Jim Feist
04/05 04:05 PM PT / 7:05 PM ET
NBA (511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS at (512) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: Under
Reason: Both teams know how to play tough defense. Houston is on a 9-4 run under the total, and just held the explosive LA Lakers offense to 93 points, in a 93-81 defeat. They held LA to 39% shooting, and now come home, where they play their best defense. Portland is off another dominant game, adding to their string of blowouts, routing the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-72 on Friday night. They've held two of the last three opponents to 66 and 72 points! Look for a defensive battle in Texas, play the Blazers/Rockets under the total.
04/05 04:05 PM PT / 7:05 PM ET
NBA (511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS at (512) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: Under
Reason: Both teams know how to play tough defense. Houston is on a 9-4 run under the total, and just held the explosive LA Lakers offense to 93 points, in a 93-81 defeat. They held LA to 39% shooting, and now come home, where they play their best defense. Portland is off another dominant game, adding to their string of blowouts, routing the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-72 on Friday night. They've held two of the last three opponents to 66 and 72 points! Look for a defensive battle in Texas, play the Blazers/Rockets under the total.
Dave Cokin
04/05 1:00PM (501) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (502) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (502) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Reason: The Cavaliers figure to come to play today as they're home off two straight losses. Cleveland has not lost three straight all season and the last things they want to do is hit a slump just prior to the start of the playoffs. I think it helps that they are playing a good opponent here, as the Spurs will be sure to get the attention of King James and company. Never easy to lay anything of substance to San Antonio, but I like the Cavaliers to get the money today.
04/05 1:00PM (501) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (502) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (502) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Reason: The Cavaliers figure to come to play today as they're home off two straight losses. Cleveland has not lost three straight all season and the last things they want to do is hit a slump just prior to the start of the playoffs. I think it helps that they are playing a good opponent here, as the Spurs will be sure to get the attention of King James and company. Never easy to lay anything of substance to San Antonio, but I like the Cavaliers to get the money today.
Comps
JEFF BENTON
You gotta think the Cavaliers and LeBron James in particular are going to be extremely fired up coming into this game after an ugly two-game road trip that began with Thursday’s inexplicable eight-point loss to the lowly Wizards as a 10-point favorite, followed up by Friday’s disastrous 116-87 defeat at Orlando – the Cavs’ worst loss of the season and one that LeBron called “embarrassing.”
Now, 48 hours later, Cleveland gets a chance to redeem itself and reestablish itself as the beast of the Eastern Conference, and it gets to do so against a Spurs team that isn’t exactly playing dominating basketball. San Antonio needed a furious finish to top the Pacers 126-121 on Friday, barely covering as a four-point favorite. Still, San Antonio has split its last 12 games, going just 4-8 ATS. Also, going back to a 97-86 home loss to Cleveland on Feb. 27, the Spurs are just 10-9 SU and 8-11 ATS.
That’s not exactly the kind of record you want to take into Cleveland, where the Cavs have lost just once in 37 tries while going 25-12 ATS despite laying some huge numbers.
Bottom line: With their confidence a bit shaken and their swagger staggered after the horrendous performances at Washington and Orlando, the Cavaliers are going to take the floor today more motivated than they’ve been this entire season. And before a national TV audience, I fully expect LeBron to completely take over this game and guide his team – which is still 52-25-1 ATS in its last 78 games after a SU defeat – to a statement-making convincing victory.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
4♦ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
JEFF BENTON
You gotta think the Cavaliers and LeBron James in particular are going to be extremely fired up coming into this game after an ugly two-game road trip that began with Thursday’s inexplicable eight-point loss to the lowly Wizards as a 10-point favorite, followed up by Friday’s disastrous 116-87 defeat at Orlando – the Cavs’ worst loss of the season and one that LeBron called “embarrassing.”
Now, 48 hours later, Cleveland gets a chance to redeem itself and reestablish itself as the beast of the Eastern Conference, and it gets to do so against a Spurs team that isn’t exactly playing dominating basketball. San Antonio needed a furious finish to top the Pacers 126-121 on Friday, barely covering as a four-point favorite. Still, San Antonio has split its last 12 games, going just 4-8 ATS. Also, going back to a 97-86 home loss to Cleveland on Feb. 27, the Spurs are just 10-9 SU and 8-11 ATS.
