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**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:44 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

NBA notebook: Kings suspend Cousins; Karl undergoes cancer procedure
By The Sports Xchange

As Sacramento coach George Karl missed practice Thursday to undergo a procedure related to a cancer in his throat, the Kings announced a one-game suspension for center DeMarcus Cousins apparently because of his actions the previous night.
Cousins' suspension was for "conduct detrimental to the team," Kings vice president of operations and general manager Vlade Divac said in a statement. Cousins will miss Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic.
The Kings did not specify the reason for the suspension, but Cousins received a technical on Wednesday night, his 15th of the season. He also had words with Karl during a timeout.
Karl, 64, battled throat cancer that was detected in 2010 and earlier battled prostate cancer in 2005.
Karl said no when asked if the procedure was serious, according to the Sacramento Bee. Divac told the newspaper that the team likely wouldn't know test results for a "couple days."

---Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo will be sidelined the remainder of the season after breaking his right ankle on Thursday.
According to the Bucks, Mayo accidentally tripped heading down the stairs of his home on Thursday morning.
In 41 games (24 starts) this season, Mayo averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.17 steals in 26.6 minutes of work.

---Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Lovellette passed away Wednesday night after a battle with cancer. He was 86.
Lovellette was a four-time NBA All-Star who was part of three NBA title teams. He averaged 17 points and 9.5 rebounds while playing 12 seasons (1953-64) for the Minneapolis Lakers, Cincinnati Royals, St. Louis Hawks and Boston Celtics.
Lovellette was the first player in basketball history to play on NCAA, Olympics and NBA championship squads. He led Kansas to the 1952 NCAA title.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:44 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Nets (18-46) at 76ers (8-56)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Though the Brooklyn Nets have been on the road for what seems like an eternity, the Philadelphia 76ers have gone even longer since last experiencing a win.

The Nets conclude the longest trip of any team this season with Friday night's matchup against a 76ers team looking to avoid a 14th consecutive loss.

Brooklyn (18-46) has started to feel the effects of a nine-game, 18-day trek that began Feb. 23 against Portland. After allowing Minnesota to shoot 68.4 percent - the highest by any team in 18 years - in a 132-118 loss Saturday, it failed to hold to a 16-point halftime lead in Tuesday's 104-99 defeat to Toronto.

The Atlantic Division-leading Raptors closed the gap by outscoring the Nets 36-22 in the third quarter, then held Brooklyn to 38.9 percent shooting in the fourth while forcing 12 second-half turnovers.

"We had a good showing," center Brook Lopez said. "Unfortunately they went on that huge run and we weren't able to claw quite back into it.'

After being rested along with Thaddeus Young against Minnesota, Lopez kept the Nets in it with 35 points. He's averaging 24.3 on the trip.

The Nets did have a chance to briefly return home prior to making the 100-mile jaunt to Wells Fargo Center, where they were dealt a 103-98 loss in their last visit Feb. 6.

Philadelphia (8-56) hasn't won since, enduring its longest skid since its 0-18 start. It's allowed 116.7 points over the last 12 losses and is struggling offensively as well with Jahlil Okafor sidelined by a shin contusion and a sore knee.

Okafor has missed five straight games.

"I think this knee situation is obviously a concern to all of us," coach Brett Brown said following Wednesday's 118-104 loss to Houston. "I'm sure like all of us the path of what it actually means, who knows. Once we can figure that all out, me, the media, Jahlil most importantly, I think that he'll be in a far better place."

Okafor, averaging a team-high 17.5 points, scored 22 in each of Philadelphia's two meetings with Brooklyn this season and grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in last month's victory.

The 76ers did have Nerlens Noel back for the Houston game after he missed the previous two with a knee injury. The young forward had 17 points and nine rebounds in his return and scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting Feb. 6.

Okafor's absence has led to increased production from Ish Smith. The point guard has averaged 22.7 points over his last three and scored 11 of his 21 against Houston in the fourth quarter, helping the Sixers cut a 16-point deficit to two with 4:37 left.

Philadelphia also has become more perimeter-oriented without its starting center, averaging 11.0 3-pointers made and 32.0 attempts over the five games.

Young, who spent his first seven seasons with Philadelphia from 2007-14, has totaled 40 points and 21 rebounds in the season series. He had 18 points and 11 boards in the Nets' 100-91 home win Dec. 10.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:44 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Pistons (33-31) at Hornets (35-28)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

If the Charlotte Hornets post their first six-game win streak in six seasons, it's a good chance it will be because of a big performance by Kemba Walker.

In a matchup of potential playoff teams, Walker seeks to score at least 30 points for the fifth straight game Friday night when the Hornets host the Detroit Pistons.

Charlotte (35-28) can win six in a row for the first time since March 5-14, 2010. Walker is averaging 31.6 points during the win streak, including a mark of 33.0 in his run of 30-point efforts in which he's shooting 52.6 percent while making 17 of 34 3-pointers.

'He's a different shooter,' coach Steve Clifford said. 'He's put so much work in and right now he's in such a rhythm.'

Walker has been the catalyst for a Charlotte club that has won 13 of 16 to move into contention for a Southeast Division crown, trailing Miami by 1 1/2 games. The Hornets, who made the postseason two years ago, have never won a division title.

