NBA Betting Info. 4/13

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Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Clippers (52-28) at Suns (22-59)


Date: April 13, 2016 10:30 PM EDT


As the Los Angeles Clippers look to continue their surge into the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns hope for a positive end to the second-worst season in franchise history.


Though most of their starters expect to be rested, the visiting Clippers try to record a seventh consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Suns.


Locked into the fourth spot in the Western Conference, Los Angeles (53-28) has certainly heated up at the right time. Chris Paul had 12 points with 13 assists as the Clippers won for the 10th time in 11 games, 110-84 over Memphis on Tuesday.


'Our chemistry is great,' backup Jeff Green said. 'It's getting better and better with each game. We need to keep progressing. The playoffs are right around the corner, and we need to be focused and ready.'


With little to play for in the regular-season finale, the likes of Paul, DeAndre Jordan and even Blake Griffin will be rested. Guard J.J. Redick almost certainly won't play after he suffered a bruised heel in the first half after trying his own franchise record with his 200th made 3-pointer.


"As a group we'll talk about it, but there will be several guys missing for sure," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "Maybe even some coaches.'


Los Angeles shot 54.7 percent Tuesday, and 48.9 percent in the last 11 contests. More importantly, it's yielded 87.2 points per game and 38.3 percent shooting in the last five.


"I love the way we're playing defense right now," Rivers said.


Austin Rivers scored 14 and Green added 13 points for a Clippers bench that's averaging 41.4 points since Dec. 26 - second-most in the NBA during that span.


"We play hard at all times," Austin Rivers told the Clippers' official website about his fellow reserves.


While Rivers and Green should suit up Wednesday, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jamal Crawford almost definitely will after he was rested against the Grizzlies. Crawford has totaled 52 points and gone 8 of 17 from 3-point range in his last two games.


Los Angeles took two of the first three from the Suns (22-59), but its four-game winning streak at Phoenix ended with a 118-104 loss Nov. 12.


Not since their 16-66 inaugural 1968-69 season have the Suns been this bad.


"I think it's important that we keep on fighting," said forward Mirza Teletovic, who had a game-high 26 points in Monday's 105-101 loss to Sacramento.


Owners of the fourth-worst record in the league, the Suns will have a legitimate chance at earning the No. 1 overall draft pick in June. They also need to decide on a coach with names such as interim boss Earl Watson, ex-coach Mike D'Antoni, Golden State assistant Luke Walton and Villanova's Jay Wright reportedly rumored to be in the mix.


Devin Booker (13.8 points per game) expects to be in Phoenix's plans going forward. The rookie guard scored 22 on Monday, and has averaged 21.3 points in the last 13 contests.


"I'm blessed to be in this situation," said the 19-year-old Booker, who is the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 1,000 points in a season. "I have vets around here that want to see me succeed. ... It means a lot to me."


Booker totaled just five points on 2-of-10 shooting before he fouled out in a 124-84 loss at Los Angeles on Feb. 22.


Teletovic has averaged 22.3 points in six games this month.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

NBA Odds: Wednesday, April 13 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews


It's the final day of the 2015-16 NBA regular season on Wednesday, and what a spectacular night it should be, one of the most important final days of a regular season that I can remember. Unfortunately, the two main games I'm interested are both starting at the same time: 10:30 p.m. From Oakland, the Golden State Warriors look for their NBA record 73rd win, and while nothing is a lock in sports I can't fathom a scenario where injury-ravaged Memphis prevents that from happening. And down the state in Los Angeles, the Lakers host the Jazz in the final game in the Hall of Fame career of Kobe Bryant. Ticket prices are of course absurd for that one, and I'm sure there will be many Hollywood types in attendance. I will be continuing these stories into the playoffs as long as there are multiple games on days.


Heat at Celtics (TBA)


First of an ESPN doubleheader. Miami was in Detroit on Tuesday. The Heat are currently fourth in the East, a half-game behind Atlanta for No. 3 and a half-game ahead of Boston and Charlotte for that final home-court advantage spot in the playoffs. The C's suffered a damaging 114-100 home loss to the Hornets on Monday. That means Boston can't get higher than No. 4 now. If Miami wins on Tuesday and Atlanta wins on Wednesday at nothing-to-play for Washington, the Celtics can secure the No. 4 seed with a win over the Heat. Boston leads the season series 2-0.


Key trends: The underdog is 11-1 against the spread in the past 12 meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in five of the past six.


Early lean: Lot depends on what Miami does Tuesday.


Raptors at Nets (TBA)


Toronto has no reason whatsoever to play anyone here -- and I'm sure won't -- as it is now locked into the East's No. 2 seed plus played Monday night at home against Philadelphia. The Nets already have shut down their two best guys and also have squat to play for since their first-round pick heads to Boston. The Raptors have won all three meetings this season.


Key trends: The Raptors are 3-7 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The over is 7-3 in the past 10 in Brooklyn.


Early lean: Brooklyn wins this one.