That’s not exactly the kind of record you want to take into Cleveland, where the Cavs have lost just once in 37 tries while going 25-12 ATS despite laying some huge numbers.
Bottom line: With their confidence a bit shaken and their swagger staggered after the horrendous performances at Washington and Orlando, the Cavaliers are going to take the floor today more motivated than they’ve been this entire season. And before a national TV audience, I fully expect LeBron to completely take over this game and guide his team – which is still 52-25-1 ATS in its last 78 games after a SU defeat – to a statement-making convincing victory.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
4♦ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
MATT RIVERS
For Sunday take the points with the Suns.
I do understand that this Phoenix team is not very good and does not defend a lick, but today is literally a win or go home type scenario and with Nash, Shaq, Barbosa and some other talented pieces why not grab this number?
Dirk and the Mavs are certainly a quality squad and especially so at home. However, Dallas is not what it used to be at all and with Josh Howard still a little banged up and with his status in doubt, I am truly not that afraid about what is still a soft Mavs club banging down low with a semi rejuvenated Shaq.
It is certainly conceivable that Phoenix will once again forget to defend anybody and lose this game, but if the Suns do their slim chance at the playoffs is no longer there as they would be fully eliminated. Nash is still very capable and the Suns out on the break are as dangerous as anybody.
Should Phoenix win this game in a hostile environment? Probably not, but with its season on the line and a generous amount of points going our way this situation's good enough to take a shot on Phoenix.
Phoenix
For Sunday take the points with the Suns.
I do understand that this Phoenix team is not very good and does not defend a lick, but today is literally a win or go home type scenario and with Nash, Shaq, Barbosa and some other talented pieces why not grab this number?
Dirk and the Mavs are certainly a quality squad and especially so at home. However, Dallas is not what it used to be at all and with Josh Howard still a little banged up and with his status in doubt, I am truly not that afraid about what is still a soft Mavs club banging down low with a semi rejuvenated Shaq.
It is certainly conceivable that Phoenix will once again forget to defend anybody and lose this game, but if the Suns do their slim chance at the playoffs is no longer there as they would be fully eliminated. Nash is still very capable and the Suns out on the break are as dangerous as anybody.
Should Phoenix win this game in a hostile environment? Probably not, but with its season on the line and a generous amount of points going our way this situation's good enough to take a shot on Phoenix.
Phoenix
JAKE TIMLIN
I like the Hornets minus the small home chalk. Sure the Hornets are struggling a bit this season, but with the Jazz coming to town New Orleans won’t struggle today. Now when New Orleans will enjoy playing a Utah team that has just 1 win against a winning team in their last 17 or so games. Even better news is the fact that Utah is sliding right won having lost their last three games, including an embarrassing home loss to Minnesota last game out. Meanwhile, for New Orleans given the low number mixed in with their 27-11 home record for the Hornets I like the home team’s chances here. Bottom line here is with Utah struggling against good teams and on the road this season there is no way I see them beating the Hornets on Bourbon Street today. With that take New Orleans minus the small home chalk!
New Orleans Hornets
I like the Hornets minus the small home chalk. Sure the Hornets are struggling a bit this season, but with the Jazz coming to town New Orleans won’t struggle today. Now when New Orleans will enjoy playing a Utah team that has just 1 win against a winning team in their last 17 or so games. Even better news is the fact that Utah is sliding right won having lost their last three games, including an embarrassing home loss to Minnesota last game out. Meanwhile, for New Orleans given the low number mixed in with their 27-11 home record for the Hornets I like the home team’s chances here. Bottom line here is with Utah struggling against good teams and on the road this season there is no way I see them beating the Hornets on Bourbon Street today. With that take New Orleans minus the small home chalk!
New Orleans Hornets
Bobby Maxwell
Portland is starting to show its potential to make things tough on Western Conference teams when the playoffs roll around and we like them to go into Houston tonight and steal this one away from the Rockets.
