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NBA Betting Info. 2/3

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  • #16
    Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

    NBA Odds: Wednesday, February 3 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
    by Alan Matthews


    Looking for a decent longer-shot bet to win the Eastern Conference? Consider the Charlotte Hornets, who are currently +20000. Sure, Cleveland is probably going to roll to a second straight East title as long as LeBron James stays healthy. And the Hornets aren't even a playoff team as things stand, sitting in the ninth spot. But if the Hornets can finally get to full health, this could be a dangerous team. That's because defensive dynamo Michael Kidd-Gilchrist surprisingly returned to action over the weekend. He was originally thought to miss the season following surgery to repair a torn labrum. Kidd-Gilchrist played in 55 games last season, averaging a career-high 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds. So, whenever the Hornets get back Al Jefferson, who is out with a torn meniscus, they will have a pretty good starting five with Jefferson, Kidd-Gilchrist, Nic Batum, Kemba Walker and Cody Zeller. They also have good depth with Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb, Marvin Williams and P.J. Hairston. I could see this team winning a round or two in the playoffs if it can avoid Cleveland in the first round. And if LeBron were to somehow get hurt.... speaking of a potential Cavs-Hornets series.




    Cavaliers at Hornets (TBA)


    Cleveland won a fifth straight Monday, 111-106 in OT at Indiana. Kyrie Irving had 25 points as the Cavs won in Indianapolis for the first time in six years. LeBron James finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. He did suffer a shoulder stinger, but it's not anything that should sideline him. The Cavs are a league-best 10-1 on the road since Dec. 28. The Hornets won at the Lakers 101-82 on Sunday to end a four-game West Coast trip. Kidd-Gilchrist had 19 points and 12 rebounds. Batum sat it out with a sprained toe and Lamb missed a fifth in a row with a toe injury of his own. Charlotte lost at home to Cleveland 95-90 on Nov. 27.


    Key trends: The road team is 4-1 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in seven of the past eight.


    Early lean: Cavs will win unless at least Batum returns for Charlotte.


    Hawks at 76ers (+8.5, 207)


    Atlanta ended a three-game skid with a 112-97 win over Dallas on Monday. Jeff Teague, who has been rumored to be on the trade block, led the Hawks with a season-high 32 points on 12-for-15 from the field. Reserve center Tiago Splitter missed the game with an injured right hip. Philly has been off since nearly pulling one of the biggest upsets in NBA history, losing 108-105 at home to Golden State on Saturday. Jahlil Okafor returned after missing two games due to illness and had 13 points. The Hawks have blown out the Sixers twice this season.


    Key trends: Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The under is 5-2 in the past seven.


    Early lean: Hawks and under.


    Pistons at Celtics (TBA)


    Boston was at the Knicks on Tuesday. Detroit ended a two-game slide with a 105-100 win in Brooklyn on Monday. Andre Drummond had 21 points and 18 rebounds. Reggie Jackson was questionable due to dehydration but played and had 19 points. This is the final meeting of the season between these teams. Detroit leads 2-1 and won in Boston 99-94 on Jan. 6.


    Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five in Boston.


    Early lean: Not 100 percent sure why TBA unless it's for Boston's Jae Crowder, who was questionable for Tuesday.


    Pacers at Nets (+6.5, 202)


    Indiana's two-game winning streak ended with a home overtime loss to Cleveland on Monday. Monta Ellis wasn't close on a jumper to win at the end of regulation. Rookie Myles Turner, who is really coming on, had his first double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Indiana played without center Ian Mahinmi (back) and guard Rodney Stuckey (sprained right foot and bone bruise). Brooklyn dropped a fourth in a row Monday vs. Detroit. Brook Lopez finished one point shy of a career-best third straight game with 28 points. Pacers won the first meeting with the Nets 104-97 on Dec. 18 in Indianapolis.


    Key trends: The underdog is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 5-1 in the past six.


    Early lean: Pacers and over.


    Warriors at Wizards (+11.5, 223.5)


    This is the first of an ESPN doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks. Golden State won its seventh straight Sunday, 116-95 at the Knicks behind 34 points from Klay Thompson. Draymond Green finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his franchise-record-tying ninth triple-double of the season. Washington lost 114-98 in Oklahoma City on Monday. Coach Randy Wittman missed the game after his brother died late last week, and he won't be with the club here, either. You could argue these are the NBA's two best backcourts. No question Golden State's is best, but Washington's could be No. 2 when Bradley Beal stays healthy alongside John Wall.


    Key trends: Warriors are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-0 in the past four in D.C.


    Early lean: Wizards and under because that total is huge.


    Magic at Thunder (-13.5, 214)


    Orlando lost 107-92 in San Antonio on Monday, the Magic's 13th loss in their past 15 games. Nik Vucevic had his team-best 22nd double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City won a fourth straight Monday vs. Washington, 114-98. The Thunder have scored at least that many points in each game during the streak. Russell Westbrook had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his second straight triple-double and seventh of the season. Backup point guard Cameron Payne returned after missing Friday's game against Houston with a concussion. OKC won in Orlando 139-136 in double OT on Oct. 30.