'We're healthy, we want to win, we are motivated and we want to get to the playoffs,' Walker said. 'I can't say much more.'

Walker had 35 points with seven assists and seven rebounds without a turnover in Wednesday's 122-113 home victory over New Orleans.

The Hornets are averaging 116.6 points on 47.5 percent shooting in this win streak. Charlotte's average speed on offense of 4.68 miles per hour, which includes all movements, is one of the league's best marks.

"Our offense right now is good, not only are we scoring, moving the ball but 21 assists and five turnovers (Wednesday), we're playing at a good pace," Clifford said.

Detroit (33-31) can move within 1 1/2 games of Charlotte in the tightly bunched Eastern Conference. The Pistons opened a four-game trip Wednesday with their sixth victory in eight games, 102-96 over Dallas.

Andre Drummond had 25 points and 17 rebounds for his league-best 54th double-double. Tobias Harris added 19 points for Detroit, which won its 33rd game - one more than all of last season.

'We've got a younger team,' Drummond said. 'Stan (coach Stan Van Gundy) has done a good job of bringing in guys that can really spread the floor. We have a lot of shooters on the team. It makes teams really think about who you're going to match up with.'

These clubs are similar in that neither ranks high in field-goal percentage, with Charlotte shooting 43.4 percent and Detroit at 43.7. They both shoot plenty of 3-pointers, with the Hornets averaging 29.4 to lead all East clubs and the Pistons averaging 26.3.

It's no secret that Clifford adopted his approach after he was an assistant to Van Gundy in Orlando between 2007-12.

"Everybody talks about Mike D'Antoni, who is terrific," Clifford said. "Stan was the guy, we played four-out before anybody played four-out, we shot a ton of 3s."

The Pistons are hoping top scorer Reggie Jackson works his way out of some woes in which he is averaging 10.0 points on 25.6 percent shooting in his last three road games. He had a season-low four on 2-of-9 shooting in a 104-84 loss at Charlotte on Dec. 7.

The Hornets, who are seeking their second seven-game home win streak of the season, have taken six of the last eight meetings with Detroit.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:44 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Rockets (32-32) at Celtics (39-26)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Boston Celtics' longest home win streak in 25 seasons has propelled them to a lofty position in the Eastern Conference.

The Houston Rockets have a firmer hold on the West's final playoff spot thanks to a rare road win streak.

They'll seek to extend it Friday night by ending the Celtics' 14-game run at TD Garden.

Boston was tied for ninth in the East and one game back of the final playoff position before its streak began Jan. 13. The Celtics (39-26) have since vaulted to third due greatly to their longest run at home since an 18-gamer in 1990-91.

"We knew if we played the way we can play, we would be in a great position," guard Evan Turner said. "I don't think we look at ourselves as the third seed or I don't think we look at ourselves as better than anybody. We have lost to teams that are technically not the best teams. We understand that we're not satisfied."

Boston outscored a depleted Memphis team 31-12 in the third quarter Wednesday en route to a 116-96 victory. Isaiah Thomas had 16 of his 22 points in that period and led seven Celtics in double figures.

"At the end of the day, if it's an ugly win or a good win, we want to come out on top," Turner said. "We want to try to play the right way and keep getting better for the big picture."

The Celtics have averaged 112.4 points during the home streak.

Houston (32-32) has averaged 115.5 during just its third road win streak of the season, beating Toronto and Philadelphia. Wednesday's 118-104 victory over the 76ers saw Jason Terry score seven points in the Rockets' game-ending 13-1 run and helped extend their lead on eighth place in the West to three games over Utah.

"We've just got to continue to do the things that we're doing that's making us successful," said James Harden, who had 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. "Defensively, we're really keying and shutting teams down. And offensively, we're sharing the basketball, moving around and guys are just playing well."

The Rockets, 15-18 away from home, have won three straight on the road just once, from Jan. 4-17. They've won their last two visits to Boston but had a four-game overall win streak in the series snapped with a 111-95 defeat Nov. 16 as Harden and Dwight Howard were held to a combined 21 points.

Harden has averaged 34.7 in Houston's last 12 games, and Howard has added 17.9 points with 12.8 rebounds in that span. Howard has scored 21 in each of the past two wins.

Boston likely won't have Kelly Olynyk available to help guard Houston's big man this time as he reportedly continues to have trouble with his right shoulder, an injury that's kept him out since Feb. 10. Starting center Jared Sullinger played Wednesday after missing back-to-back practices because of a skin infection.

Thomas has averaged 27.8 points in the last four games, hitting 11 of 23 from 3-point range, and scored a game-high 23 against Houston.

Harden's career average of 12.7 points in Boston is his lowest in any city, and he's shot 25.6 percent in his last two games there.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:45 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Pelicans (24-39) at Grizzlies (38-26)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

As the injuries mount, the mettle of the Memphis Grizzlies continues to be challenged.

With backup point guard Mario Chalmers the latest contributor to go down, it's uncertain who of the banged-up Grizzlies will be available Friday night as they try to sweep the season series from the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.

While starter Mike Conley missed his second straight game with a sore foot, Chalmers exited in the third quarter of Wednesday's 116-96 loss at Boston with a foot injury. Chalmers, who averaged 14.5 points over a six-game stretch prior to Wednesday, left the locker room in a wheelchair and is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

"Obviously to see another fallen soldier go down due to injury, it deflates you, takes a lot out of you," Memphis veteran Tony Allen said.