The Blazers have won four straight (SU and ATS) and just killed Oklahoma City on Friday, winning 107-72 as a five-point favorite. They have won seven of nine overall (8-1 ATS) and they've won four of five on the road, cashing in all five contests. And this team is scoring at will lately, putting up 111 points per game, well above its season average of 99.5.
Houston has lost two straight and three of four, including Friday's 93-81 loss to the Lakers as 5 1/2-point underdogs. While the Rockets have beaten the Clippers and T'Wolves in their last two home games, their last "real" home game came against the Pistons and while they won 106-101, they failed to cover as a 9 1/2-point favorite.
These teams have split two games this season and the Blazers are 2-0 ATS. Portland is also on ATS streaks of 5-0 on the road, 6-1 after a spread-cover, 10-4 after getting a day off and 5-0 against Western Conference teams. Houston is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home.
Play the red-hot Blazers in this one as they keep it going against the Rockets.
3♦ PORTLAND
Portland is starting to show its potential to make things tough on Western Conference teams when the playoffs roll around and we like them to go into Houston tonight and steal this one away from the Rockets.
The Blazers have won four straight (SU and ATS) and just killed Oklahoma City on Friday, winning 107-72 as a five-point favorite. They have won seven of nine overall (8-1 ATS) and they've won four of five on the road, cashing in all five contests. And this team is scoring at will lately, putting up 111 points per game, well above its season average of 99.5.
Houston has lost two straight and three of four, including Friday's 93-81 loss to the Lakers as 5 1/2-point underdogs. While the Rockets have beaten the Clippers and T'Wolves in their last two home games, their last "real" home game came against the Pistons and while they won 106-101, they failed to cover as a 9 1/2-point favorite.
These teams have split two games this season and the Blazers are 2-0 ATS. Portland is also on ATS streaks of 5-0 on the road, 6-1 after a spread-cover, 10-4 after getting a day off and 5-0 against Western Conference teams. Houston is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home.
Play the red-hot Blazers in this one as they keep it going against the Rockets.
3♦ PORTLAND
Drew Gordon
It may not count for much this season, but fact of the matter is the Raptors are playing damn good basketball, winners of 6 straight games SUATS! Some may be expecting the Knicks to bounce back here, after the Raptors handed them the 102-95 home loss in the first game of this home-and-home series, but I'm not one of them.
Herein lies the problem for the Knicks, who are playing garbage ball right now, losers of 10 of their last 11 games, including 4 straight. Surprisingly the issue has been on the offensive side, where the Knicks are scoring just 98 ppg over their last 5 games. They've "improved" somewhat defensively, but overall this is still a team that needs to score points to win. Raptors are red-hot on offense, averaging a hearty 112 on 48% shooting over the same 5-game span, and I just don't see the struggling Knicks offense keeping pace.
From a match up standpoint, the Knicks are going to have a hell of time with the surging Andrea Bargnani, who's really begun to blossom towards the end of the season. Coupled with Bosh and Marion, the Raptors can create enough mismatches to drive the Knicks piss-poor defense crazy. Note, that the Knicks held the Raptors to 40% shooting in yesterday's match up, yet still lost by 7 points... Not a good sign as the series shifts to the Air Canada Centre!
Bottom line, two bad teams clash in this one, but only one is playing with any pride, and that's the Raptors. Not only do they benefit from playing at home, but they're also up against a Knicks team which has thrown in the towel for all intents and purposes. In the end, Raptors protect their house and grab the cash Sunday!
Take Toronto over the NY Knicks in this NBA match up.
2♦ TORONTO
It may not count for much this season, but fact of the matter is the Raptors are playing damn good basketball, winners of 6 straight games SUATS! Some may be expecting the Knicks to bounce back here, after the Raptors handed them the 102-95 home loss in the first game of this home-and-home series, but I'm not one of them.
Herein lies the problem for the Knicks, who are playing garbage ball right now, losers of 10 of their last 11 games, including 4 straight. Surprisingly the issue has been on the offensive side, where the Knicks are scoring just 98 ppg over their last 5 games. They've "improved" somewhat defensively, but overall this is still a team that needs to score points to win. Raptors are red-hot on offense, averaging a hearty 112 on 48% shooting over the same 5-game span, and I just don't see the struggling Knicks offense keeping pace.
