up 493 times, while ATLANTA won 480 times. In 1000 simulated games, 648 games went over the total, while 352 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the first half line 537 times, while NEW ORLEANS covered the first half line 463 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 604 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 27-24 against the spread versus ATLANTA since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 29-23 straight up against ATLANTA since 1996.
--29 of 50 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--ATLANTA is 33-18 versus the first half line when playing against NEW ORLEANS since 1996.
--25 of 48 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New Orleans.
--Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 5-1 in Hawks last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
--Pelicans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 6-1-1 in Pelicans last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
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#719 MILWAUKEE @ #720 DENVER
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Altitude (Denver) - Line: Nuggets -12.5, Total: 208.5) - Riding the high of a dramatic win and with their starting point guard back in the mix, the Denver Nuggets are feeling good as the Milwaukee Bucks visit on Wednesday. Randy Foye drained a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and Ty Lawson scored 27 points in his return from a four-game absence as Denver disposed of the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday to snap a two-game skid. "That's probably one of the top moments in my playing career," Foye told the Denver Post. "It was just an unbelievable feeling."
While Milwaukee still possesses the NBA's worst record — a miserable 30 games under .500 — it too carries a little bit of momentum into Wednesday's showdown after Brandon Knight's 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining snapped a six-game losing streak in a 101-98 decision over New York on Monday. The Bucks will arrive in Denver having lost nine in a row on the road, however, but even that dismal run can't take away from the good feelings of their recent win. "I think, no, it can't get better," guard Giannis Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel after scoring 15 points with his family arriving from Greece. "My parents were here, my brothers were here, we won, the crowd goes crazy."
•ABOUT THE BUCKS (9-39 SU, 17-31-0 ATS): If Antetokounmpo's play on Monday is any indicator of future performance, Milwaukee could be in for a lift moving forward, with the rookie's parents and brothers here for good. "I know he wanted to impress mom and dad and impress his brothers," coach Larry Drew told reporters, adding, "I thought tonight was one of his most energized performances." Antetokounmpo is averaging 7.3 points on the season but has notched 15 in two of his last three games for the Bucks, whose offense is paced by Knight's 16.3 points.
•ABOUT THE NUGGETS (23-23 SU, 22-24-0 ATS): Denver kicked off the new year with six wins in eight games before dropping three straight and losing Lawson to a strained rotator cuff. Compounding the absence of their leading scorer was an ACL injury to Nate Robinson, suffered against Charlotte last Wednesday, that will cost him the rest of the season. With his floor general back in the fold, coach Brian Shaw feels a sense of relief, telling the Post, "It's comforting for me (and) I'm sure it's going to a lot more comfortable for the guys used to being recipients that had to flip the script and now be playmakers."
•PREGAME NOTES: Denver has taken six straight meetings against Milwaukee and seven of the last 10.... Bucks F Caron Butler left Monday's game with a sprained left ankle and is listed as day-to-day.... Nuggets PF Kenneth Faried is coming off a career-best 28 points against the Clippers and has scored in double digits in four of his last five games.... Milwaukee is 1-12 versus the spread versus explosive offensive teams - scoring 103+ points/game this season.... Denver is 2-12 against the spread versus teams who average 7 or less steals/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, MILWAUKEE covered the spread 540 times, while DENVER covered the spread 460 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, DENVER won the game straight up 764 times, while MILWAUKEE won 218 times. In 1000 simulated games, 676 games went under the total, while 324 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MILWAUKEE covered the first half line 567 times, while DENVER covered the first half line 433 times. *EDGE against first half line =MILWAUKEE. In 1000 simulated games, 616 games went under first half total, while 350 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DENVER is 23-9 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--DENVER is 21-12 straight up against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--21 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DENVER is 21-10 versus the first half line when playing against MILWAUKEE since 1996.
--17 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Bucks are 7-18-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
--Bucks are 2-10-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Denver.
--Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
--Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Denver.
--Home team is 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more.
--Over is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 overall.
--Under is 9-2-1 in Bucks last 12 games following a S.U. win.
--Over is 6-1 in Nuggets last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
--Over is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Over is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.
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#721 TORONTO @ #722 SACRAMENTO
(TV: 10:00 PM EST, SportsNet (Toronto), CSN California (Sacramento) - Line: Raptors -1, Total: 200.5) - The Sacramento Kings got DeMarcus Cousins back and looked like a completely different team in crushing the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Cousins and company will get a different kind of test from the surging Toronto Raptors, who visit Sacramento on Wednesday. The Raptors are winners of six of their last eight games and are 2-1 on the current five-game Western Conference swing, including a 94-79 drubbing of Utah on Monday.
Cousins missed six straight games with an ankle injury and the Kings dropped all six, running their losing streak to seven games when including the 119-98 loss at Houston on Jan. 22 in which he sustained the injury. The All-Star snub was back against a powerful Chicago frontline Monday and went for 25 points and 16 rebounds in a 99-70 shellacking. “My body’s pretty banged up, but it’s kind of expected,” Cousins told reporters. “I missed a few games and (it) feels good just to be back on the court.”