Though the Grizzlies (38-26) have a firm grasp on the fifth spot in the Western Conference, it's unknown who will be healthy when the playoffs begin next month.

Conley and forward Chris Andersen (shoulder), who also missed the past two games, are expected to be re-evaluated before their status for this contest is determined. It's also unknown if starter Zach Randolph (knee) will miss a third consecutive game. The Grizzlies already lost star Marc Gasol (broken foot) for the season, continue to play without backup Brandan Wright (knee) and could be minus Chalmers for some time.

"When it rains it pours," said Memphis' Matt Barnes, who had 12 points against Boston after missing Monday's 106-103 win at Cleveland with a hamstring issue.

Without a true point guard for most of the second half Wednesday, the Grizzlies shot 35 percent and committed nine turnovers while being outscored 64-41. They've dropped two of three and the only time they've lost two in a row over the last 32 games was Feb. 6 and 8.

Second-year forward JaMychal Green posted his second straight double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds Wednesday. Green averaged 5.9 points with 3.9 rebounds in his first 57 games, but 16.7 points in the last three and has pulled down 23 boards in two.

At or close to full strength, Memphis averaged 108 points and shot 51.3 percent to take the first three meetings from New Orleans (24-39). Randolph had 22 points with 12 rebounds and Conley added 17 with 10 assists in a 110-95 win at New Orleans on Feb. 1.

Though the Grizzlies might not have as easy a time if neither play, the Pelicans continue to feel the frustration amid their 1-5 stretch.

Anthony Davis had 40 points with 13 rebounds and Jrue Holiday scored a career-high 38 Wednesday as the Hornets rallied from 17 down before falling 122-113 at Charlotte.

"The effort was there," said coach Alvin Gentry, whose team has allowed an average of 110.5 points in the last 11 games. "We've just got to do a better job defensively."

Davis has averaged 33.3 points in three games and 11.8 boards in the last four. He hasn't scored more than 23 against the Grizzlies this season.

Holiday averaged 26.7 points with 7.7 assists in the last three, and went 22 of 41 from the field in the last two. He scored 23 in the 101-99 loss at Memphis on Jan. 18, then was held to four points on 1-of-14 shooting in the February matchup.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:45 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Timberwolves (20-45) at Thunder (44-20)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

A matchup between the high-powered Oklahoma City Thunder and defensively challenged Minnesota Timberwolves has the makings of being one-sided.

Not surprisingly, the Thunder have reeled off 10 straight victories in the series, but they needed clutch performances from their All-Stars to escape with a victory in the last meeting in Minnesota.

Before turning their attention to a prime-time matchup with a Western Conference power, the red-hot Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant look to help Oklahoma City continue its home dominance over the Timberwolves on Friday night.

The Thunder (44-20) easily took care of one West stalwart Wednesday, leading by as much as 19 in a 120-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was the second straight victory following a 2-6 stretch for Oklahoma City, which moved 2 1/2 games ahead of the Clippers for third place in the conference.

Westbrook led the way with 25 points, a career-high 20 assists and 11 rebounds for the NBA's first triple-double with at least 25 points, 20 assists and 10 boards since Magic Johnson did it in 1988. It was the second straight triple-double for Westbrook, and the Thunder are 11-0 this season when he records one.

'More important just to see all my teammates happy and see all my teammates enjoy the game and enjoy this win," he said. "That's the most important part for me."

Westbrook's heroics overshadowed another outstanding night from Durant, who nearly had a triple-double of his own with 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. He has scored 30 or more in four straight and has racked up seven consecutive games of at least 25 points, 10 boards and five assists, the longest such streak in 30 seasons.

Oklahoma City, which visits San Antonio in a national TV game Saturday night, shot 52.7 percent and had a season-high 33 assists.

"We moved the ball, we moved our bodies and we had a really good groove on the offensive end," Durant said. "We have to keep it up."

That shouldn't be a problem against the Timberwolves (20-45), who are allowing an average of 112.6 points in their last 16 games.

Second in the league in scoring, Oklahoma City averaged 113.3 points in winning three January matchups with Minnesota.

The most recent wasn't easy, however, as the Thunder needed two big shots from Durant in the last two minutes and seven points from Westbrook in the final 3 1/2 to win 126-123 on Jan. 27.

The Thunder, though, cruised to a 113-93 home victory over Minnesota on Jan. 15, as neither Durant nor Westbrook played in the fourth. Oklahoma City's 12-game home winning streak against the Timberwolves is currently its longest over a single opponent.

The Timberwolves have also lost 12 straight in Toronto for their longest active road skids.

Losers in 17 of 19 away from Minnesota, the Timberwolves are coming off Tuesday's 116-91 defeat to the Spurs. Minnesota was pushed around in the paint, allowing San Antonio's starting frontcourt to make 24 of 34 shots.

'If you're ever going to get better, if you're ever going to win," interim coach Sam Mitchell said, "you have to remember the times where you got your butt kicked."

That's been happening a lot to the Timberwolves, who are allowing an average of 50.4 points in the paint over the last nine games. That poses problems against a Thunder team averaging 50.3 points in the paint over its last seven.