    Key trends: The Magic are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 5-1 in OKC's past six overall.


    Early lean: Magic and over.


    Heat at Mavericks (TBA)


    Miami was in Houston on Tuesday again without center Hassan Whiteside. That this is the second of a back-to-back makes me wonder if Dwyane Wade will play. Chris Bosh certainly will as he's from Dallas. The Mavs had a two-game winning streak end in a 15-point defeat in Atlanta on Monday. Deron Williams left the game early in the second quarter with a bruised hip, and he's probably going to miss a few games at least. Dallas lost 106-82 in Miami on Jan. 1.


    Key trends: The Heat are 4-0 ATS in the past four in Dallas. The over is 5-1 in the past five there.


    Early lean: Dallas wins.


    Pelicans at Spurs (-14.5, 206)


    New Orleans had a two-game winning streak end in a 110-95 home loss to Memphis on Monday. Anthony Davis and Norris Cole each scored 23 points for the Pelicans. Jrue Holiday was just 1-for-14 from the field. Guard Tyreke Evans, the club's third-leading scorer (15.2 points per game), was out for a third straight game with right knee tendinitis. San Antonio beat the visiting Magic by 15 on Monday again without Tim Duncan. LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-high 28 points. The Spurs have won 35 straight at home. Pelicans won first meeting this season, 104-90 at home on Nov. 20.


    Key trends: The Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 16-5 in San Antonio's past 21 following a double-digit win.


    Early lean: Pelicans and over.


    Nuggets at Jazz (-7.5, 194)


    Denver pulled off a 112-93 home upset of red-hot Toronto on Monday. Rookie center Nikola Jokic had 27 points and 14 rebounds, both season highs. The Nuggets swept the season series against the East's second-best team. Utah won a third in a row Monday, 105-96 in OT over visiting Chicago. Gordon Hayward had 27 points, including the tying layup with 4.8 seconds left in regulation, and 12 rebounds. Utah has won two low-scoring games vs. the Nuggets this season.


    Key trends: The favorite is 5-0 ATS in the past five. The under is 6-1 in the past seven.


    Early lean: Jazz and under.


    Bulls at Kings (TBA)


    Chicago lost by nine on OT at Utah on Monday, managing just three points, all on free throws, in the extra session. The Bulls shot 0-for-5 in overtime and turned over the ball three times. Derrick Rose had 14 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer late in regulation. The Bulls' front office wants the Kings to do well as Chicago gets the team's first-round pick as long as it's outside the Top 10. Sacramento ended a four-game skid with a 111-104 home win over Milwaukee on Monday despite playing without All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. Rudy Gay had 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Ben McLemore also sat for Sacramento.


    Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 4-0 in the previous four.


    Early lean: Kings if Cousins plays, Bulls if not.


    Timberwolves at Clippers (-11.5, 208.5)


    The second ESPN game. Minnesota was at the Lakers on Tuesday expected to be without Kevin Garnett, Kevin Martin and the new addition to the injured list, Nikola Pekovic. Los Angeles won its fourth straight Sunday, 120-93 over Chicago. Jamal Crawford had 26 points off the bench. DeAndre Jordan had 17 points and 20 rebounds for the Clippers, who improved to 15-3 without Blake Griffin. The Clippers have beaten the Wolves twice this season and have won 14 straight in the series.


    Key trends: The Wolves are 11-5 ATS in the past 16 in L.A. The over is 9-1 in the previous 10 there.


    Early lean: Clippers and over.

    Comment


    • #17
      Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

      CLEVELAND vs. CHARLOTTE
      The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Charlotte
      Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
      The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
      Charlotte is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games


      ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
      Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
      Atlanta is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
      Philadelphia is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games at home
      Philadelphia is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games


      INDIANA vs. BROOKLYN
      Indiana is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
      The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
      Brooklyn is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Indiana
      The total has gone OVER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games at home


      DETROIT vs. BOSTON
      The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
      Detroit is 8-14-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
      The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
      Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit


      GOLDEN STATE vs. WASHINGTON
      The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
      Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
      Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
      The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games at home


      ORLANDO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
      Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
      Orlando is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
      Oklahoma City is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Orlando
      Oklahoma City is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home


      NEW ORLEANS vs. SAN ANTONIO
      New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
      The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
      San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
      The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games


      MIAMI vs. DALLAS
      The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Dallas
      Miami is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Dallas
      Dallas is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Miami
      Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami


      DENVER vs. UTAH
      The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
      Denver is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
      Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
      The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Denver


      CHICAGO vs. SACRAMENTO
      Chicago is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
      Chicago is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
      Sacramento is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Chicago
      Sacramento is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games


      MINNESOTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
      Minnesota is 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
      Minnesota is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
      LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
      LA Clippers are 16-3 SU in their last 19 games