•ABOUT THE RAPTORS (26-22 SU, 30-18-0 ATS): Toronto knows how much a strong defense can lift a team’s prospects and has risen to fourth in the Eastern Conference thanks in part to a defense that is fourth in the NBA in average points allowed. The Raptors began their surge to the top of the Atlantic Division shortly after a multi-player trade with the Kings that sent Rudy Gay to Sacramento. Gay, who struggled to 19.4 points on 38.8 percent shooting in 18 games with Toronto, has thrived with the Kings but the Raptors have been just as fortunate without him and are 19-10 since making the deal. Patrick Patterson, John Salmons and Greivis Vasquez — all acquired in the deal — have become valuable bench pieces.
•ABOUT THE KINGS (16-32 SU, 22-24-2 ATS): Sacramento, which allowed an average of 109.6 points during its seven-game slide, posted its best defensive game of the season on Monday, holding an opponent to season lows in scoring (70) and field-goal percentage (28.2). The Kings did strong work on the glass with a 53-30 rebounding advantage, no doubt helped out by the return of Cousins. The presence of a dominant scorer and rebounder in the middle also gives Sacramento a better look at the offense it hopes can pull it closer to respectability in the second half. Isaiah Thomas and Gay were forced to carry the team with Cousins down and were much more efficient with a combined 13-of-21 shooting performance Monday.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Kings have taken the last three in the series, including a 105-96 win at Toronto on Jan. 4.... Raptors PG Kyle Lowry (knee) left Monday’s game but is expected to play Wednesday.... Sacramento G Marcus Thornton is averaging just 6.8 points on 30.2 percent shooting in the last five games.... The Raptors are 15-4 against the spread versus good free throw shooting teams - making more than 76% of their attempts this season.... Sacramento is 16-6 versus the spread versus good free throw shooting teams - making more than 76% of their attempts - 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, TORONTO covered the spread 560 times, while SACRAMENTO covered the spread 408 times. *EDGE against the spread =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO won the game straight up 592 times, while SACRAMENTO won 385 times. In 1000 simulated games, 555 games went over the total, while 445 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the first half line 577 times, while SACRAMENTO covered the first half line 423 times. *EDGE against first half line =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, 495 games went over first half total, while 475 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SACRAMENTO is 18-13 against the spread versus TORONTO since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 19-12 straight up against TORONTO since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--SACRAMENTO is 16-15 versus the first half line when playing against TORONTO since 1996.
--17 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Raptors are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Raptors are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Sacramento.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Sacramento.
--Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Raptors are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
--Under is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Under is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
--Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 75 points.
--Kings are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
--Under is 4-0-1 in Kings last 5 overall.
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#723 MIAMI @ #724 LA CLIPPERS
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, ESPN, Sun Sports (Miami), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles) - Line: Clippers -2, Total: 208.5) - Miami hasn’t notched a road win over the Los Angeles Clippers during the LeBron James era and takes another shot when the Heat visit the Staples Center on Wednesday. Miami is 0-3 in Los Angeles against the Clippers since James joined the squad and has lost five straight visits overall. The Clippers have played surprisingly well since point guard Chris Paul suffered a shoulder injury, going 12-5 without one of the league’s top players.
Miami has won five of its last six games after securing a 102-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons behind 30 points and 10 rebounds from guard Dwyane Wade on Monday. The game against the Clippers is the first of a six-game road trip and the Heat don’t play at home again until Feb. 23. Los Angeles is beginning a five-game homestand after playing nine of its last 11 on the road. The Clippers fell 116-115 at Denver on Monday when Nuggets guard Randy Foye connected on a last-second 30-footer.
•ABOUT THE HEAT (34-13 SU, 20-27-0 ATS): Wade was 13-of-19 shooting in his stellar game against the Pistons and has put together solid back-to-back outings. Wade had 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting against the New York Knicks two days earlier as the balky knees that recently caused him to miss four straight games have calmed down. “The rest did him well,” center Chris Bosh said after the win over the Pistons. “He has a lot of spring in his legs. When he plays well, we’re a tough team to beat.”
•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (34-17 SU, 29-22-0 ATS): Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers will be watching how his team performs against the Heat as he once again stated his own team isn’t “elite” as the contest approached. “We can be a good team the way we are playing, but if you’re going to be elite, you’re going to have to have something of a standard defensively,” Rivers said. “We’re working on it.” The Clippers have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference and forward Blake Griffin has been carrying the club with nine consecutive 20-point outings, averaging 27.2 points during the hot streak.
•PREGAME NOTES: Wade scored 29 points as the Heat posted a 102-97 home win over the Clippers on Nov. 7.... Los Angeles has won seven consecutive home games and is 20-3 overall.... Heat F LeBron James was 9-of-19 shooting against Detroit to end a streak of shooting above 50 percent in eight consecutive games.... The Clippers are 8-19 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.... Miami is 17-6 versus the spread in road games versus teams who attempt 18 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, LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 610 times, while MIAMI covered the spread 363 times. *EDGE against the spread =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS won the game straight up 665 times, while MIAMI won 306 times. In 1000 simulated games, 502 games went over the total, while 498 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 579 times, while MIAMI covered the first half line 391 times. *EDGE against first half line =LA CLIPPERS. In 1000 simulated games, 529 games went under first half total, while 423 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--LA CLIPPERS is 17-13 against the spread versus MIAMI since 1996.
--MIAMI is 18-14 straight up against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--20 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--MIAMI is 16-14 versus the first half line when playing against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--19 of 29 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Heat are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.
--Over is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings.
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
--Home team is 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
--Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Clippers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
--Under is 4-0 in Clippers last 4 after allowing 100 points or more.
--Over is 5-0 in Clippers L5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
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