Magic at Hornets (-10.5, 209.5)


I really think the Magic can be a playoff team next season and they will be active this summer in trades/free agency. You hear Jimmy Butler's name in a possible trade. Might Dwight Howard return to the city as a free agent? Orlando closed its home schedule with a 107-98 win over Milwaukee on Monday. Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon both sat with a concussion, and I'm sure they won't play here. Game still matters to Charlotte. Hornets lead the season series with Orlando 2-1.


Key trends: The underdog is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 5-2 in those seven.


Early lean: Hornets and over.


Pistons at Cavaliers (TBA)


Detroit is either finishing seventh or eighth and is tied with Indiana for those spots. The Pistons hosted Miami on Tuesday. Cleveland wrapped up the top seed in the East on Monday with a win over Atlanta and already has announced LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will sit this one out. It's very possible these two face off again this weekend in the postseason.


Key trends: The Pistons are 7-2 ATS in their past nine in Cleveland. The over is 5-2 in the past seven there.


Early lean: If Detroit still has the No. 7 to play for, it wins here.


Hawks at Wizards (TBA)


Atlanta claims the No. 3 seed with a win here. It will be the final game for Wizards head coach Randy Wittman, who will be fired right after the season. Not sure what took the team this long. John Wall isn't expected to play here as he's dealing with a knee injury. You may well see other Wizards starters sit out as well.


Key trends: The road team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 5-1 in the past six in Washington.


Early lean: Hawks roll.


76ers at Bulls (-11.5, 210)


Philadelphia was in Toronto on Tuesday. Chicago has already ruled out Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose for this one. Gasol probably has played his final game in a Bulls uniform as a free agent, and Rose might be shopped this offseason. Not sure if anyone would take that contract, however, even with just a year left. This game means nothing.


Key trends: The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their past four road games. The over is 6-0 in the past six meetings.


Early lean: 76ers and over.


Spurs at Mavericks (TBA)


This game means nothing to San Antonio, so you surely won't see several key Spurs. The Mavericks will finish seventh in the West with a loss and would face the Spurs in the first round. For the 15th time in 16 seasons, the Mavs will finish better than .500 and be postseason participants. Dallas can still move up a spot or two with a win and depending on what happens to Portland and Memphis.


Key trends: The underdog is 12-4 ATS in the past 16 meetings. The under is 6-1 in the past seven.


Early lean: Mavericks win.


Kings at Rockets (-14.5, 220)


Surely this will be it for Kings coach George Karl, who already has announced that DeMarcus Cousins will sit this game out. Rajon Rondo might too. Houston will gladly take that as the Rockets claim the No. 8 spot in the West with a win. The Rockets would still get in with a loss as long as Utah loses at the L.A. Lakers. But be aware this game tips at 8 p.m. ET and Jazz-Lakers at 10:30 p.m. ET, so Houston won't know Utah's fate until after the Rockets play.


Key trends: The Kings are 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 4-1 in the previous five.


Early lean: Rockets and over.


Pacers at Bucks (TBA)


Indiana hosted the Knicks on Tuesday. I'm sure the Pacers would prefer to win out and assure themselves the No. 7 seed and play Toronto in Round 1 instead of Cleveland. Bucks are just playing out the string, but I expect them to be playoff team next season. Pacers have won two of three meetings this season.


Key trends: The road team is 7-2 ATS in the past nine. The over is 4-1 in the past five.


Early lean: I could see Indiana resting Paul George here. So wait and see what happens Tuesday.


Pelicans at Timberwolves (-9, 213)


New Orleans will finish with the sixth-worst record in the NBA and Minnesota the fifth-worst in terms of ping-pong balls for the draft lottery. Just been a stellar season for Wolves rookie Karl-Anthony Towns, who is averaging 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds a game. He and Andrew Wiggins are why the Wolves could have just about their pick of coaches this offseason assuming they move on from interim coach Sam Mitchell.


Key trends: The home team is 10-3 ATS in the past 13 meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.


Early lean: Wolves and over.


Grizzlies at Warriors (-16.5, 211.5)


Second ESPN game. Memphis was at the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday. The Grizzlies could slide as far as No. 7 in the West if they lose out. I don't think it matters who they play in the postseason -- it will be a sweep. Obviously this means everything for Golden State as the Warriors players have made no secret of wanting that wins record. Just get a big lead and get the stars out of there to avoid injury. When Memphis visited Oakland back in November, it lost by 50. One individual note here: with eight 3-pointers, Steph Curry would reach 400 for the season. Unthinkable even a few years ago. .


Key trends: The Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 8-1 in the past nine.


Early lean: Warriors and over.


Jazz at Lakers (+8, 189.5)


This game was shifted to ESPN2 with the Warriors' record game picked up by ESPN. Utah has to win it and have Houston lose earlier in the night to the Kings, which I don't see happening. The Jazz will know by the time they take the court. And it looks like Utah will be without center Rudy Gobert after he hurt his ankle in Monday's loss to Dallas. The Jazz are going to be really dangerous next year with Dante Exum's return from a torn ACL. Obviously it's all about Kobe here as he plays in the 1,346th regular-season game of his 20-year career. Coach Byron Scott says Bryant will play the first 10 minutes or so of the first quarter and then they will see how Bryant feels as to how many more minutes the rest of the night.