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

        Cavaliers’ controversial coaching change a big benefit to NBA betting
        By BIG AL MCMORDIE
        In a week in which there were two meetings among the top three contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the games were overshadowed by a development off the court.
        Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin decided to further sabotage his team’s chances by breaking his hand on a team equipment manager’s face. Of course, in the sports business, off-court drama often fuels the industry more than the games, themselves. Still, a lot is happening on the court. “Big” Al McMordie takes a look at the week ahead in NBA wagering.
        Spread watch
        It’s true that first impressions die hard. And, after getting embarrassed by the Chicago Bulls in coach Tyronn Lue’s first game, many assumed that the firing of David Blatt was ill advised. Some even went further and proclaimed that Lue shouldn’t be allowed to coach in this year’s All-Star Game. But Lue’s Cavaliers rebounded off that Chicago loss to win their next four games (and cover their last three), including a 117-103 beatdown of the San Antonio Spurs.
        Lue wants his team to play at a much faster pace than did Blatt, and Cleveland has scored 114-plus points in each of the last four games. Even more impressive is the fact that the Cavaliers’ “Big Three” of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have all been important cogs in a more balanced offense. In Cleveland’s last two wins (over the Spurs and Pistons), all three players reached the 20-point plateau.
        This week, the Cavs will play road games at Indiana and Charlotte, before coming back home to take on Boston and New Orleans. And, should Cleveland win its first two games this week, Lue would surpass Steve Kerr for the best win percentage of any coach in NBA history.
        Certainly, Monday’s game at Indiana will be a tough test (the Pacers have covered four straight vs. the Cavs), but the upcoming schedule is not that daunting. If Lue’s men can get out of Indiana with a win, then I would expect Cleveland to have an 11-game win streak going into its game at Oklahoma City on February 21.
        Total watch
        In our last two weekly articles, I highlighted the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans, as both had started to play a lot of games Over the total. And each team has continued on that front. New Orleans has played its last eight games Over while Memphis has done the trick in nine of its last 10 games.
        Interestingly, a team I’ve yet to focus on this season is the defensively-challenged Houston Rockets. But I can’t ignore James Harden & Co. any longer. Houston has played 16 of its last 19 games Over the total, including its last five. And in those last five games, Houston’s allowed an average of 116.8 points. For the season, the Rockets’ defense is the worst of any team with a .500 (or better) record, ranked No. 28 in defensive efficiency. In comparison, the next-worst team, with a .500 (or better) record, is Memphis, which ranks No. 17.
        On Saturday, Houston will host the Portland Trail Blazers. And, given that 14 of the previous 17 meetings have sailed Over the total (including eight of nine at the Toyota Center), we could see yet another high-scoring affair.
        Injury watch
        Six-foot-10 Clippers star forward Blake Griffin beat up a 5-foot-8 equipment manager last week, and broke his hand in the process. Griffin was scheduled to play this week after rehabbing a quad injury sustained on December 25, but he now will be sidelined until late March. So his team’s already-dwindling championship hopes are hampered further.
        The good news for Los Angeles is that it’s been playing well in his absence. Since Christmas, the Clippers are 15-3 SU and 13-5 ATS (though mainly against soft competition). But the bad news is that Griffin will miss L.A.’s three most important home games in the season’s second half: Spurs (Feb. 18), Warriors (Feb. 20) and Thunder (Mar. 2).
        Without Griffin, the Clips have realized that their games against the NBA’s lightweights are “must wins” and they’ve generally taken care of business. This week, Los Angeles will play Minnesota (3-19 SU last 22), Orlando (2-12 SU last 14), and Miami (5-7 SU last 12), so the opportunity to pick up three wins is very good.
        I especially like their chances to cover against the T-Wolves, as the Clippers have won 14 straight in the series (8-5-1 ATS). Even worse for the Timberwolves is the fact they’ll be unrested, and playing their third game in four nights, while the Clippers will have had the previous two days off.
        Schedule watch
        The San Antonio Spurs have been unbeatable at home this season. They’re 25-0 SU and 17-7-1 ATS. But playing away from the Alamo City has been a different story. The Spurs are a mortal 14-8 SU and 13-9 ATS, including 6-7 SU/ATS versus non-losing teams, and 0-3 ATS their last three overall.
        This week, San Antonio will travel to Dallas Friday. The Mavericks have controlled the series at home, going 4-1 SU and ATS in the last five games with their bitter rivals. Dallas will be playing with revenge from a 29-point loss less than three weeks ago, in San Antonio. And the Mavs are 26-15-1 ATS when playing with revenge from a 20-point (or worse) defeat. Don’t be surprised if Dallas delivers some payback Friday night.