Zach LaVine had a season-high 35 points on 14-of-17 shooting in the last meeting while Andrew Wiggins scored 25 at Oklahoma City.

Wiggins is averaging 24.7 points over the last three games.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:45 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Heat (37-27) at Bulls (32-31)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

While the Chicago Bulls' main injury concern saw a positive development, the Miami Heat's situation remains cloudy.

It's the Heat, though, who have made a postseason push since the All-Star break as the Bulls continue to teeter on a fine line between in and out.

After receiving good news about Jimmy Butler, Chicago seeks its third win in four games Friday night against a visiting Heat team trying to bounce back from its only loss in a nearly two-week stretch that included a historic performance against the Bulls.

Chicago (32-31) was already struggling through January with Butler in the lineup, but things took a turn for the worse last month largely without him. The All-Star played just one game during a 3-9 span Feb. 5-March 2 that helped drop the Bulls one-half game behind Detroit for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

After returning with 24 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday's 108-100 win over Houston, Butler sat out Monday's 100-90 victory against Milwaukee and Thursday's 109-101 loss at San Antonio with swelling in the same knee that sidelined him for 11 games.

He sought a second opinion on his left knee from Dr. James Andrews on Thursday and the result was that no structural damage was found. It was undoubtedly positive news for the Bulls, who have averaged 100.3 points since Jan. 15, though there is still no timetable for his return as the importance of each game rises.

Their two-game win streak was snapped with their fifth loss in seven games against the Spurs. Pau Gasol finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, though he committed seven of Chicago's 21 turnovers. The Bulls have 65 giveaways in their last three games.

"I wouldn't say one play (away), a couple of plays away," said Derrick Rose, who had 21 points. "Communication has been key the entire year and that's something we didn't go out there and do (Thursday night)."

Miami (37-27) also received an update Thursday on injured star Chris Bosh and released a statement saying he does not have blood clots in his leg. The statement did not say if he was off blood thinners and did not give any timeline for a return.

Bosh was leading Miami with 19.1 points per game when he discovered the issue over the All-Star break, which was similar to a blood clot on his lung last season.

"I will continue to support my teammates in every way possible," Bosh said in his statement. "I remain positive that I will be able to return this season."

The Heat, though, are tied for the league's fourth-best record since the All-Star break (8-3) even without Bosh. They won five straight before Wednesday's 114-108 loss at Milwaukee, taking over the Southeast Division lead in the process.

With newly-acquired Joe Johnson plugged into the starting five, the Heat are playing at a quicker pace. They're averaging 112 points and shooting 51.1 percent in the last five games, including a record night in a second win this season against Chicago.

Miami set a franchise mark with a 67.5 field-goal percentage in a 129-111 home win over the Bulls on March 1. Hassan Whiteside made 8 of 11 shots for 26 points, while Johnson went 10 of 13 for 24.

It was a season high in points for the Heat, who made 52 of 77 shots and outscored the Bulls 74-48 in the paint. It was the NBA's best single-game percentage over the last six years - until Minnesota shot 68.4 percent in Saturday's 132-118 win over Brooklyn.

It was also a single-game high for a Bulls opponent since field-goal percentage was first tracked in the 1983-84 season.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:46 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Wizards (30-33) at Jazz (29-35)

Date: March 11, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The postseason may be over a month away, but it's more or less already playoff time for the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.

Both teams will have the opportunity to improve their prospects and earn a sorely needed win when they face off Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Utah (29-35) appeared poised to end a three-year postseason drought after a seven-game winning streak Jan. 27-Feb. 9 vaulted it to seventh in the Western Conference. The Jazz have dropped 10 of 13 since and now sit three games back of eighth-place Houston.

Offensive inefficiency has triggered Utah's downturn, as it's averaged 91.3 points and shot 41.3 percent - both league lows - over a 1-7 stretch. After a 34.9 percent performance led to a 91-84 home loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, the Jazz weren't able to keep up with high-powered Golden State in Wednesday's 115-94 road defeat.

Utah was held to 40.5 percent shooting and never recovered from a 9-0 run to end the first half that gave the Warriors a 52-41 lead.

"I felt like we played a pretty gritty first half. We didn't play great, but we did enough to be right there," coach Quin Snyder said. "And then that run. You come in the locker room down double figures to that team at the end of the half. We weren't able to really rebound from that."

The Jazz were also undone by 18 turnovers that led to 28 points, another problem area of late. They've averaged 18.0 giveaways over their last four games.

Gordon Hayward finished 5 of 15 from the field Wednesday and is shooting 39.8 percent over a six-game span. Rodney Hood, who sat out with lower back soreness, is averaging 10.7 points on a 32.8 percent rate in his last six.

Washington (30-33) has lost ground in the East by dropping three straight following a four-game winning streak that sparked hope of a playoff return. Sitting 10th in the conference, the Wizards come in off a pair of close defeats to Indiana and Portland.

After being dealt a 100-99 loss Saturday on two Paul George free throws with 3.0 seconds left, the Wizards fell 116-109 in overtime in Tuesday's opener of a three-game trip after Portland's C.J. McCollum tied it with 5.9 seconds remaining in regulation.