Key trends: The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 4-1 in the past five in L.A.


Early lean: I love the Lakers here if Houston does win as expected. If somehow the Rockets don't, then Utah.


Clippers at Suns (TBA)


Los Angeles hosted Memphis on Tuesday. Coach Doc Rivers already has said he would rest some of his guys for this game but didn't say who. I'm sure Chris Paul will be one. I think Blake Griffin will play, though, as he needs all the minutes he can get to get into tip-top shape off that long injury absence. This presumably will be Earl Watson's final game as Suns interim coach. Phoenix is targeting the likes of Mike D'Antoni (really?), Luke Walton and former Suns fan-favorite player Dan Majerle, currently the coach at Grand Canyon University. Phoenix also is looking at Villanova's Jay Wright, but no one expects him to take the job.


Key trends: The road team has covered seven of the past 11. The under is 7-3 in the past 10 in Phoenix.


Early lean: Wait on Rivers' decision.


Nuggets at Trail Blazers (-8.5, 217.5)


Denver is playing out the string. Portland is currently fifth in the West and would stay there with a win, which would mean a first-round series with the Clippers. The sixth and seventh seeds are in play, however. But by the time Portland takes the court, it might already be locked into No. 5 and thus have no reason to play its top guys. The Blazers are 10-1 in their past 11 at home in the series.


Key trends: The road team is 9-4-1 ATS in the past 14 meetings. The over is 4-0 in the past four.


Early lean: Blazers if they have any reason to care and over.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

'History in the making'


Golden State's guest for a league-best 73 wins continues Wednesday when the Warriors play host to visiting Memphis Grizzlies. Warriors tough nuts to crack at Oracle Arena own an amazing 38-2 (21-19 ATS) record in front of its friendly crowd with a winning margin of 14.3 points/game.


The fact, Warriors have had little trouble vs Grizzlies going 3-0 (2-1 ATS) this season, 6-0 (5-1 ATS) the past six encounters along with life on the road not the best for Grizzlies at 16 wins vs. 23 losses (19-19-1 ATS) the likelihood of history being made is high.


Oddsmakers have placed a -16.5 point premium on Curry and company. Might be a touch generous. Warriors haven't exactly been money in the bank recently as double digit chalk posting a 1-6 record against the betting line with a winning margin of only 6.2 points/game. Additionally, as bad as Memphis has been on the road the Grizzlies have kept backers happy of late handed double digits on enemy hardwood going 5-2 against the number.

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Miami At Boston
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Celtics have been a dominant team at TD Garden the last few months and can go a long way toward sealing home-court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the rival Miami Heat on Wednesday. The Celtics are 18-3 over their last 21 games at home, but must rebound from one of those losses after a damaging 114-100 defeat against Charlotte on Monday.
Boston will not gain the third seed in the East after the loss, but can fall into any of the next three spots after Wednesday’s games. The only way the Celtics can be fifth with a victory is if the four teams battling end up with identical records and guard Avery Bradley told reporters, “We still have a chance to be where we want to be. We just have to focus on the next game.” Miami grabs the third seed in the conference and takes the Southeast Division title with a victory Wednesday, following a 99-93 triumph at Detroit on Tuesday. The Heat could lose home-court advantage in the first round with a loss.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Sun (Miami), CSN New England (Boston)
ABOUT THE HEAT (48-33): Joe Johnson, signed as a free agent after the trade deadline, had 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting in the victory at Detroit on Tuesday – his second-most productive game since joining Miami. Hassan Whiteside had 14 points and nine rebounds Tuesday, ending a five-game streak with a double-double, while small forward Luol Deng notched his fifth double-double in 10 games. Rookie Justise Winslow is expected to miss his second straight game with an ankle injury and forward Dorell Wright was activated to fill the void.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (47-34): Boston was outscored 25-16 in the fourth quarter in a loss at Atlanta on Saturday and were blitzed 39-13 in the second period Monday while allowing at least 50 percent shooting in both games along with 31 3-pointers combined. Leading scorer Isaiah Thomas (22.2) has averaged 16.5 points on 12-of-32 from the field over the past two games after scoring at least 20 in 18 consecutive contests. Since posting 20 points and 12 boards in an upset of Golden State, Jared Sullinger is averaging 7.4 and 3.4, respectively.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Boston G Marcus Smart scored in double figures three of the last four games and scored 15 against Miami in the last meeting.
2. Miami G Goran Dragic is averaging 17.3 points in seven games this month.
3. The Celtics have won both meetings this season by double figures, including a 101-89 triumph at home on Feb. 27.
PREDICTION: Celtics 109, Heat 107