        Comment


        • #19
          Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

          Preview: Cleveland At Charlotte
          When: 7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
          Where: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina
          The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to keep their winning streak alive – barely – and will attempt to make it six straight victories when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The Cavaliers needed overtime to dispatch the Indiana Pacers on Monday but were pleased at their ability to pull out a win even when things weren’t going their way.
          “Every game is going to be different and we have to be able to play different styles,” LeBron James told reporters after the 111-106 victory. “We’ve shown we can play a fast-paced game. (Monday) versus a division rival, a division game on the road, when it’s not going as well as we would like, we have to be able to slow down and execute. We were able to do that.” James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving totaled 68 points in the win and have thrived as a trio under new coach Tyronn Lue. The Hornets are coming off a strong defensive performance, though the competition was not quite as stiff as Cleveland should provide. Charlotte held the Western Conference-worst Los Angeles Lakers to 33.8 percent from the field on Sunday to wrap up a 2-2 road trip.
          TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Southeast (Charlotte)
          ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (35-12): Cleveland reportedly held a players-only meeting after general manager David Griffin informed the team that former head coach David Blatt had been fired, and the three stars challenged each other to be more accountable to each other and the team. So far the message seems to have gotten across, and the Cavaliers are sharing the ball and lighting up the scoreboard with over 110 points in each of the last five games. All five starters finished with at least 14 points in Monday’s win while Irving and James combined for 13 assists.
          ABOUT THE HORNETS (23-25): Charlotte has won four of its last six games but was forced to lean on its defense on Sunday as the struggles of the backcourt continued. Starting guards Jeremy Lin and Kemba Walker combined to go 5-of-24 from the field while Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb each sat out with toe injuries. Walker, who leads the team in scoring (20.2 points), is shooting 29.5 percent from the floor in the last five games, including 27.3 percent from 3-point range.
          BUZZER BEATERS
          1. Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson is 23-of-30 from the field in the last five games.
          2. Hornets F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is 11-of-15 from the field in his first two games after sitting out the first 46 contests with a shoulder injury.
          3. Cleveland has taken each of the last four meetings, including a 95-90 triumph in Charlotte on Nov. 27.
          PREDICTION: Cavaliers 113, Hornets 103

          Comment


          • #20
            Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

            Preview: Atlanta At Philadelphia
            When: 7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
            Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
            Tershe wins continue to come far less frequently than the Philadelphia 76ers hope, but there are small steps forward for a team that opened the season with 18 consecutive losses. Philadelphia hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday after pushing NBA champion Golden State in a 108-105 home defeat Saturday, and the 76ers ended January with victories in three of their final seven contests.
            “We’ll take our licks whatever else happens,” coach Brett Brown told the media after Saturday’s close call with the Warriors, emphasizing the Sixers will continue to battle despite owning the NBA’s worst record. The Hawks are not struggling anywhere near the level Philadelphia is enduring, but Atlanta’s 60-win campaign from a season ago feels like an aberration. Atlanta beat the Mavericks at home on Monday 112-97, getting a season-high 32 points from Jeff Teague in snapping a three-game losing streak. “His aggressiveness and his energy really put us at a different level when he’s able to play like that,” Hawks center Al Horford told reporters after Teague shot 12-of-15 from the field.
            TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), CSN Philadelphia
            ABOUT THE HAWKS (28-22): Atlanta has struggled in the first half of games this season but not Monday, when it held Dallas to 15 points in the opening quarter in leading most of the way. Guard Kyle Korver finished 4-of-7 from 3-point range, rebounding from a scoreless outing in Sunday’s loss at Miami and offsetting a rough night from Atlanta’s starting frontcourt – leading scorer Paul Millsap scored just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. The Hawks enter Tuesday ranked seventh in scoring defense (99.7) after limiting the Mavericks to 36.5 percent shooting on Monday.
            ABOUT THE SIXERS (7-41): Point guard Ish Smith has settled the offense somewhat since rejoining the team, averaging 8.1 assists in 17 games while helping Philadelphia raise its average from 18.8 per game to 20.5. Center Jahlil Okafor came off the bench Saturday with 13 points after missing the previous two contests with a neck injury; the rookie is averaging a team-high 17.2 points. Center Nerlens Noel averages 8.3 rebounds and adds 10.7 points on 52.4 percent shooting.
            BUZZER BEATERS
            1. Atlanta is 2-0 against the Sixers this season, winning by 21 points in Atlanta on Dec. 16 and prevailing by 28 points on Jan. 7 in Philadelphia.
            2. Philadelphia recorded 18 steals against the Warriors, the Sixers’ NBA-leading third game this season with 18 or more thefts.
            3. Hawks C Tiago Splitter did not play Monday due to an injured right hip, the same injury that caused him to miss eight games earlier this season.
            PREDICTION: Hawks 104, Sixers 99

