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**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:04 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA notebook: Bosh to miss practice, trip to Atlanta
By The Sports Xchange

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh will not practice or accompany the team to Atlanta for its game on Friday night against the Hawks.
The Heat released a statement on Wednesday that didn't specify why Bosh was not able to work out or play. He missed the NBA All-Star Game and 3-point shooting contest last weekend because of a strained right calf. Reports surfaced since then that Bosh might have blood clots in the leg.
"When further information is available that we can pass along, it will be provided," the Heat said in the statement.
Last season, Bosh missed the final 30 games because of blood clots that moved to his lungs from an earlier calf injury. He sat out eight games before returning to play 21 games ahead of being shut down because of the lung issue.
Bosh, 31, is averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this season. An 11-time All-Star, he won NBA championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013.

---Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, the team announced.
Kidd-Gilchrist will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 season after suffering a second labrum injury. He hurt the shoulder again Feb. 10 in a win over the Indiana Pacers after recovering from a labrum tear during preseason to return to the court. The procedure was completed by Dr. Gerald Williams at Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia.
The 6-foot-7, 232-pound Kidd-Gilchrist ended up playing in just seven games (all starts) this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists, after signing a four-year, $52 million contract extension in September.

---The Memphis Grizzlies recalled forward James Ennis from the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Ennis has averaged 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 15 games (13 starts) through eight assignments with the Energy. The 25-year-old has registered 1.3 points in 3.6 minutes over 10 appearances with the Grizzlies and Miami Heat during his second NBA season.

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:05 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Preview: Jazz (26-26) at Wizards (23-28)

Date: February 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

A major snow storm last month forced the Utah Jazz to play three games in four days following the All-Star break. They'll get no sympathy from the Washington Wizards.

After limping into the All-Star break, the Wizards open a stretch of three games in as many days Thursday night against the visiting Jazz.

Washington (23-28) was scheduled to host Utah (26-26) on Jan. 23, but a blizzard forced a postponement that's created a scheduling headache.

Following this matchup with the Jazz, the Wizards will welcome Detroit to the nation's capital Friday before visiting Miami a day later. It's the first time a team has played three games in three days since Indiana swept such a stretch from Feb. 4-6, 2013.

Washington is three games back of Charlotte for eighth in the Eastern Conference.

"I really think these three tough games we can really go 3-0 or 2-1, and it's going to help us with our season. If it's vice versa, we're in a tough situation," All-Star guard John Wall said.

Washington has lost nine of 13 overall and ranks ahead of only Brooklyn and Philadelphia in the East with 11 home wins. The Wizards entered the break off a 99-92 loss at Milwaukee last Thursday, shooting 38.6 percent - 6 of 32 from 3-point range - while getting outrebounded 58-38.

While they're third in the conference with 102.7 points per game, that potent offense has been offset by a defense that ranks last with 105.4 against.

"Offensively we can score with the best of the teams. We moving the ball and making open shots," Wall said. "We gotta defend. We gotta have to have heart one-on-one to defend and getting rebounds as a group."

Wall had 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists in an 88-84 win over Utah on March 18. He'll try to lead the Wizards to a fourth straight win over the Jazz for the first time since 1982-83.

Utah (26-26) is tied with Portland for seventh in the West as it pursues its first playoff berth since 2011-12.

"It's another notch," forward Gordon Hayward said of the increased intensity following the All-Star break. "That's why experience is such a huge thing in this league. You've got guys that played 10-plus seasons and know how it works. When I was a rookie, veterans just seemed to have another level. Hopefully we can raise our game to another level, too.

"We talk about it a little bit amongst the guys. You can feel it. The fans will feel it too, so that will help them out. Honestly a lot of it is just experiencing it. Just playing in it, playing through it."

The Jazz seemed to be doing that before the layoff, winning a season-high seven in a row before losing 100-96 at New Orleans on Feb. 10. Derrick Favors made 11 of 15 attempts and scored 29 points for his second-highest total of the season but Utah had a three-game road streak snapped.