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Toronto At Brooklyn
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
The Toronto Raptors look to add to their franchise record win totals when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night in the regular-season finale for both teams. The Raptors, who will start the Eastern Conference playoffs this weekend as the second seed against No. 7 Indiana, have won 55 games overall and 23 on the road – both team records.
Toronto rolled over Philadelphia 122-98 on Tuesday to notch their franchise-most 32nd home victory while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and placing seven players in double figures. The Raptors will likely rest some of their regulars against Brooklyn as they tune up for the postseason, but forward Patrick Patterson and guard Cory Joseph were held out Tuesday and likely will be available for the finale. The Nets will attempt to avoid finishing the season with a 10-game losing streak after falling 120-111 against Washington on Monday. Brooklyn has allowed at least 100 points in 10 consecutive games and averaged 120.8 against in the past four contests.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN (Toronto), YES2 (Brooklyn)
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (55-26): DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, Toronto’s standout backcourt duo who both average more than 20 points, were limited to fewer than 30 minutes each in the win over Philadelphia and made just 8-for-23 from the field. Rookie Norman Powell, who has started more games this season (23) than any other 2015 second-round pick, continues to produce with 18 points on Tuesday. Center Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 11 boards to push his team-leading total to 22 double-doubles.
ABOUT THE NETS (21-60): Point guard Shane Larkin has been a bright spot down the stretch while averaging 10.6 points and 6.8 assists over 11 straight starts. Guard Sean Kilpatrick, a mid-season free-agent acquisition, is scoring 17.7 per game this month and rookie Chris McCullough is averaging 9.5 points over the past four outings. Brooklyn has shut down leading scorer Brook Lopez (20.6) for the season and promising power forward Thomas Robinson (knee) is questionable for the season finale.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Toronto F DeMarre Carroll has totaled 18 points in three games, averaging just over 17 minutes, since returning from knee surgery.
2. Nets SG Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 20 points Monday, reaching that figure for the first time since March 22.
3. The Raptors have won all three meetings this season by an average of 11.3 points.
PREDICTION: Raptors 102, Nets 96

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Orlando At Charlotte
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina
The Charlotte Hornets look to follow up an inspiring road victory with another strong postseason tune up in their regular-season finale Wednesday against the improving Orlando Magic. The Hornets, who will be either the fifth or sixth seed when the Eastern Conference playoffs begin, won 114-100 at Boston on Monday in what could be a preview of a first-round matchup.
“It’s one of the best games we’ve played all year,” Charlotte coach Steve Clifford told reporters. “By far the best game we’ve played in three weeks or so.” The Hornets have won just three of the last six games overall and Clifford told the media that no one would be rested against the Magic unless they are injured. Orlando will be a good test for Charlotte after winning six of its last nine contests, including Monday’s 107-98 triumph against Milwaukee at home. The Magic played that game without leading scorers Nikola Vucevic (leg bruise) and Victor Oladipo (concussion), along with talented forward Aaron Gordon (concussion), and all three are doubtful for Wednesday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Orlando), FSN Southeast (Charlotte)
ABOUT THE MAGIC (35-46): Orlando, which started the season 19-13 before falling apart after the calendar turned to 2016, has defeated three playoff teams (Indiana, Memphis, Miami) during its strong finish. Swingman Evan Fournier is averaging 20.3 points over the last seven games while point guard Elfrid Payton dished out double-figure assists in seven of the last 11 contests with four double-doubles and one triple-double. Rookie Mario Hezonja is coming off one of his best games – 19 points, seven assists, five steals.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (47-34): Nicolas Batum (ankle sprain), who left Monday’s game, Cody Zeller (bruised sternum) and Jeremy Lamb (toe) could be in line to sit out the final game as a precaution and Clifford may limit minutes for his key players. Guard Jeremy Lin rebounded after a one-point effort to score 25 to go along with seven rebounds, five steals and five assists Monday. Leading scorer Kemba Walker (21.1) had a few off-shooting nights this month, but is still averaging 22.4 points over a seven-game stretch.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Charlotte C Al Jefferson registered his first double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds) in almost a month against Boston on Monday.
2. Orlando SF Devyn Marble matched his season high with nine points in each of the last two games.
3. The Hornets have won four of the last five meetings, including a 107-99 triumph at home on March 16.
PREDICTION: Hornets 102, Magic 96