            Comment


            • #21
              Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

              Preview: Detroit At Boston
              When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
              Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
              The Boston Celtics’ bench continues to provide a big boost as they inch their way up the Eastern Conference standings. Those reserves were big in a win at New York on Tuesday and will be relied on again in a quick turnaround Wednesday at home against Detroit.
              Tyler Zeller had season highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds while fellow reserves Evan Turner (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Kelly Olynyk (13 points) chipped in plenty to help the Celtics pick up a 97-89 win over the Knicks. It was the sixth win in seven games for Boston, which has vaulted into a tie with Atlanta for fourth in the East. The Pistons got all five starters into double figures in a 105-100 win in Brooklyn on Monday, evening their mark at 1-1 on the current three-game road trip. They claimed the first meeting in Boston on Jan. 6 behind 24 points from Reggie Jackson, who is 5-0 in his NBA career in Beantown, where he starred for Boston College.
              TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, CSN New England (Boston)
              ABOUT THE PISTONS (26-23): Detroit is in the midst of a busy stretch in which it plays five contests in a span of seven days and things have been made more difficult by a series of nagging injuries, as Reggie Jackson (thumb), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (oblique), Ersan Ilyasova (thigh) and Marcus Morris (knee) are each at less than 100 percent. Coach Stan Van Gundy wonders if the physical issues are the primary reason his team has given up at least 100 points in seven of nine games this month. “I don’t know if that’s fatigue catching up 50 games in and we’re in a tough stretch of the schedule where we’re playing a lot … but I know we’re a lot better defensively than what we’ve shown the last few weeks,” Van Gundy told reporters at practice Tuesday.
              ABOUT THE CELTICS (28-22): Boston’s bench is averaging 47.4 points during its 6-1 run, and it has topped the 60-point mark twice in that stretch. While Olynyk has been on fire, shooting 47.1 percent from 3-point range since Dec. 1, Turner is stuffing the stat sheet with averages of 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals through the seven-game surge despite playing 30 or fewer minutes in each affair. All-Star Isaiah Thomas is averaging 25.7 points and 8.7 assists in three games against Detroit this season.
              BUZZER BEATERS
              1. Pistons rookie F Stanley Johnson has scored in double figures in four straight games for the first time in his career.
              2. Boston is 8-3 in the second game of back-to-backs.
              3. Over his last 10 games, Pistons PG Brandon Jennings has scored five points or fewer eight times and at least 20 points in the other two contests.
              PREDICTION: Celtics 102, Pistons 100

              Comment


              • #22
                Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                Preview: Indiana At Brooklyn
                When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
                The Indiana Pacers still look like one of the best teams in the league in stretches, but they just can’t seem to find any consistency. The Pacers will try to bounce back from an overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
                Indiana battled back to take a lead late against Cleveland but could not make the plays it needed at the end and ended up falling 111-106 to close out a 2-2 homestand. “Very, very frustrating, because we put together a solid game and were in position to win this one,” All-Star forward Paul George, who struggled to 3-of-15 from the field, told reporters. “It’s been the story of the season for us – play well enough to win it and lose it late in the game.” The Nets can understand that sentiment after falling for the fourth straight time on Monday, with three of those losses coming by five or fewer points. Monday’s 105-100 loss to the Detroit Pistons was the 14th setback in the last 16 games and featured some poor execution down the stretch.
                TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Indiana, YES (Brooklyn)
                ABOUT THE PACERS (25-23): Indiana is transitioning rookie Myles Turner into a bigger role and is willing to put up with some struggles, such as the forward forgetting a screen on the final play of regulation on Monday. Turner finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but his missed screen led to one of Monta Ellis’ 11 missed shots on the night. “There are plenty of positives (Monday),” Pacers coach Frank Vogel told reporters. “We are an improving team. We’ve changed, we’re evolving and we’ve got great promise to have a strong second half of the season. It’s frustrating too, but I’m encouraged. Our two best scorers had off shooting nights and we had a chance to beat the best team in the East.”
                ABOUT THE NETS (12-37): Brooklyn has been in a position to win of late thanks to center Brook Lopez, who is averaging 26.4 points on 57.1 percent shooting and 9.4 rebounds in the last five games. “I was just trying to be aggressive when I got it and I think we are all doing a good job of that,” Lopez told reporters after putting up 27 points against the Pistons. “When we are getting looks, we are taking them. That’s obviously the first rule to making shots, you have to take them.” The Nets could use some more made shots from guard Joe Johnson, who went 1-of-8 from the field on Monday.
                BUZZER BEATERS
                1. Nets C Andrea Bargnani scored 18 points on Monday after totaling two in the previous two games.
                2. Pacers C Ian Mahinmi (sore lower back) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.
                3. George led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds as Indiana earned a 104-97 home win over Brooklyn on Dec. 18.
                PREDICTION: Pacers 102, Nets 96