Favors' performance was particularly encouraging after he was limited to 12.7 points on 38.5 percent shooting in his previous three games. He's averaged 8.7 points in three visits to Washington.

It's no surprise the Jazz have been much improved with both the 6-foot-10 Favors and center Rudy Gobert back in the lineup following lengthy absences. Utah has won seven of nine since Favors returned after he missed 16 games with an ailing back, and is 13-7 this season when both Gobert and Favors are in the starting five.

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:05 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Preview: Bulls (27-25) at Cavaliers (38-14)

Date: February 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

With their best player likely sidelined until March and the season slipping away, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering selling off a couple of their major pieces.

Trending in a positive direction, the Cleveland Cavaliers could be looking to add some frontcourt help given Kevin Love's shoulder injury.

The clubs may be returning from the All-Star break with a different look Thursday night when the host Cavaliers try to avoid their third straight loss to the Bulls.

Things were looking up for Chicago (27-25) in early January when a season-high six-game winning streak had it within 2 1/2 games of Cleveland. However, the Bulls have since dropped 13 of 18, including four straight, to fall 11 back of the surging Cavs (38-14).

Making matters worse, they lost star Jimmy Butler this month for at least three weeks. Nikola Mirotic (appendix) and Joakim Noah (shoulder) are also out following surgery.

Taj Gibson does plan to play after exiting a Feb. 10 loss to Atlanta with a strained foot.

"We've taken some hits the last couple of weeks," Pau Gasol told the team's official website. "It's been a challenge, but I think this break should help us (with) a refreshment emotionally and help us in the next stretch fully energized and see what we can do."

The Bulls might not get that opportunity after reports surfaced Wednesday that the team was shopping Gasol and Gibson ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Gasol is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer.

After he was limited to two points on 1-of-7 shooting in a season-opening 97-95 home win over Cleveland, Gasol had 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a 96-83 victory at Quicken Loans Arena on Jan. 23. Gibson added 15 points, eight boards and two blocks.

Since that defeat in coach Tyronn Lue's debut, the Cavs have won eight of their last 10 games. They certainly seem to be clicking offensively the way Lue hoped, averaging 111 points on 48.8 percent shooting over that span.

Kyrie Irving entered the break on a roll, scoring 26.9 per game on 55.8 percent shooting in his past eight. Chicago, however, held him to 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting last month.

LeBron James has totaled 21 assists and 17 rebounds in his past two games. He's averaged 11 boards and 8.7 assists in his last three regular-season matchups with the Bulls.

Love scored 10.3 per game and shot 29.3 percent while dealing with a shoulder injury in his last four. Love is probable after practicing Wednesday, though the Cavs are rumored to be seeking frontcourt help.

"If there's (no trades), then we'll be ready to go. I'm in a mindset that I'm ready to get these guys ready for the Bulls game," James said.

They should be able to resume their pre-break scoring against a Chicago team that has given up 110.7 points per game over its past seven. The Bulls now hope to avoid their longest skid since dropping 10 in a row from Feb. 27-March 19, 2010.

Cleveland, an Eastern Conference-best 22-4 at home, should have reserve Matthew Dellavedova back from a five-game absence because of left hamstring soreness.

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:05 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Preview: Spurs (45-8) at Clippers (35-18)

Date: February 18, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Somehow, the San Antonio Spurs are still failing to convince some they can survive a top-heavy Western Conference. Jumping out of the All-Star break with a win over the team that knocked them out of last season's playoffs might help.

The ailing Spurs hope a week off helps boost them back into their rodeo road trip, which continues Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

San Antonio (45-8) is on pace for the third-best record in NBA history, but some still balk at the notion the aging Spurs can compete with Golden State in the West.

Of concern is the health of Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan. Ginobili will miss at least another two weeks after undergoing testicular surgery earlier this month, and Duncan returned from an eight-game absence before the break but will likely require more time off to nurse his sore right knee.