Washington had its chances against the Blazers, missing 12 of 23 free throws and yielding 18 second-chance points while being outrebounded 40-33.

"In an overtime game, you can't have 12 missed free throws and give up 18 second-chance points," coach Randy Wittman said. "We talk about the same things over and over again. We defend, give them two or three opportunities and it comes down to a tight game."

The Wizards may feel better about their chances in this one, as they've held Utah to 91 points or less in winning four straight meetings. They outscored the Jazz 56-38 in the paint in a 103-89 home victory Feb. 18, receiving 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from Marcin Gortat and 16 on a 7-of-11 effort from Nene.

Washington may also have Bradley Beal back after he sat out Tuesday with a sprained pelvis. The team's second-leading scorer is expected to rejoin the Wizards for the remainder of the trip.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:46 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Magic (27-36) at Kings (25-38)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

DeMarcus Cousins unleashed his frustration in the direction of his coach yet again, adding another chapter to his feud with George Karl.

The All-Star center, however, isn't the only one unhappy during the Sacramento Kings' slide after Willie Cauley-Stein voiced concerns over his role.

Both clubs will be missing their top big men Friday night when the Kings and visiting Orlando Magic each look to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

The in-house fighting began shortly after Karl was brought in late last season and only seemed to escalate after reports surfaced that Karl had tried to trade the hot-tempered Cousins shortly after being hired.

The Kings were forced to have a meeting in November that was attended by upper management in the wake of a report that Karl wanted to suspend Cousins after his profanity-laced tirade following a loss to San Antonio.

Things flared up again Wednesday when Cousins had to be calmed by assistant coach Corliss Williamson and guard Rajon Rondo after yelling and heatedly gesturing in Karl's direction during a timeout in a 120-111 home loss to Cleveland. The Kings (25-38) announced Thursday that their leading scorer and rebounder was suspended one game for 'conduct detrimental to the team.'

The fifth overall pick in 2010 finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds against the Cavaliers, giving him averages of 29.9 and 13.1 over his last 10.

Now Sacramento will try to avoid an eighth loss in 10 games without Cousins and eighth in nine overall. The Kings have won five of seven against the Magic (27-36) after Cousins had 29 points and 12 rebounds in a 97-91 road victory Nov. 21 in his return from a one-game suspension for hitting Atlanta's Al Horford with a forearm to the head.

'Cous is a frustrated guy who wants to win,' Karl said after the first meeting. "Sometimes it gets to him maybe in a negative way, but he cares, he wants to win and he lashes out sometimes in maybe a disruptive way.'

Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos are likely to fill in, while Rudy Gay should carry the scoring load. Cauley-Stein wasn't happy Wednesday after playing 12 minutes partly because of the "matchup," according to Karl, who is expected to coach despite undergoing a cancer-related procedure Thursday.

"I can guard five positions," the rookie said. "There should be no matchup problems ever. So that's just an excuse I think. However, I'm not the coach."

The Magic are having their own issues as they try to avoid their first four-game losing streak since an eight-game skid Jan. 9-29. Nikola Vucevic is expected to miss his third straight game with a strained groin.

Orlando dropped to 2-3 without its leading scorer and rebounder and 0-2 on a four-game trip with Tuesday's 107-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Victor Oladipo had 26 points and Evan Fournier added 23, but Orlando was outrebounded 45-35 and outscored 56-44 in the paint.

'On good nights, we're full of focus on what's going on on the floor. It's very frustrating," said Fournier, who has averaged 19.7 points in his last three games against the Kings dating to his time with Denver.

The Magic hope to tighten things up defensively after allowing 113.0 points per game and a 49.7 field-goal percentage in their last two. The Kings, though, have averaged 111.5 on 48.5 percent shooting over their past two.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:46 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Knicks (27-39) at Clippers (41-22)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers struggled to contain one of the league's highest-scoring teams last time out but have been incredibly stingy in recent matchups with their next opponent.

The New York Knicks are hoping to change those woes against the Clippers following a season-high scoring performance on their lengthy road trip, though they'll face much stiffer competition Friday night.

The Clippers (41-22) have displayed fine defensive form for much of the past six weeks but lost 120-108 on Wednesday at Oklahoma City, the league's second-best offensive club.

Los Angeles had allowed an average of 97.3 points in its previous 18 contests - including a 103-98 win over the visiting Thunder on March 2 - and held 12 opponents to 95 or fewer.

"I thought our defense overall from the tip was bad. It was one of those rare games where we never established ourselves defensively," coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought we were horrible. It was one of those games."

After facing a team that's averaging 110.1 points, the Clippers will see an opponent that's scoring 99.3 per game. The Knicks (27-39) have also averaged 84.1 points in a seven-game skid against Los Angeles, including a 116-88 drubbing at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 22.

The Clippers' defensive effort is the NBA's best against one opponent in the past four seasons, edging San Antonio's 84.5 points per game allowed in eight matchups with Philadelphia.

The Knicks will seek to end that trend and earn back-to-back victories for the first time since Jan. 18-20 after a 128-97 win against Phoenix on Wednesday.

New York made a season-high 16 3-pointers on 24 attempts and shot 56.1 percent overall. Sasha Vujacic went 6 of 7 from beyond the arc and scored 23 points - two shy of matching his career best - while starting in place of an injured Arron Afflalo (abdominal).