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                  Preview: Golden State At Washington
                  When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                  Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
                  Draymond Green admitted that his selfish search for a triple-double on Saturday left the Golden State Warriors in a dangerous position, but just letting one come naturally on Sunday gave the team a big boost. The first-time All-Star will try to lead the Warriors to an eighth consecutive win when they close out a three-game road trip at the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
                  Green blamed himself for Golden State squandering a 24-point lead in a 108-105 win at Philadelphia on Saturday but redeemed himself with a rare “perfect” triple-double, going 9-of-9 from the floor at the New York Knicks the next night and finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 116-95 triumph. “That’s how you (record a triple-double),” Green told reporters. “It comes within the flow of the game, within the flow of the offense. That’s how all of them have been, but when you start doing what I did (Saturday), it doesn’t work out.” The Wizards are struggling through a tough part of the schedule and have the misfortune of returning home to face the top team in the league after falling at Oklahoma City on Monday. Washington watched Russell Westbrook go for a triple-double in the 114-98 setback and has dropped six of its last eight games.
                  TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington)
                  ABOUT THE WARRIORS (44-4): Reigning MVP Stephen Curry is suffering through a shooting slump with an average of 16.7 points on 18-of-47 from the field in the last three games, but fellow All-Star Klay Thompson is picking up the slack. Thompson is averaging 37 points and is 42-of-64 from the field in that span, capped by a 14-of-18 effort at the Knicks. “It’s special,” Curry told reporters of Thompson’s hot streak. “He’s finding his rhythm, being very aggressive, and he’s also making plays — not just shooting the ball, but also finding guys when he’s double-teamed or curling. He’s obviously making shots, and it’s fun to watch.”
                  ABOUT THE WIZARDS (21-25): Washington has allowed opponents an average of 115 points in the last five games – four losses – and was crushed on the glass 53-27 by the Thunder in Monday’s 114-98 setback. “We got down early. They were offensive rebounding,” Wizards guard Garrett Temple told reporters. “We had no resistance defensively. They were scoring at will, especially in the first six minutes, eight minutes of the game. … Overall it was not guarding, a broken record.” Washington is 14th in the Eastern Conference in scoring defense (allowing an average of 105 points), ahead of only the 76ers (105.1).
                  BUZZER BEATERS
                  1. Green is the first player to go perfect from the field in a triple-double on nine or more shot attempts since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.
                  2. Wizards coach Randy Wittman (personal) is expected to miss his second straight game.
                  3. Golden State took both meetings last season and eight of the last nine in the series.
                  PREDICTION: Warriors 120, Wizards 102

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                  • #24
                    Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                    Preview: Orlando At Oklahoma City
                    When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                    Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
                    The Oklahoma City Thunder have been almost unstoppable in the offensive end of late and they hope to continue their roll against the visiting Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Thunder, who take on the league-leading Golden State Warriors on Saturday, have won 11 of their last 12 contests and are averaging 121 points during a four-game win streak.
                    Russell Westbrook comes in off his second consecutive triple-double in the 114-98 triumph against Washington on Monday and scored 48 in the first meeting against Orlando this season. Westbrook and Kevin Durant (43 points) led a comeback as Oklahoma City rallied from 18 down in the fourth quarter to beat the Magic 139-136 in double overtime on Oct. 30. Orlando started the calendar year 19-13, but has dropped 13 of 15 since after a 107-92 loss at San Antonio on Monday. “I still believe in us,” Magic guard Victor Oladipo told the Orlando Sentinel. “I believe in myself. I believe in this team.”
                    TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Orlando), FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)
                    ABOUT THE MAGIC (21-26): Orlando ended an eight-game losing streak with a win over Boston on Sunday and held a lead in the third quarter at San Antonio before succumbing, despite double-doubles from Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. Vucevic leads the team in scoring (16.7) and rebounding (8.9) while shooting 49.7 percent from the field overall, but has made only 26 of his 67 shots (38.8) the last four games. Gordon, recently inserted into a starter’s role, is averaging 12 points and 10.7 boards over the last six contests.
                    ABOUT THE THUNDER (37-13): There was some concern during Monday’s game as Durant wore a knee brace, but he has been red hot of late while averaging 32.8 points and 10.8 rebounds his past five outings. Westbrook averages 24 points and 7.4 rebounds – both second to Durant (27.2, 8.0) – and dishes out 9.9 assists for a Thunder offense that ranks second in the league at 109.5 points. Center Enes Kanter averages 11.9 points – fourth just behind Serge Ibaka (12.9) – and has two double-doubles in three games.
                    BUZZER BEATERS
                    1. The Thunder have won six straight against the Magic at home, dating back to Orlando’s last win in 2008.
                    2. Oklahoma City G Dion Waiters is averaging 13.5 points the last four games, bringing his seasonal mark to 10.0.
                    3. Oladipo needs 11 to reach 3,000 career points in the middle of his third season and is four assists shy of 800.
                    PREDICTION: Thunder 115, Magic 103

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                      Preview: Miami At Dallas
                      When: 8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                      Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
                      The Miami Heat had a season-long four-game winning streak snapped in the opener of a three-game road trip and look to rebound when they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Miami dropped a 115-102 decision to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday when it committed 17 turnovers and allowed 16 3-point baskets.
                      The Heat will look to be much crisper on the second night of the back-to-back and guard Dwyane Wade bemoaned the sloppiness against Houston. “I think early on we just weren’t mentally sharp,” Wade told reporters. “We came out and were losing the ball.” Dallas is playing the third contest of a stretch in which it plays five games in seven nights — it concludes with a home game against San Antonio and a road outing against Memphis on back-to-back nights. “It’s hard. We’re a little tired but that’s the NBA,” backup guard J.J. Barea told reporters. “You’ve just got to take it one game at a time.”
                      TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Miami), FSN Southwest (Dallas)
                      ABOUT THE HEAT (27-22): Dominating center Hassan Whiteside (oblique) is expected to miss his seventh straight game and his absence has provided an opportunity for veteran Amar’e Stoudemire to put together a solid stretch. The 33-year-old former All-Star can’t play much more than half the game because of the physical wear and tear but he has strung together back-to-back double-doubles and three consecutive double-digit scoring outings. Stoudemire is averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds while making 17-of-29 shots during the last three games.
                      ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (28-23): Dallas might be without point guards Deron Williams (hip) and Devin Harris (toe), and coach Rick Carlisle is hoping the injury Williams suffered during Monday’s 112-97 loss to Atlanta isn’t serious. “He got hit in the hip, a hip-to-hip collision on the drive,” Carlisle told reporters. “I don’t know anything about a timetable but I’m concerned.” Barea, who is averaging 14 points during the last five games, will move into the starting lineup, and the Mavericks certainly recall his productivity during a four-game stretch of filling in for Williams in late December — he averaged 22.3 points and made 18-of-26 3-point shots.
                      BUZZER BEATERS
                      1. The Heat have won eight of the past nine regular-season meetings after rolling to a 106-82 home win over the Mavericks on Jan. 1.
                      2. Miami SG Tyler Johnson (left shoulder) will undergo surgery Wednesday and miss approximately two months.
                      3. Dallas PF Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 15.2 points during his last five games — the drop in production beginning after matching his season high of 31 points against Boston on Jan. 18.
                      PREDICTION: Mavericks 105, Heat 100