Sure, Duncan, 39, and Ginobili, 38, are only averaging a combined 18.8 points - well below their combined career average of 33.3 - but their postseason experience is key to the well-oiled San Antonio machine.

The Spurs click on all cylinders in San Antonio, building a 28-0 record in the first half for the best home start ever by a West team. However, it's been a bit more of an adventure on the road, where they will play their next six to close a season-high eight-game trip.

"We've just got to get together as a team and build our chemistry," said forward Kawhi Leonard, who made his first All-Star appearance Sunday. "Good teams win on the road. That's how you win championships."

San Antonio has won three straight road games, including victories over Miami and Orlando before the break, but is still 17-8 away from home - merely a good record for a team that has far exceeded the word in most areas.

One of the most glaring examples is 3-point shooting - offensively and defensively. The Spurs shoot 39.3 percent and hold opponents to 31.7, short of only the Warriors' marks of 42.4 and 31.4. That has the Spurs on pace for a 0.76 3-point differential, which would be the third-best ever behind their own 0.78 in 2000-01 and Golden State's current 1.1.

To put that into perspective, the Spurs' 3-point differential is nearly five times better than the Clippers' 0.16, which is still tied with Oklahoma City for the league's sixth-best mark.

Leonard is the NBA's top 3-point shooter at 48.2 percent, and J.J. Redick is second at 47.6 for Los Angeles (35-18).

The Clippers will get their shot against the league's top two teams shooting and defending the 3 as they open a four-game homestand with matchups against the Spurs and Warriors at Staples Center, where Los Angeles is 17-8.

San Antonio made 10 of 19 3s while visiting Los Angeles connected on 10 of 24 in a 115-107 Spurs' victory Dec. 18 in the first meeting since the Clippers won Games 6 and 7 in the first round of the playoffs last season. They have split the last 10 games in Los Angeles, including the playoffs.

Blake Griffin scored 25 for the Clippers in this season's first matchup, but he will be sidelined until sometime next month with a broken hand after punching team staff member Matias Testi at a Toronto restaurant Jan. 23.

Griffin will also serve a four-game suspension from the Clippers, though coach Doc Rivers said the team isn't trading him despite rumors heading into Thursday's trade deadline.

"I've told you we're not trading Blake," Rivers said Wednesday. "I guess everyone else wants to keep (saying) that, so we'll let them do it. Not from us at all."

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:06 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA Odds: Thursday, February 18 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Thursday is one of the best days of the NBA regular season as not only does the second half tip off but it's also the day of trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET. It should be an interesting deadline because very few teams have to dump salary due to the salary cap going way up this summer thanks to the new TV deal. Thus, many teams are OK in taking on salary but you aren't likely to see any big names dealt before the deadline like a Blake Griffin or Kevin Love. More likely the big names are traded this summer when teams figure out what all those riches mean around the NBA. The Celtics have been linked to both Griffin and Love. The biggest-name player with might see dealt by Thursday is Houston center Dwight Howard because the Rockets are a mess and Howard is likely to leave as a free agent this summer.

There were a couple of minor deals on Tuesday: the Pistons acquired Tobias Harris from Orlando for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova (win for Detroit in my opinion); and a three-teamer between Charlotte, Memphis and Miami in which the Hornets got Courtney Lee from Memphis for PJ Hairston and the Heat got Brian Roberts from the Hornets, with Miami sending Chris Anderson to the Grizzlies (who also got a couple of second-round picks). Nothing earth-shaking there. The Grizz needed a big man with Marc Gasol out for the season a broken foot.

Jazz at Wizards (TBA)

Both these teams have been rumored in deals, with Utah hoping for a point guard upgrade (Atlanta's Jeff Teague?) and the Wizards perhaps looking at Howard or the Pelicans' Ryan Anderson to name two. Utah had a seven-game winning streak end in its final game before the break, 100-96 in New Orleans. It was on the second of a back-to-back for the Jazz, who had played in OT the night before in Dallas. Washington needs to do something to shake up the team. The Wizards lost in Milwaukee 99-92 to close the first half and are currently outside the playoff hunt at 23-28. About the only untouchable on the team is John Wall. This is the first meeting of the season between the teams. They were supposed to play in D.C. on Jan. 23 but it was postponed because of a blizzard.