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Detroit At Cleveland
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
The Detroit Pistons visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday in a preview of a first-round playoff matchup, but the teams won’t look anything like the ones they will put forth in the postseason. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff positioning, both squads will likely rest most of their regulars before they meet again this weekend in Cleveland for the opener of their best-of-seven series.
The Cavaliers clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference on Monday with a win over Atlanta as superstar LeBron James showed he was playoff-ready with 34 points, six rebounds and six assists. “If he plays like this, man, we’re going to be tough to beat,” coach Tyronn Lue told reporters following the 15-point victory. “He’s just taken it to a whole other level the last three or four weeks, playing at a very high level.” The Pistons clinched their first playoff berth since 2009 with a 112-99 win over Washington on Friday. They entered Tuesday with a chance to sneak into the seventh spot by winning out and getting help elsewhere but that went by the board with a 99-93 loss at home against Miami.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, WMYD (Detroit), FSN Ohio (Cleveland)
ABOUT THE PISTONS (43-38): Detroit will seriously consider sitting standout guard Reggie Jackson, who missed Tuesday’s loss with an abdominal strain. Coach Stan Van Gundy may want to rest guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who entered Tuesday ranked fourth in the league in minutes per game (36.7), as well as forwards Marcus Morris (12th, 35.7) and Tobias Harris (t-37th, 33.0). The Pistons are 16-9 with Harris in the starting lineup since he came over in a trade with Orlando in February.
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (57-24): James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will sit this one out, and a few others probably will as well. Fans at Cleveland’s home finale can expect to see plenty of Matthew Dellavedova – who had 10 points in 20 minutes versus Atlanta – and veterans Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and Sasha Kaun. Tristan Thompson, who will be the starter at center in the playoffs, enters the day having played in 369 straight games, a franchise record and the longest active streak in the NBA.
WALK-OFFS
1. PG Steve Blake had 10 points and seven assists while filling in for Jackson on Tuesday.
2. Jackson is listed as day-to-day and Van Gundy told reporters Tuesday that the strain should not affect his playoff status.
3. Cavaliers G Mo Williams has missed two straight games with a knee ailment.
PREDICTION: Pistons 97, Cavaliers 95

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Atlanta At Washington
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
The Atlanta Hawks have clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs but should have something to play for when they wrap up the regular season at the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The Hawks can do no worse than the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference but they can still finish third, which might allow them to avoid the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, if they get that far.
The Cavaliers have defeated Atlanta seven straight times – including a sweep in the Eastern Conference finals last spring – after Monday’s 109-94 victory in Cleveland. “They are tough at home. They a have some really good basketball players,” Hawks guard Kyle Korver told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Obviously, (LeBron James) had an amazing shooting night. (Kyrie Irving) did, too. Those guys are capable of doing that. I think that team goes on a lot of runs, not just against us.” The Hawks enter the final day of the regular season tied with Miami, which owns the tiebreaker between the two teams, and a game ahead of Boston and Charlotte, likely first-round opponents. The Wizards are playing out the string with All-Star point guard John Wall (knee) on the sidelines, but have a chance to finish at .500 with a win.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington)
ABOUT THE HAWKS (48-33): Regardless of where Atlanta finishes, its floor general appears primed for the postseason, as Jeff Teague has produced at least 20 points in five straight games. The streak is one shy of his career high and he is shooting 51.2 percent – including 11-of-23 from 3-point range – in the hot stretch. Teague’s last single-digit scoring effort came March 23 against Washington, but Dennis Schroder (23 points) led a big showing by the bench as the Hawks picked up a 122-101 win, just their second in the last seven meetings.
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (40-41): Washington is 3-1 since Wall took a seat, including two wins over Brooklyn in which they’ve scored at least 120 points. Seven players scored in double figures and the Wizards produced 100 points through the first three quarters – including the game’s first 20 – in Monday’s 120-111 defeat of the Nets. Ramon Sessions and Marcus Thornton combined for 40 points in replacing Wall and injured shooting guard Bradley Beal (pelvis) in the starting lineup.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Atlanta SF Kent Bazemore is averaging 22 points and three steals in two games since returning from a knee injury.
2. Wizards SF Otto Porter Jr. is averaging 16.7 points and has made 6-of-14 3-pointers in three meetings with the Hawks this season.
3. Hawks PF Paul Millsap has 16 blocked shots in the last four games.
PREDICTION: Hawks 111, Wizards 106

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Philadelphia At Chicago
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
While the Philadelphia 76ers were hoping to take a step forward this season in their lengthy rebuild, the Chicago Bulls expected to be a contender in the Eastern Conference. Both teams will finish up disappointing seasons that left them far short of those goals when they close the regular season Wednesday in Chicago.
The Bulls’ streak of seven straight playoff appearances was snapped when they were eliminated from contention over the weekend. Despite playing without starters Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson, Chicago has responded to its elimination with consecutive wins and it has assured itself of finishing at .500 or better for the eighth straight season. The 76ers have lost three straight after a 122-98 defeat in Toronto on Tuesday. With another setback they will clinch the second-worst 82-game record in league history, just a game better than the franchise’s 1972-73 team that went 9-73.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, CSN Chicago
ABOUT THE 76ERS (10-71): Robert Covington is making the most of a meaningless stretch run as he continues to chuck up a boatload of 3-pointers. The third-year pro made 6-of-10 against the Raptors and is 18-of-40 over a three-game span, during which he is averaging 24.3 points. Fellow forward Nerlens Noel is also finishing strong with three straight double-doubles.
ABOUT THE BULLS (41-40): Coach Fred Hoiberg surprised some by playing leading scorer Jimmy Buler in Monday’s 121-116 victory at New Orleans, despite the fact that the shooting guard has had his fair share of physical issues. He finished with 23 points and 11 assists in just 29 minutes while six others reached double figures for the Bulls, who wrapped up their road schedule with a 16-25 mark. Rookie Cristiano Felicio has taken advantage of a late-season bump in minutes and recorded 32 points on 13-of-15 shooting over his last two games combined.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Butler scored a career-high 53 points in a 115-111 overtime win in Philadelphia on Jan. 14.
2. Philadelphia has attempted 118 3-pointers during its current losing streak.
3. The Bulls have won nine consecutive meetings and seven in a row at home.
PREDICTION: Bulls 98, 76ers 89