From a match up standpoint, the Knicks are going to have a hell of time with the surging Andrea Bargnani, who's really begun to blossom towards the end of the season. Coupled with Bosh and Marion, the Raptors can create enough mismatches to drive the Knicks piss-poor defense crazy. Note, that the Knicks held the Raptors to 40% shooting in yesterday's match up, yet still lost by 7 points... Not a good sign as the series shifts to the Air Canada Centre!
Bottom line, two bad teams clash in this one, but only one is playing with any pride, and that's the Raptors. Not only do they benefit from playing at home, but they're also up against a Knicks team which has thrown in the towel for all intents and purposes. In the end, Raptors protect their house and grab the cash Sunday!
Take Toronto over the NY Knicks in this NBA match up.
2♦ TORONTO
Big Al
New York (-) over Toronto
we will fade the Raptors off their streak of five SU/ATS wins in a row. At first glance, one might be tempted to play against New York, as it comes into today's game off three straight road losses. But I wouldn't do that if I were you. Granted, Toronto is "hot,", but NBA road dogs of +2.5 or more points cover just 37% of the time off five SU/ATS wins. Lay the points with Mike D'Antoni's men this afternoon.
PLAY NEW YORK
New York (-) over Toronto
we will fade the Raptors off their streak of five SU/ATS wins in a row. At first glance, one might be tempted to play against New York, as it comes into today's game off three straight road losses. But I wouldn't do that if I were you. Granted, Toronto is "hot,", but NBA road dogs of +2.5 or more points cover just 37% of the time off five SU/ATS wins. Lay the points with Mike D'Antoni's men this afternoon.
PLAY NEW YORK
Marc Lawrence
NBA | Apr 05
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors New York Knicks
Play On: New York
Note: The Knicks travel north of the border to take on the Raptors in this right back revenge rematch from yesterday that saw Toronto beat New York, 102-95, at Madison Square Garden. Today, however, the roles reverse with the Raptors dressing up as the favorite. Meanwhile the Knicks will be seeking same season double revenge, a role in which they are 4-1 ATS this season under Mike D'Antoni. With Toronto 0-2 SU and ATS against same season double avenging foes this campaign, look for New York to get their payback here today.
NBA | Apr 05
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors New York Knicks
Play On: New York
Note: The Knicks travel north of the border to take on the Raptors in this right back revenge rematch from yesterday that saw Toronto beat New York, 102-95, at Madison Square Garden. Today, however, the roles reverse with the Raptors dressing up as the favorite. Meanwhile the Knicks will be seeking same season double revenge, a role in which they are 4-1 ATS this season under Mike D'Antoni. With Toronto 0-2 SU and ATS against same season double avenging foes this campaign, look for New York to get their payback here today.
Red Dog Sports
(Sunday)
Play Utah and New Orleans under 193 on Sunday. The Hornets have played under in 10 of their last 12 overall and 20 unders and 8 overs in their last 28 at home. The under has prevailed 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings and this year New Orleans has played unders in 24 of their 38 home games.
(Sunday)
Play Utah and New Orleans under 193 on Sunday. The Hornets have played under in 10 of their last 12 overall and 20 unders and 8 overs in their last 28 at home. The under has prevailed 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings and this year New Orleans has played unders in 24 of their 38 home games.
Ben Burns
Game: San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers Apr 5 2009 1:00PM
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
Reason: The Cavaliers got blown out last game. That was at Orlando though. They're back home now, where they've gone an outstanding 36-1. That includes a 8-3 ATS (11-0 SU) mark as home favorites in the -6.5 to -9 range. They're also 5-1 SU/ATS on the season, when coming off a double-digit loss. Consider laying the points.
Game: San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers Apr 5 2009 1:00PM
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
Reason: The Cavaliers got blown out last game. That was at Orlando though. They're back home now, where they've gone an outstanding 36-1. That includes a 8-3 ATS (11-0 SU) mark as home favorites in the -6.5 to -9 range. They're also 5-1 SU/ATS on the season, when coming off a double-digit loss. Consider laying the points.