Key trends: The Jazz are 7-2 against the spread in their past nine road games vs. teams with a losing home record. The Wizards are 2-7 ATS in their past nine at home. The "over/under" has gone under in 11 of Utah's past 14 vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 5-1 in the past six meetings.

Early lean: Not really sure why the TBA; Jazz guard Trey Burke missed the final three games before the break with an illness but should be fine by now. He's not really worth a TBA regardless. Burke might be traded by Thursday as well. I like Utah here and expect very low scoring.

Bulls at Cavaliers (-12, 207.5)

First of a TNT doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. Chicago has been rumored as a seller, not a buyer. Pau Gasol would certainly draw interest around the league if the Bulls were willing to give him up; Gasol is going to be a free agent after the season and the struggling Bulls aren't going anywhere with him. They lost their final four before the break and allowed at least 108 points in each. Chicago remains without the injured Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic, while Taj Gibson is iffy for Thursday with a foot injury. Cleveland wants a long-range shooter, and in an ideal world would somehow get Kyle Korver from Atlanta. The Cavs closed the first half with the East's best record at 38-14 and on a three-game winning streak. The Bulls are 2-0 vs. Cleveland this season, with both low-scoring games.

Key trends: The Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their past six road games. The Cavs are 4-0 ATS in their past four Thursday games. The over is 12-3 in Chicago's past 15 road games. The over is 6-0 in Cleveland's past six following a win. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings.

Early lean: Cleveland and over.

Spurs at Clippers (+3, 207.5)

Second TNT game. San Antonio is expected to stand pat at the deadline, while Los Angeles is at least making Griffin available even though he's out at least another month with his broken hand. The Clips reportedly offered him and Lance Stephenson to the Nuggets in exchange for Nikola Jokic, Will Barton, Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried. The Nuggets smartly said no to that. As amazing as Golden State has played, the Spurs are only 3.5 games behind the Warriors in the West. San Antonio closed the first half on a six-game winning streak. Tim Duncan returned from an eight-game injury absence the final game before the break but Tony Parker sat it out. The week off should do both good. This starts a four-game homestand for Los Angeles and is the only visit of the regular season by the Spurs. On Dec. 18, L.A. visited San Antonio and lost 115-107. LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Parker scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul had 27 points and 10 assists for the Clippers. Paul has been playing really heavy minutes of late (backup Austin Rivers is hurt) so don't be surprised if those start being cut back or Paul gets the occasional night off. Maybe the Clips trade for a backup point guard too.

Key trends: The Spurs are 5-2 ATS in their past seven at the Clippers. The over is 4-1 in the past five meetings.

Early lean: San Antonio and over.

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:06 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA

Thursday's hot teams
-- Utah won seven of its last eight games (2-8 last 10AU).
-- Cavaliers are 8-3 since changing coaches (3-4 last 7HF).
-- San Antonio won its last six games. Clippers won seven of their last nine games.

Cold teams
-- Wizards lost nine of their last 13 games (2-5 last 7HF).
-- Chicago lost six of its last seven games (1-5 last 6AU).

Series records
-- Wizards won their last three games with Utah.
-- Chicago-Clveland split their last ten games.
-- Clippers are 6-4 in last ten games with San Antonio.

Totals
-- Six of last nine Utah games stayed under the total
-- Six of last eight Cleveland games went over.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Clipper games.

Back/backs
-- None

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:06 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

'On the hardwood'

The NBA stretch run begins Thursday with three on the schedule including San Antonio Spurs visiting Los Angeles Clippers.