"I just got into a game rhythm early. We played the right way. We were swinging the ball. We played as a team on both ends of the court. That helped everybody to have a good game,' Vujacic said.

The Knicks got the benefit of facing one of the league's worst defensive teams in the second of six straight road games. The Suns, who are second-to-last in the Western Conference, are allowing 107.7 points per game while the fourth-place Clippers are giving up an average of 100.5.

Los Angeles has yielded 79.3 points per game and 37.5 percent shooting in three consecutive home wins against New York.

"We want to go (into Los Angeles) and build off this win," forward Carmelo Anthony said. "We want to go and try to play a different game than we played at (Madison Square Garden)."

Anthony was held to 16 points on 4-of-12 shooting in the matchup in January after averaging 28.5 points in his previous four games in the series.

DeAndre Jordan had 20 points on 7-of-7 shooting in the latest meeting and is averaging 19.5 while knocking down 26 of 34 shots in four games this month.

The Clippers also now have Jeff Green, who has averaged 20.2 points in his last five games against New York.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:47 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

Preview: Trail Blazers (34-31) at Warriors (57-6)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Seemingly the only potential speed bump on the Golden State Warriors' way to 50 consecutive regular-season wins at home is a home-grown star and his team.

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers put Golden State's streak to the test Friday night after dominating the league's most dominant team a few weeks ago.

Of the Warriors' six losses, the most lopsided came in Portland as Lillard had the game of his life. The Oakland native had a career-high 51 points, seven assists and six steals in a 137-105 victory Feb. 19, snapping Golden State's 11-game win streak.

"Obviously they're gonna change some things up that we did really good, but if we have another 50-point performance from Damian, then I'm pretty sure we'll be in another good spot to win the game," Blazers guard Allen Crabbe said.

This is Lillard's first trip to Oracle Arena since last April, looking to prevent the Warriors (57-6) from pushing their NBA-record home winning streak to 47 games. Portland (34-31) is the only opponent remaining on Golden State's six-game homestand which isn't more than 10 games under .500 - the final three are Phoenix, New Orleans and New York.

"I think I'm more excited this time going back than I have been since my rookie year," Lillard said. "It's gonna be fun. Just because of the kind of season that we're having. It's a big game for us. They haven't lost at home, so it's an opportunity for us to go there and be the first team to do it."

He's won in Oakland once in five games as a pro. He had 37 points in his Oracle Arena debut in 2013 but has since averaged 18.0 while shooting 34.8 percent.

Lillard had no such trouble in February against the Warriors, going 9 of 12 from 3-point range. Stephen Curry had seven 3s en route to his 31 points, but Golden State finished 12 for 34 from beyond the arc and Portland was 17 for 30.

The Blazers lost the previous four meetings - one in January by 20 - before becoming the only Warriors opponent this season to top 125 points and 52 percent from the field.

"I'm sure that they probably have a little bit of a sour taste in their mouth about how it happened," Lillard said.

He had another 50-point night last week in Toronto, then scored 41 on Tuesday as Portland ended a three-game losing streak with a 116-109 overtime win over Washington. Prior to that skid, only Golden State had more wins since Jan. 10.

The Blazers have the ammunition to keep up with the Warriors' league-best long-range shooting, ranking among the NBA's top five in 3s made (669) and percentage (36.3). C.J. McCollum has hit 51.8 percent in the last 11 games.

"Obviously they lost three in a row recently, but they've been rolling," Warriors forward Draymond Green said. "Obviously two very good scorers, looking forward to the challenge."

Lillard's 182 3-pointers rank third behind Golden State's Klay Thompson (196) and Curry's league-record 304.

Curry has been inconsistent this month, going 16 of 47 from 3-point range, but remains a threat from anywhere. The reigning MVP had 12 points Wednesday but hit a 55-footer at the halftime buzzer in a 115-94 victory over Utah, improving to 13 of 27 from 30 feet and beyond.

"That's not a surprise anymore," Green said.

Sixth man Andre Iguodala returned after missing three of four games with a tight hamstring, chipping in four points, four rebounds and three assists.

"We're a different team with Andre," coach Steve Kerr said. "... He does everything for us."

Iguodala had one of his worst games in the Portland loss, shooting 1 for 6 with four turnovers. Golden State's point differential with him on the floor was a season-worst minus-20.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:47 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

NBA Odds: Friday, March 11, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

And now we start to see Operation Tank Mode across the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers almost surely were going to finish with the NBA's worst record regardless, but they pretty much would assure that by shutting down top rookie Jahlil Okafor for the season. He has missed the past five games with soreness in his right knee, and the team may just end his year. At this point, might as well. With Philly's luck, it probably would turn into something serious if he continued to play. Okafor was a preseason favorite for Rookie of the Year, but that will go to Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns. Okafor is averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, solid numbers to be sure. Maybe the next time we see him on the court, it's actually next to Joel Embiid, who has missed the past two seasons with foot issues.