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                        Preview: New Orleans At San Antonio
                        When: 8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                        Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
                        The San Antonio Spurs attempt to win their 27th consecutive home game this season when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. San Antonio has recorded 35 straight home wins dating back to last season, the sixth-best streak in NBA history.
                        New Orleans has enjoyed success of late against the Spurs by winning four of the past five meetings, including a 104-90 home victory on Nov. 20. The Pelicans have won seven of their last 10 games but suffered a 110-95 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. San Antonio is 2-2 over its last four overall games but kept its home streak intact with a 107-92 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. “We need to improve on our consistency and being able to play the 48 minutes, no matter who we play,” Spurs point guard Patty Mills told reporters. “Whether it was Cleveland, Orlando, or whoever it is, and that’s stuff that we can control. Getting into All-Star break here soon and the rest of the season, that’s definitely a focus.”
                        TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN Southwest (San Antonio)
                        ABOUT THE PELICANS (18-29): Point guard Tyreke Evans (knee) has missed three straight games and Norris Cole has stepped up to take advantage of the increased playing time, including a season-high 23 points against the Grizzlies. Cole is averaging 17.3 points and seven assists over the three-game span and was the team’s lone productive guard against Memphis as backup point guard Jrue Holiday had four points on 1-of-14 shooting. Power forward Anthony Davis had 23 points and nine rebounds against the Grizzlies and has scored 20 or more points in eight of his past nine outings.
                        ABOUT THE SPURS (40-8): All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (28 points) and Mills (22) both were 9-of-13 from the field and combined for nearly half the San Antonio points against Orlando. The output represented a season high for Aldridge – who is averaging 22.7 points on 25-of-37 shooting over the past three contests – and matched a season best for Mills. “Great job from LaMarcus in his leadership,” Mills told reporters afterward. “Playing off his confidence (and Orlando) having to adjust to him and opening up for other people.”
                        BUZZER BEATERS
                        1. The Pelicans are just 4-20 at San Antonio with one of the victories occurring last season.
                        2. New Orleans backup SF Ryan Anderson scored 30 points and made six 3-pointers in the November victory over the Spurs.
                        3. San Antonio C Tim Duncan (knee) is expected to miss his fifth straight game and sixth in the past seven.
                        PREDICTION: Spurs 103, Pelicans 90

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                          Preview: Denver At Utah
                          When: 9:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                          Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
                          The Utah Jazz are enjoying their first three-game winning streak of the season and look to add another victory to the total when they host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The Jazz posted an impressive 105-96 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday to get that elusive third straight win and have won four of their past five contests.
                          Denver also enters the contest on a high note after pounding Toronto 112-93 to end the Raptors’ franchise-best 11-game winning streak. The Nuggets are on the fringe end of the Western Conference playoff race and need to step up with five of their next six games being on the road. Utah is taking aim at that final playoff spot and figures to get a boost now that power forward Derrick Favors is again thriving after recovering from back issues that he says were related to his sleeping position. “I think my mattress – it wasn’t soft, but it was kind of outdated,” noted Favors, who said he is in the process of changing from sleeping on his stomach to sleeping on his back.
                          TV: 9 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), ROOT (Utah)
                          ABOUT THE NUGGETS (19-30): Rookie center Nikola Jokic had season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds in the win over the Raptors and has emerged with four double-doubles in five games. Jokic is averaging 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds during the stretch and displaying signs he should be a fixture in the starting lineup. “What a performance. Every time I think he’s kind of maxed out for his rookie season, he finds a way to keep on impressing me,” Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters. “You can talk about some of these other young bigs, who are all talented, and I wouldn’t trade him for anybody in the world. He’s a special young man and a special young talent. He’s only going to get better as he gets stronger.”
                          ABOUT THE JAZZ (22-25): Small forward Gordon Hayward had 27 points, a season-high 12 rebounds and seven assists in the victory over the Bulls for his sixth 20-point outing in the last seven games. Hayward averaged 21.3 points in January and he said the absences of Favors and guard Alec Burks (broken lower leg) provided an opportunity to be a more well-rounded force. “When guys go down, it’s a chance to expand your game,” Hayward told reporters. “You’re doing some things you probably wouldn’t necessarily be doing. For all of us, we’ve gotten better because of it.”
                          BUZZER BEATERS
                          1. The Jazz have won the past three meetings and held the Nuggets to an average of 85.3 points.
                          2. Utah C Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.3 rebounds over the past four games.
                          3. Denver PG Jameer Nelson (wrist) is in jeopardy of sitting out for the eighth time in 10 games.
                          PREDICTION: Jazz 101, Nuggets 96