Thanks in large part to being the best at keeping the ball out of their own basket (95.2 pts/100 opponent possesions) the Spurs were the leagues most profitable team heading into the break cashing tickets at a 64.2% clip (34-19 ATS) split between 19-9 (67.9%) on home court, 15-10 (60.0%) running the hardwood in enemy territory. The Clippers resume regular season with a 25-25-3 record against the betting line but what's interesting is that Clippers have shown to be better bets on the road (14-12-2) than in the friendly confines of Staples Center (11-13-1).

Spurs eliminated by Clippers in the Conference Quarterfinals last year got a little pay-back earlier this season with a 115-107 victory in San Antonio as -7.5 point favorites while the teams busted 'Over' the 195 posted total. Since 2012, Spurs hold a slim 10-9 ATS edge in regular/post season matchups but are just 4-8 as chalk including 0-3 ATS laying points in Clippers back-yard. As for the total, 'Over' has cashed twelve times , the 'Under' seven times since the 2012 campaign and here at the Staples Center 'Over' gamblers have hit pay-dirt seven times with three 'Under'.

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:06 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers February 18, 8:00 EST

Chicago Bulls headed into the All-Star break losing four straight (0-4 ATS) and six of seven (1-6 ATS). Jimmy Butler their top scorer (22.4) added to the list of injuries the Bulls will be hard pressed keeping pace with King-James and his Cavaliers netting 106.9 points per 100 possesions. Additionally, Caves upended by Bulls 96-83 as -10.5 point faves earlier at Quicken Loans Arena have pay-back in mind.

As always, laying double digits on a game is cause to ratchet up tension for a sports handicapper. However, in this case, the numbers add up well enough to conclude Cleveland is the choice. Cavaliers are a money-making 7-1 ATS last eight as home chalk revenging a previous loss. The Bulls not a peg to hang your hat as road underdogs enter 6-12 ATS in the roll. Additionally, Bulls are on a 4-11 ATS skid overall, 5-10 ATS slide vs the division. .

**TheGame** · 02-18-2016, 08:11 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA

Thursday, February 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
UTAH vs. WASHINGTON
Utah is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Utah is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Washington is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CLEVELAND
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Chicago's last 25 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA CLIPPERS
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing San Antonio