Pistons at Hornets (-4, 203.5)

Detroit won a second in a row Wednesday, 102-96 in Dallas. Andre Drummond had 25 points and 17 rebounds as the Pistons exceeded their win total of last season with victory No. 33. Rookie pistons forward Stanley Johnson missed a seventh straight game with a right shoulder injury but is getting close. Charlotte won a fifth straight Wednesday, 122-113 over New Orleans. Kemba Walker had 35 points, his fourth in a row with at least 30. Charlotte won in Detroit 104-84 on Dec. 7. The Hornets never trailed after the 6:09 mark of the first quarter. They have won two straight at home in the series.

Key trends: The Pistons are 2-6 against the spread in the past eight meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in four of the past five in Charlotte.

Early lean: Hornets and over.

Nets at 76ers (+1, 211.5)

Brooklyn lost a second in a row Tuesday, 104-99 in Toronto. Brook Lopez had 35 points, one shy of his season high. He was the only Nets player to attempt a free throw, which is rather hard to believe. Philadelphia lost its 13th straight game Wednesday, 118-104 to Houston. Nerlens Noel was back after missing two games and had 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists. These teams have split, each winning at home. The Nets are 10-4 in the series since moving to Brooklyn.

Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 7-0-1 in the past eight.

Early lean: Nets and under.

Rockets at Celtics (-6, 222)

Houston won its second in a row Wednesday, 118-104 in Philly. James Harden had 29 points and Dwight Howard 21 and 18 rebounds. The Rockets are back at .500. The next time Howard plays in Boston, it could be as a member of the Celtics as they are likely to look at Howard in free agency this summer. Boston beat visiting Memphis 116-96 on Wednesday for its 14th straight home win. Isaiah Thomas had 22 points and one turnover -- amazingly his first giveaway in four games. Boston won the first meeting with Houston 110-95. The Celtics hadn't scored more than 103 points in the previous nine meetings. Houston had won the previous four.

Key trends: The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 7-0 in the past seven.

Early lean: Rockets and under.

Heat at Bulls (TBA)

Miami's five-game winning streak ended in a 114-108 loss in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Heat hadn't lost since signing Joe Johnson as a free agent on Feb. 27. Hassan Whiteside had 23 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. It's possible rookie Justise Winslow could be suspended here as he was called for a Flagrant Type 1 foul in the game. Chicago was in San Antonio on Thursday without Jimmy Butler, who was off to see Dr. James Andrews. So clearly you won't see him here. Miami leads the season series 2-0 and has won two straight in the Windy City.

Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Knowing Derrick Rose, he'll get hurt Thursday too and miss this one. Heat will win.

Pelicans at Grizzlies (TBA)

New Orleans lost 122-113 in Charlotte on Wednesday despite 40 points from Anthony Davis and a season-high 38 from Jrue Holiday. The injury-ravaged Pelicans were without point guard Norris Cole, so they had to start someone named Orlando Johnson, who was just called up from the D-League. He had five points in 20 minutes. Memphis lost by 20 in Boston on Wednesday and was again without Mike Conley and Zach Randolph. To make matters worse, guard Mario Chalmers went down with what looked like a serious right leg injury. He's not playing here and the other two are questionable. This is the final meeting of the season and New Orleans looks to avoid the 4-0 sweep.

Key trends: The Grizzlies are 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 after a loss. The under is 6-1 in the past seven meetings in Memphis.

Early lean: Wait on Conley and Randolph.

Timberwolves at Thunder (-14, 226)

Minnesota lost a second straight Tuesday, 116-91 in San Antonio. Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and nine boards. Nikola Pekovic remains out for the Wolves. OKC beat the Clippers 120-108 on Wednesday behind another triple-double from Russell Westbrook. He had 25 points, a career-high 20 assists and 11 rebounds. It was the first triple-double with at least 25 points, 20 assists and 10 rebounds since Magic Johnson did it for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988 -- the year Westbrook was born. Minnesota is 0-3 vs. the Thunder this season and has dropped 12 in a row in OKC.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over has hit in seven of the past 11 in OKC.

Early lean: I'll take the points. Thunder might be a tad flat off a big win over the Clips.

Wizards at Jazz (TBA)

Washington lost a third in a row Tuesday, 116-109 in overtime at Portland. Marcin Gortat had a floating layup attempt with about three seconds left in regulation to win but it was blocked by Gerald Henderson. The Wizards led by as many as 13 points in the third quarter. Bradley Beal missed the game with a sprained pelvis. Utah lost 115-94 in Golden State on Wednesday. Jazz guard Rodney Hood missed the game with lower back soreness but he's likely to be back here as Wednesday was the second of a back-to-back. Washington beat visiting Utah 103-89 on Feb. 18 in a game postponed from Jan. 23. John Wall had 17 points and 11 assists.

Key trends: Utah is 1-9 ATS in its past 10 games. The under is 4-0 in the past four meetings.

Early lean: TBA for Beal, who might return. Jazz win regardless.

Magic at Kings (TBA)

Orlando lost a third in a row Tuesday, 107-98 at the Lakers. Victor Oladipo scored 26 points and Evan Fournier had 23 for the Magic, who were clearly flat after playing well at Golden State the night before. Center Nik Vucevic missed a second straight game with a groin strain. Sacramento lost its third in a row Wednesday, 120-111 at home to Cleveland. DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points and 11 rebounds. He was called for his 15th technical foul, meaning one more and he's suspended. Ben McLemore and Marco Belinelli missed the Cavs game with injuries. Orlando has lost five of the past seven meetings, including 97-91 at home on Nov. 21. Cousins tallied 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three blocked shots and three steals.