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                            Preview: Chicago At Sacramento
                            When: 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                            Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, California
                            The Chicago Bulls followed up an embarrassing loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a crushing setback at the Utah Jazz in what is beginning to look like a rough seven-game road trip. The Bulls will try to pick themselves up when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
                            Chicago kicked off the trip with a win over the lowly Los Angeles Lakers but followed it up with a 120-93 setback against the Clippers before blowing a late lead at Utah in a 105-96 overtime loss. The Bulls have dropped nine of the last 13 games and are regularly struggling with offensive rhythm in the final minutes of games. Chicago could catch a break on Wednesday if DeMarcus Cousins (sprained left ankle) is forced to miss a second straight game, though Rudy Gay had no trouble picking up the slack on Monday. Gay scored 32 points on 13-of-20 shooting and added nine rebounds and six assists as Sacramento snapped a four-game slide with a 111-104 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
                            TV: 10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), CSN California (Sacramento)
                            ABOUT THE BULLS (26-21): All-Star guard Jimmy Butler scored a team-high 26 points in 47 minutes on Monday but was disappointed in the overall direction of the team in the last five minutes of the game and the last month in general. “Just being careless with the ball,” Butler told reporters. “Weren’t doing what we were supposed to do. That’s how we’ve been playing. That’s the way it’s been going. And the same outcome is what we’ve gotten every time.” Center Pau Gasol suggested the team was “not disciplined” after the loss to the Clippers, and first-year coach Fred Hoiberg is searching for answers.
                            ABOUT THE KINGS (21-27): Gay missed four of the last six games in January with heel and eye injuries but looked plenty healthy in shouldering more of the scoring load with Cousins out on Monday. “I think it was great – ball movement, fourth quarter I believe we only had one turnover,” Gay told reporters. “We moved the ball well and we were cautious about it, made the right pass, people made shots and it was beautiful.” Cousins had X-rays on his ankle come back negative and is officially considered day-to-day.
                            BUZZER BEATERS
                            1. Kings PG Rajon Rondo is shooting 57.1 percent from 3-point range over the last five games, including 4-of-4 on Monday.
                            2. Gasol is shooting 59.5 percent from the field in the last five games.
                            3. The home team has taken the last seven meetings in the series.
                            PREDICTION: Kings 103, Bulls 101

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/3

                              Preview: Minnesota At L.A. Clippers
                              When: 10:30 PM ET, Wednesday, February 3, 2016
                              Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
                              The Los Angeles Clippers aim to stretch their winning streak against Minnesota to 15 games when they host the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Two of the victories have occurred this season — by an average of six points — and the Clippers haven’t lost in the series since dropping a 95-94 decision in Minneapolis on March 5, 2012.
                              Los Angeles has won four consecutive games and rolled to an easy 120-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. The situation regarding Blake Griffin (broken hand) might be resolved Wednesday as the NBA is expected to announce the punishment for the incident in which Griffin slugged equipment staffer Matias Testi. Minnesota has suffered five straight losses, including a 119-115 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday despite 30 points from shooting guard Andrew Wiggins. The Timberwolves started 8-8 this season and have since gone 6-28.
                              TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
                              ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (14-36): Veteran power forward Kevin Garnett sought out reporters Tuesday so he could come out in support of interim coach Sam Mitchell as Minnesota’s season continues to unravel. “I want you guys to understand that not only do I endorse Sam Mitchell, but the other players do, too,” Garnett told reporters. “We believe not only in him, but the system and what we’re trying to do here. I think everybody needs to understand that. The transformation and what we’re trying to do here is build something for the future, and these are the first steps of that.” Mitchell became coach when Flip Saunders died shortly before the start of the season and speculation is rampant that the Timberwolves will look for a new coach after the season.
                              ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (32-16): Backup guard Jamal Crawford is averaging 20.7 points during the past three games and had 26 on 11-of-15 shooting in the rout of the Bulls. Center DeAndre Jordan also had a superb outing with 17 points and 20 rebounds and is averaging 18.8 boards during the past four games. “We feed off big fella,” point guard Chris Paul told reporters. “He’s the reason why we go — on both ends. He opens things on the offensive end. He doesn’t get enough credit, if you ask me.”
                              BUZZER BEATERS
                              1. The Clippers have won seven of their past eight home games.
                              2. Garnett (knee) and SG Kevin Martin (wrist) are both expected to miss their sixth consecutive games.
                              3. Los Angeles is 22-2 when holding opponents under 100 points.
                              PREDICTION: Clippers 121, Timberwolves 104

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