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: San Antonio At Dallas
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
The fast-charging Dallas Mavericks have clinched a playoff spot and will try to improve their seeding Wednesday when they host the San Antonio Spurs. Dallas has won seven of its last eight games and might avoid a first-round series with San Antonio if it can beat the Spurs in the season finale.
The Mavericks, who have made the playoffs in 15 of the past 16 seasons, are tied for sixth place in the Western Conference after Memphis lost Tuesday and can finish as high as fifth depending on what happens on the final night of the season. “It’s been an amazing two weeks for our guys,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after Monday’s 101-92 clinching victory over the Utah Jazz. “They were down and out, and we all dug in. Everybody dug in, especially the players, and we found a way to get into the playoffs.” San Antonio halted a season-worst three-game losing skid by posting a 102-98 overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. All-Star small forward Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points in a victory that allowed the Spurs to tie the NBA record for single-season home victories (40) set by the 1985-86 Boston Celtics.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), KENS (San Antonio)
ABOUT THE SPURS (66-15): The performance of point guard Tony Parker was a pleasing sight against Oklahoma City as he scored 20 points – the first time he has reached that mark since March 10. “He was more aggressive the whole second half, and everybody picked up on that,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters after the contest. “We were getting killed on the boards, so we got more physical. Tony was ahead of that with Kawhi – they did a great job.” All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge aggravated a finger injury and played only 19 minutes against the Thunder and could miss Wednesday’s contest.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (42-39): Veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 11 rebounds against Utah and he took a lot of pride in his squad’s late-season run. Nowitzki hasn’t forgotten that there were people who were picking Dallas to finish last in the Western Conference and there was even one website that oddly tabbed the Mavericks to have the NBA’s worst record. “I think nobody thought we could still make it two weeks ago,” Nowitzki told reporters. “We were three games behind .500. Things didn’t look good at all. We were just blown out in (Sacramento). Just came together, came together as a veteran team, came together and said, ‘No more.'”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Spurs are 3-0 against the Mavericks this season, including victories by 29 and 26 points.
2. San Antonio F/C Boris Diaw (groin) is expected to play after missing five straight games.
3. Dallas PGs Deron Williams (sports hernia) and J.J. Barea (groin) are unlikely to play in the regular-season finale.
PREDICTION: Mavericks 103, Spurs 97

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Sacramento At Houston
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
The Houston Rockets have their playoff fate in their own hands as they get set to host the Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale on Wednesday. The Rockets are tied with the Utah Jazz for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference but own the tiebreaker due to a better win percentage against conference opponents.
Houston gave itself a chance to decide its own destiny by crushing the host Minnesota Timberwolves 129-105 on Monday behind 34 points from James Harden. “We trying to get into the playoffs, man,” Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley told reporters. “That fire is under us, and it’s lit. We’re just out there running around, causing havoc defensively, getting run-outs offensively, sharing the ball, playing together, talking. It’s not how we want it to be toward the end of the season, but we’re starting to do the right things.” The Kings have shown no interest in putting their best foot forward of late and are angling for draft position by leaving DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo out of most games. The two stars are not expected to make the trip to Houston, leaving Harden and Beverley to deal with Seth Curry.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN California (Sacramento), ROOT (Houston)
ABOUT THE KINGS (33-48): Curry did a strong impression of his MVP older brother with 20 points and a career-high 15 assists in a 105-101 win at the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Curry has been getting expanded minutes with Rondo and Darren Collison taking games off and is averaging 17.5 points while going 20-of-35 from 3-point range in six games this month. The Duke product was not even a consistent member of the rotation until the end of March and is pushing himself into the team’s future plans with his play of late.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (40-41): Houston put up a total of 259 points in wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Timberwolves on Sunday and Monday and got a rare strong scoring performance from Dwight Howard at Minnesota. Howard scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting for his highest scoring total since going for 21 points at Philadelphia on March 9. “We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves,” Howard told reporters. “We know the situation that we’re in. The best thing to do right now is just play. We control what we can control. … We’ve just got to go out there and handle our business.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Rockets F Trevor Ariza is 24-of-36 from the floor, including 11-of-19 from 3-point range, in the last three games.
2. Sacramento rookie C Willie Cauley-Stein scored in double figures in six of the last 10 contests.
3. Houston took two of the first three meetings but the teams have not met since Sacramento’s 107-97 home win on Dec. 15.
PREDICTION: Rockets 115, Kings 108