Key trends: The Magic are 2-5 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 7-3 in the previous 10.

Early lean: Magic are gassed on this trip. Kings win.

Trail Blazers at Warriors (-13.5, 228.5)

Portland returned home from a long road trip and ended a three-game skid with a 116-109 OT win over Washington on Tuesday. Damian Lillard had 14 points and 11 assists. He became just the third player in NBA history with at least 1,500 points and 400 assists in each of his first four seasons. The others: LeBron James and Oscar Robertson. Nice company. Golden State won its 46th straight at home Wednesday, 115-94 over Utah. Steph Curry had just 12 points but another long-distance ridiculous make at the halftime buzzer. It was his fourth make from at least 40 feet this season. Portland and Golden State have split the season series, with the Blazers winning the most recent matchup in a 137-105 stunner on Feb. 19. Lillard had a career-high 51 points in that one. It was Golden State's worst loss since April 2012.

Key trends: The Blazers are 8-20 ATS in the past 28 meetings. The over is 4-0 in the previous four.

Early lean: Warriors want major payback. They cover and go over.

Knicks at Clippers (-10, 205)

New York won in Phoenix on Wednesday, 128-97. Sasha Vujacic made an incredibly rare start and had 23 points -- normal starter Arron Afflalo missed the game -- as did Carmelo Anthony. It was New York's highest point total and biggest margin of victory this season. Forward Lance Thomas also sat for the Knicks. L.A. lost 120-108 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Chris Paul shot just 5-of-15, scoring 12 points with 16 assists. That loss likely dooms the Clips to the No. 4 seed in the West and a conference semifinals matchup with Golden State (assuming both get there). The Clippers won in New York 116-88 on Jan. 22. Paul had 16 points, 13 assists and six rebounds. L.A. has won seven in a row overall in the series.

Key trends: The Knicks are 0-5 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Clippers and under.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:47 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

NBA

Friday's hot teams
-- Charlotte won its last five games (4-1 last 5HF). Detroit won six of its last eight games (2-4 last 6AU).
-- Celtics won six of last seven games (9-4 last 13HF). Houston won three of its last four games (3-1 last 4AU).
-- Memphis won six of its last nine games (10-5-1 last 16HF).
-- Miami won five of its last six games (4-2 last 6AU).
-- Clippers won four of their last six games (4-6 last 10HF).
-- Golden State won nine of its last ten games (5-8 last 13HF).

Cold teams
-- 76ers lost their last ten games (3-6 last 9HU). Nets lost four of their last five games (1-0AF).
-- Pelicans lost five of their last six games (6-4 last 10AU).
-- Thunder is 4-6 in its last ten games (1-4 last 5HF). Minnesota lost five of its last six games (4-7 last 11AU).
-- Chicago lost five of its last seven games (1-3 last 4HF).
-- Washington lost its last three games (7-5 last 12AU). Jazz lost seven of their last eight games (1-4 last 5HF).
-- Orlando lost four of its last five games (4-2 last 6AU). Kings lost seven of their last eight games (4-2 last 6HF).
-- Knicks lost six of their last nine games (6-3 last 9AU).
-- Portland lost three of its last four games (6-4 last 10AU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games with Brooklyn.
-- Hornets won six of last eight games with Detroit.
-- Rockets won four of their last five games with Boston.
-- Grizzlies won six of last eight games with New Orleans.
-- Thunder won last 10 games with Minnesota (6-4 vs spread).
-- Heat won three of its last four games with Chicago.
-- Washington won its last four games with Utah.
-- Kings won five of their last seven games with Orlando.
-- Clippers won last seven games with New York (6-1 vs spread).
-- Blazers lost four of last five games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Five of last six Philly games went over the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Charlotte-Detroit games.
-- Last seven Houston-Boston games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven New Orleans games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Miami-Chicago games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Utah games.
-- Seven of last ten Orlando-Sacramento games went over.
-- Six of last seven Clipper-Knick games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Blazer-Warrior games went over total.

Back/backs
-- Chicago is 2-8 vs spread last ten times they played night before.

**TheGame** · 03-11-2016, 08:48 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/11

'On the hardwood'

Portland at Golden State March 11, 10:30 EST

It’s the Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry show Friday evening when Portland Blazers and Golden State Warriors clash at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Lillard playing like a man possessed has netted an average 33.5 points/game since the all-star break dropping 40 or more three times including a whopping 51 points in Blazers' 137-105 victory vs Warriors up in Portland to open the second half. While Golden State got a modest 12 points from Curry in their last game the reigning MVP still leads the league averaging 30.4 per/contest.

Bettors love-affair with Golden State continues as Warriors are a whopping -13.0 point home favorites. As always, laying double digits on a game is risky. Though, in this case, the amount of supporting data in favor of Golden State makes it much less risky. Dubs with revenge on their mind along with protecting an unblemished home record send a message to the Blazers. Lay the points, Warriors have cashed tickets in 14 of 20 meetings and have grabbed the loot in 15 of 19 encounters when hosting Portland.

Announcement

NBA Betting Info. 3/11

NBA Betting Info. 3/11

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