**Satch** · 02-18-2016, 09:07 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA Betting Roadmap, Week 17
by Al McMordie
With the 65th edition of the NBA All-Star Game in the books, the focus now turns toward the trade deadline this Thursday. Certainly, there have been several surprises thus far. Both Portland and Dallas were expected to miss the Playoffs, yet each has a .500 (or better) record at this juncture. Likewise, not many preseason predictions had the Boston Celtics in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. But Brad Stevens has guided his team to a 32-23 record. Thus, GM Danny Ainge is now rumored to be aggressively looking to bolster his club’s roster, in an attempt to be able to compete with the Cavaliers come playoff time. The NBA will resume its regular season on Thursday, so let’s find some winners.
Spread Watch
The New Orleans Pelicans, under first-year head coach Alvin Gentry, have been a major disappointment. Injuries, of course, have played a part. But they’ve also had trouble adjusting to Gentry’s new offensive system. For the season, they’re 20-33 straight-up and 22-31 ATS, including 2-6 ATS over their last eight games. That, in and of itself, isn’t earth-shattering. But what’s extremely interesting about New Orleans’ season is what also happens when it covers (or doesn’t cover) the pointspread. In games that it cashes “in Vegas,” New Orleans averages 110.59 ppg, and those games have gone “Over” the total 15-6-1. But in games it loses ATS, New Orleans has averaged a paltry 96.09 ppg, and has gone “Under” 21-9-1. The relationship between ATS wins/losses and overs/unders is the strongest of any team this season. Of course, there are several ways to take advantage of this. If one liked the Pelicans in a game, one could parlay it with the “Over” (or if one wanted to bet against the Pelicans, one could parlay it with the “Under”). Or, one could do both in the same game (e.g., bet a Pelicans/Over parlay and also a parlay of their opponent and the “Under”). If one engaged in this strategy of making two parlays in each game, one would need to cash at least five of nine games (or five of 18 parlays) to break even. Given the strong correlation between New Orleans’ offensive production, ATS wins/losses and Overs/Unders, I think it’s a sensible strategy.
Totals Watch
The Memphis Grizzles have gone “Over” the total in three straight, and 13 of their last 15 games. Going forward, the one thing to watch will be Memphis’ pace of play (currently ranked #27) now that center Marc Gasol has been lost to injury. Coach Dave Joerger has expressed that he does want to increase his team’s pace, and get more points in transition. That makes sense, as Gasol’s absence will hurt Memphis’ half-court offensive sets (as well as its defense). This week, Memphis will play the Timberwolves at home, and the Raptors on the road. The game against Minnesota, in particular, looks like a great game to take “Over” the total as Minny has sailed above the number in 9-1-2 its last 12 games. And the last three meetings between these two teams have also gone “Over” the total.
Injury Watch
The Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler injured his knee 10 days ago against Denver, and will miss upwards of a month. Without their star on the court, the Bulls have lost their last four games SU and ATS (including the game vs. the Nuggets, in which Butler was injured). It likely will get worse before it gets better, as Chicago’s first two opponents this week (Cleveland, Toronto) will be out not only to avenge home losses to Chicago last month, but two losses, overall, to the Bulls this season. The Cavaliers, especially, should be fired up, as the Bulls spoiled coach Tyronn Lue’s debut — on National TV, no less — in a 96-83 defeat. I look for Cleveland to roast Chicago.
Schedule Watch
This week, due to a re-scheduling of the Wizards/Pistons game, Washington will play three games in three nights. One may think that such an event is quite rare, but it actually has happened much more often than one would think. Indeed, from the 1960s through the 1980s, it was fairly commonplace. And, then, in the two strike seasons (1999, 2012), it occurred an awful lot. The knee-jerk reaction might be to bet against teams in such a scheduling spot. But they’ve gone 52-44-1 ATS since 1990 (against teams not playing their third game in three nights), and have done their best work away from home (29-16 ATS). However, I believe the real way to tackle this situation is to play on such teams in the first game of this three-game set. They know that they’re embarking on a grueling schedule, and the reaction, it seems, has been to try hard to get the first game. Since 1990, our teams are 62-43-2 ATS in the first game (against opponents not embarking on a similar schedule), including 41-17-1 ATS at home. With these numbers in mind, consider playing on the Wizards in their home game against Utah on Thursday, as well as on the road, at Miami, on Saturday. Good luck, as always…Al McMordie.