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Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Indiana At Milwaukee
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Indiana Pacers took any suspense out of the final game of the regular season when they knocked off the New York Knicks while the Detroit Pistons were falling on Tuesday. The Pacers will get their final tune up for the postseason when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Indiana’s 102-90 win over New York coupled with Detroit’s home loss to Miami locked up the No. 7 seed. The Pacers will begin the playoffs at the second-seeded Toronto Raptors this weekend and are already looking ahead to the tough matchup. “We’re going to have our hands tied with them,” Pacers point guard George Hill told reporters of the Raptors. “They’re a great team, they’ve got a lot of great players, and they’re well-coached. It’s going to take a team effort.” The Bucks are slumping to the finish with losses in nine of their last 12 games and are not putting up much of a fight against potential playoff teams.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Indiana, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE PACERS (44-37): Hill scored 19 points in Tuesday’s win, including 12 in a key run during the third quarter, and is expected to be one of the X-factors in the playoffs for Indiana. “We’ve got to be like a bug in his ear, constantly just chipping away at him,” Pacers All-Star Paul George told reporters of Hill. “Because he has so much talent and it’s not being used (when he’s not aggressive).” Indiana is coming into the season finale strong with wins in five of the last six games, though the lone loss in that span came at the Raptors.
ABOUT THE BUCKS (33-48): Milwaukee’s last three victories have come over three teams headed for the lottery in Philadelphia, Orlando and Phoenix, and it could not manage to pull off the same trick twice when it fell at the Magic on Monday. Even budding star Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to be slowing down at the end of the season and he finished with 11 points, three assists and five turnovers in Monday’s 107-98 setback. That comes on the heels of a 4-of-15 effort in Sunday’s 109-108 overtime win at the 76ers.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bucks G Jerryd Bayless (knee) sat out the last six games but could return for the finale.
2. Hill is 9-of-13 from 3-point range in the last four games.
3. Indiana took two of the first three this season, including a 104-99 win in Milwaukee on March 2.
PREDICTION: Bucks 109, Pacers 90

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Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: New Orleans At Minnesota
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the New Orleans Pelicans were each stacked with talented young rosters and high expectations at the start of the season. Those talented rosters remain intact, but both teams will just be finishing out losing seasons when the Timberwolves host the Pelicans in the finale on Wednesday.
New Orleans went from the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference last season back to the lottery due to a series of injuries to key players like Anthony Davis, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. The Pelicans have been happy with the effort of the players that have filled in of late but finished out the home schedule with a 121-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday. “The thing we talked about after the game was that every guy that is injured, or is rehabbing and trying to get himself back healthy, the one thing they’ve got to do is come back and compete at the same level as these guys did,” New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. “If we do, we’ll be fine.” The Timberwolves showed what their young roster is capable of with a three-game road trip sweep through Golden State, Sacramento and Portland but will still fail to reach 30 wins.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (30-51): One of the players getting a chance to prove himself in the NBA is forward James Ennis, who scored a career-high 29 points on Monday. “He’s done a great job since we got him here,” Gentry told reporters of Ennis. “You’ve got to understand he’s not had one single practice with us, not one. So everything that he’s doing he’s kind of doing on the fly, so we’re just kind of filling him in. So to me, I think he’s shown everybody that he’s capable of being on this level.” Ennis is averaging 14.4 points in eight games since joining New Orleans.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (28-53): Winning at home (13-27) has been a consistent problem for Minnesota, and it followed up its impressive road trip by getting run off the floor in a 129-105 home loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday. “We have to have a sense of urgency,” Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Coach is really disappointed in our effort. We played so well in those last three games. … The fans are there; they’re cheering for us. We have to give them something to cheer for.” Muhammad scored a team-high 23 points off the bench but the Timberwolves allowed the Rockets to shoot 55.8 percent in the setback.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pelicans G Toney Douglas is averaging 20.8 points in the last four games.
2. Timberwolves rookie F Nemanja Bjelica has recorded back-to-back double-doubles for the first time in his career.
3. Minnesota earned a 112-110 win at New Orleans in the last meeting on Feb. 27 as Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins combined for 75 points.
PREDICTION: Pelicans 109, Timberwolves 103