The Scout
Indiana/OK City under 211
Huddle Up Sports
SA/Cleveland under 181
Nevada Sharpshooter
New Orleans -2.5 over Utah
Computer Sports
SUNDAY NEW ORLEANS-2'
Big Time
Denver/Minnesota over 207
#1 Sports
Sunday: Philadelphia Phillies - 130
Totals4U
Sunday: Atlanta/Philadelphia under 8 1/2 runs
Razor Sharp
SUNDAY: Take PORTLAND/HOUSTON OVER the total of 186
Platinum Plays
NBA: the TORONTO RAPTORS + 2½ OVER the New York Knicks
High Stakes Syndicate
Sunday: Utah/New Orleans under 192
Dark Horse Sports
Sunday - Portland / Houston under 186
TV Hotline
NEW ORLEANS -2-
Indiana/OK City under 211
Huddle Up Sports
SA/Cleveland under 181
Nevada Sharpshooter
New Orleans -2.5 over Utah
Computer Sports
SUNDAY NEW ORLEANS-2'
Big Time
Denver/Minnesota over 207
#1 Sports
Sunday: Philadelphia Phillies - 130
Totals4U
Sunday: Atlanta/Philadelphia under 8 1/2 runs
Razor Sharp
SUNDAY: Take PORTLAND/HOUSTON OVER the total of 186
Platinum Plays
NBA: the TORONTO RAPTORS + 2½ OVER the New York Knicks
High Stakes Syndicate
Sunday: Utah/New Orleans under 192
Dark Horse Sports
Sunday - Portland / Houston under 186
TV Hotline
NEW ORLEANS -2-
Greg Shaker
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->NBA: Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder - Pacers +3 -110
Game Date: 4/5/2009
Note: I have watched this line Zoom from -1 to -3 and it is time to jump. The Biggest Play we had a couple of days ago was Portland verses this OK City Squad and the reasons for this one are similar. The Thunder is nothing but a light drizzle right now and with the exception of reasonable play from time to time, they are not playing sound basketball, and they are not covering the number. The Pacers still have an outside chance of playoffing and even though it would take some doing, they have not given up hope. Perhaps they should, but don't tell this team that. They have won their last 4 of 5 and they have done that in fine fashion with increased efforts off the bench by Mr Ford and great work from the starting five. They are not afraid of the Big Bad Road Wolf, covering their last 7 of 10 and they certainly should not be afraid of the team they will meet this evening. OK City has very poor offensive numbers over their last 17 games and in fact, they have not reached the Century Mark in any of those games. BINGO!! They are going to have to do that tonight to win this contest with the Pacers recent offensive efficiency patterns. They did not stop them in the first meeting this year and low and behold, they allowed 107 and scored less than 100 themselves. If Team psychology means anything, we should be swimming in the Crystal Blue Lake later this evening. But don't forget to lay your wallet on the shoreline, because it is going to more than likely be stuffed with some Big Bills.
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<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->NBA: Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder - Pacers +3 -110
Game Date: 4/5/2009
Note: I have watched this line Zoom from -1 to -3 and it is time to jump. The Biggest Play we had a couple of days ago was Portland verses this OK City Squad and the reasons for this one are similar. The Thunder is nothing but a light drizzle right now and with the exception of reasonable play from time to time, they are not playing sound basketball, and they are not covering the number. The Pacers still have an outside chance of playoffing and even though it would take some doing, they have not given up hope. Perhaps they should, but don't tell this team that. They have won their last 4 of 5 and they have done that in fine fashion with increased efforts off the bench by Mr Ford and great work from the starting five. They are not afraid of the Big Bad Road Wolf, covering their last 7 of 10 and they certainly should not be afraid of the team they will meet this evening. OK City has very poor offensive numbers over their last 17 games and in fact, they have not reached the Century Mark in any of those games. BINGO!! They are going to have to do that tonight to win this contest with the Pacers recent offensive efficiency patterns. They did not stop them in the first meeting this year and low and behold, they allowed 107 and scored less than 100 themselves. If Team psychology means anything, we should be swimming in the Crystal Blue Lake later this evening. But don't forget to lay your wallet on the shoreline, because it is going to more than likely be stuffed with some Big Bills.
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