**Satch** · 02-18-2016, 09:08 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA betting report: Best ways to wager all 30 teams at the All-Star break
By Joe Fortenbaugh
Judging by the NBA’s ratings through the first half of the season, you’ve been watching quite a bit of Golden State Warriors basketball.
We can’t say that we blame you. Led by the reigning MVP in Stephen Curry, who is currently on pace to obliterate the league record for three-pointers made in a season (286) by 100, Golden State’s fast-paced, take-no-prisoners approach to hoops is as captivating as it is lethal.
And if you’ve been watching Golden State basketball as much as the ratings indicate, then you’ve no doubt heard on countless occasions the comparisons to Michael Jordan’s 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls, who went on to win an NBA-record 72 games during the regular season.
Through 52 games, the Warriors reside at 48-4 while Jordan’s Bulls were 47-5. But more impressively, Curry’s Warriors are averaging a staggering 115.5 points per game while Jordan’s Bulls went on to average 105.2 points per contest.
This is important to note because the league scoring average during the 1995-1996 season was 99.5 points per game per team, while this year’s team scoring average is 101.8 points per game. That means Chicago exceeded the league average by just 5.7 points per game while Golden State is smoking the league average by 13.7 points per game.
Yes, scoring is up. Just take a look at the last five years for proof:
2011-2012: 96.3 ppg
2012-2013: 98.1 ppg
2013-2014: 101.0 ppg
2014-2015: 100.0 ppg
2015-2016: 101.8 ppg
But if you think for one second that the increase in scoring means that there exists an edge when it comes to betting Over the NBA totals, you would be wise to think again.
Entering Thursday night’s slate of action, Overs were hitting just 50.19 percent of the time (396-393), meaning the bookmakers are well aware of the uptick in offensive production this season.
But that doesn’t mean a betting edge can’t be found elsewhere.
Golden State Warriors (48-4 SU, 31-20-1 ATS):
The defending champs are riding an 11-game winning streak (7-4 ATS) into the All-Star break that features not one single second of fourth quarter time spent tied or trailing. Steve Kerr’s crew currently ranks first in the NBA in scoring (115.5 ppg), second in scoring margin (+12.5 ppg), first in offensive efficiency (113.1) and second in defensive efficiency (99.2).
Outside of backup center Festus Ezeli’s recent arthroscopic knee surgery (out for six weeks), the Dubs are healthy and poised to not only defend their title, but are currently on pace to break the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls’ record for regular season wins (72).
San Antonio Spurs (45-8 SU, 34-19 ATS):
No team in the league turned a bigger profit for its investors during the first half of the season than the San Antonio Spurs, who are a blistering 28-0 at home (19-9 ATS) entering the All-Star festivities.
In addition, this season marked the first time in NBA history that two clubs (Spurs and Warriors) recorded 45 or more wins prior to the All-Star break. San Antonio is crushing the opposition by an average of 13.3 points per game so far this season (first in NBA), a margin that rises to 16.1 points per game when playing within the confines of AT&T Center. Take note that the Over went 7-3-1 in the Spurs’ 11 games leading into the break.
Oklahoma City Thunder (40-14, 22-32 ATS):
Is this the final season for the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? While nothing definitive will be known until the summer months, rumors continue to swirl that the defending champion Warriors plan to make a serious push to acquire Durant’s services once the 2014 MVP hits the open market.
Thanks to the league’s second-highest scoring offense (109.9 ppg), the Thunder found their way to 40 victories before the All-Star break, but Oklahoma City has surprisingly covered the number just 40.7 percent of the time this season. Fading this club on the road (7-17 ATS) is one approach bettors should consider, as is playing the Under in Oklahoma City home games (11-19 O/U).
Cleveland Cavaliers (38-14 SU, 23-26-3 ATS):
What’s not surprising is the fact that LeBron & Co. find themselves on top of the Eastern Conference at the break. What should come as a stunner is that it’s by only three games over the upstart Raptors with Tyronn Lue at the helm instead of David Blatt.
The Cavs are a disappointing 23-26-3 ATS so far this season with three ATS losses over the franchise’s last five games. Take note: Cleveland has scored 103 or more points in eight of 10 games with Lue as head coach after scoring 103 or more points just 19 times in 42 games with Blatt at the controls.
Toronto Raptors (35-17 SU, 29-23 ATS):
Outside of the Boston Celtics (31-23-1 ATS) and Orlando Magic (29-22-1 ATS), no team in the Eastern Conference has posted a better winning percentage against the spread through the first half of the season than the Raptors, who own the conference’s second-best home winning percentage at the break (18-6, .750).