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Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Game of the Day’Grizzlies at Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have the opportunity to become known as the winningest team in NBA history when they seek victory No. 73 in Wednesday’s regular-season finale against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors have tied the regular-season mark set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10), who were led by Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Reigning MVP Stephen Curry leads the Warriors and is looking forward to see if his team can dethrone the Bulls. “So many great players have suited up since the NBA began, and for us 15 guys to say we accomplished something as a group that has never been done before, that’s remarkable,” Curry told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. “We earned the right to have a 48-minute game to eclipse that mark, and we have to go out and finish the job and do it the right way.” Memphis put up a strong fight against the Warriors on Saturday but let a 10-point fourth-quarter lead get away before succumbing 100-99. The Grizzlies have lost nine of their last 10 games after being routed 110-84 by the Los Angeles Clippers and slipped into a tie for the sixth place with the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference playoff race.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Southeast (Memphis), CSN Bay Area (Golden State)
LINE HISTORY:
The line for this potentially historic game opened with the Warriors as 17.5-point favorites and the public quickly bet that up to -18.5 by Wednesday morning. The total opened at 213.5 and, somewhat surprisingly, was bet down to 212.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Grizzlies – SG T. Allen (Doubtful Wednesday, hamstring), PF B. Wright (Out For Season, knee), PG M. Conley (Out For Season, achilles), C M. Gasol (Out For Season, foot).
Warriors – SF K. Looney (Out Indefinitely, hip).
POWER RANKINGS:
Grizzlies (-1) – Warriors (-14.6) + home court (-3) = Warriors -16.6
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (42-39, 42-38-1 ATS, 44-35-2 O/U):
Memphis has been decimated by injuries and has been powerless to end its issues and the Grizzlies will be the seventh seed in the West should they finish tied with the Mavericks. “Yeah, the emotional tank is a little bit empty right now,” Memphis coach David Joerger said after the loss to the Clippers. “You also know that sitting out there 24 hours you’ve got a chance to be the answer on every Trivial Pursuit card for the next 75 years. We’ll see what we’re going to do with that.” Small forward Matt Barnes scored just seven points against the Clippers to halt a run of four straight double-digit efforts, which included 24 points and a season-high 15 rebounds in Saturday’s loss to the Warriors.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (72-9, 44-35-2 ATS, 44-36-1 O/U):
The Golden State players are adamant that a 73rd victory won’t feel like a success unless the franchise wins a second consecutive NBA title. “In Chicago, they have a championship banner that says, ’72-10,'” forward Draymond Green said. “If we don’t win a championship, we’re not posting a banner that says, God willing, ’73-9,’ unless we can win a championship. So as bad as I want this record, we need to get something else to go along with it.” Center Andrew Bogut isn’t the least bit concerned about getting win No. 73, saying “I’d rather have the ring.”
TRENDS:
* Grizzlies are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
* Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
* Under is 8-1 in Grizzlies last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 8-1 in Warriors last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
* Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
CONSENSUS:
Public is crushing the Grizzlies at both +17.5 and +18.5 at a total rate of 69 percent. The over is getting hit at 63 percent.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Warriors are 3-0 against the Grizzlies this season, including a 119-69 decision that rates as the worst loss in Memphis history.
2. Memphis SG Tony Allen (hamstring) will miss his third straight game.
3. Golden State is 38-2 at home — one win shy of the franchise record set last season.
PREDICTION: Warriors 105, Grizzlies 96

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Re: NBA Betting Info. 4/13

Preview: Utah At L.A. Lakers
When: 10:30 PM ET, Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant plays the final contest of a brilliant 20-year career when the Lakers close the season against the visiting Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Bryant will play as many minutes as he can during the regular-season finale as Los Angeles attempts to end a six-game losing streak.
Bryant has experienced a ton of emotions during his final season and he told USA Today he’s fine with how everything has worked out. “I’m not sad at all. I left no stone unturned,” Bryant said. “I gave everything to the game for 20 years in the NBA and more before that. So I feel very thankful to be able to play this game this long.” Bryant’s final game is highly important for Utah, which will make the playoffs if it beats the Lakers and the Houston Rockets lose to the Sacramento Kings. “We talked about the last 20 games or so to try to be in a playoff race and we find ourselves in this position,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters after Monday’s 101-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. “… This is a good experience for us. It hurts right now.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2, ROOT (Utah), TWC SportsNet (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (40-41): Starting center Rudy Gobert is an unlikely participant after spraining his right ankle in Monday’s loss. Losing the ace shot blocker at the same time that power forward Derrick Favors (knee) isn’t able to play at his typical level is a double blow for Utah. “That’s also been kind of the story of our season – has been guys going down, guys getting hurt, banged up,” small forward Gordon Hayward told reporters. “I don’t know exactly what happened (to Gobert), but it sucks. It sucks to have a teammate go down, especially one of your anchors defensively.”
ABOUT THE LAKERS (16-65): The highly competitive Bryant will see if he has one more high-scoring game in a body that is sore and banged up. Los Angeles coach Byron Scott has indicated Bryant will play at least 37 minutes and it is pretty much a safe bet that Bryant’s teammates will be feeding him the ball a lot with so much on the line for the Jazz. “For me, it’s coming out in front of the fans and competing hard, and playing against Utah and them not taking it easy at all,” Bryant told reporters. “To me, that is the greatest form of competition. That’s the best last game to have – a very competitive one, a physical one. That’s the way basketball should be.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Jazz are 3-0 against the Lakers this season with the average winning margin being 29 points, topped by a 123-75 drubbing on March 28.
2. Bryant is averaging five points on 3-of-19 shooting in two games against Utah this season.
3. Utah SG Rodney Hood scored 30 first-half points and made 8-of-9 3-pointers in the recent 48-point win that matched for worst loss in Lakers’ history.
PREDICTION: Jazz 116, Lakers 101