Toronto’s scoring differential (plus-4.4) currently ranks fifth in the NBA, but be advised that the Raptors failed to cover the number in five of their final seven games entering All-Star Weekend – which happens to be in Toronto.
Los Angeles Clippers (35-18 SU, 25-25-3 ATS):
Rumored to be extremely interested in acquiring the services of soon-to-be free agent Kevin Durant (assuming the club can trade Blake Griffin), the Clippers have proven to be a better bet when playing on the road (14-12-2 ATS) than when serving as host at Staples Center (11-13-1 ATS) so far this season.
DeAndre Jordan’s free throw shooting (.423) continues to function as the fly in the ointment, but the integral piece of information you need to know about this unit is that with Griffin in the lineup this season the Clippers have gone 17-13 as opposed to a staggering 18-5 with their power forward on the bench. They should thank that equipment manager for taking one for the team.
Memphis Grizzlies (31-22 SU, 26-26-1 ATS):
Two-time All-Star and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol is out for the season with a broken right foot, so you’ll probably want to avoid playing any Memphis futures for the time being.
On the flip side, the Over has cashed in five of the Grizzlies’ last six games as Dave Joerger’s crew has scored 100 or more points in 12 of its last 13 outings after reaching triple digits just 14 times through the club’s first 40 contests.
Boston Celtics (32-23 SU, 31-23-1):
Don’t look now, but the NBA dark horse Boston Celtics (currently 35/1 at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook), closed out the first half of the 2015-2016 season in spectacular fashion (10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS) while climbing all the way up to third place in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics currently rank third in defensive efficiency (99.6), fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.7) and sixth in points in the paint (44.5) while head coach Brad Stevens continues to make his case for NBA Coach of the Year.
Atlanta Hawks (31-24 SU, 27-27-1):
It’s difficult to find an edge when it comes to the Hawks, who enter the break at 27-27-1 ATS with 27 Overs and 28 Unders through 55 contests. Atlanta doesn’t do one thing particularly well, but rather maintains a respectable level of production in virtually every meaningful category.
The franchise did, however, appear to hit its offensive stride prior to the All-Star break by notching 102 or more points in five of the club’s last six games prior to scoring 95 or fewer points in five of six outings.
Miami Heat (29-24 SU, 26-26-1 ATS):
Scoring an average of just 96 points per game (29th in NBA), the Heat have been a solid under bet through the first half of the season by going Under the total in 34 of 53 contests to date (64.2 percent), part of which can be attributed to a unit that currently ranks sixth in defensive efficiency (100.6).
Keep a close eye on Miami whenever the schedule offers up a Sunday game, as the Heat enter the break at 6-2 SU when playing on the final day of the week while outscoring the opposition by an average of 7.3 points per game in those contests.
Indiana Pacers (28-25 SU, 26-26-1 ATS):
A defensive-minded organization (third in defensive efficiency at 99.6) that is permitting an average of just 100.3 points per contest (seventh-best in NBA), the Pacers have provided very little reason to believe that they are anything more than a middle-of-the pack franchise with limited upside.
Dallas Mavericks (29-26 SU, 30-24-1 ATS):
An Under team (25-29-1 O/U) that turned a nice profit through the first half of the season (30-24-1 ATS) especially when playing at home (16-10 ATS), the Mavericks have exceeded expectations by a hair when you dive inside the numbers and analyze the club’s minus-0.9 scoring differential.
Dallas dropped four of five outings entering the All-Star break (1-4 ATS) and, unlike most of the NBA, is a pedestrian 4-4 SU when playing on two days of rest. The second half of the campaign could prove to be a big challenge for Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs.
Chicago Bulls (27-25 SU, 19-33 ATS):
Joakim Noah (shoulder) is out for the season and Jimmy Butler (knee) is scheduled to miss the next month, so Chicago’s chances of making a serious run at Cleveland for the Eastern Conference title are virtually nonexistent.
Betting against the Bulls through the first half of the season has yielded profitable results, but take note that despite a 27-24-1 O/U mark, Unders are 15-10-1 when Chicago plays at home. Be advised that the Bulls enter All-Star weekend having lost six of seven (1-6 ATS) due, in large part, to a unit that ranks 26th in offensive efficiency (100.6).
Charlotte Hornets (27-26 SU, 26-26-1 ATS):
For a franchise that went 33-49 last season with nine losing records over the last 11 years, 2015-2016 has been a step in the right direction for Steve Clifford and the Charlotte Hornets. However, despite winning five of their final six outings before the All-Star break, the Hornets got some brutal news.
Forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds) suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder that could bring a premature end to the former Kentucky standout’s season. The Under is 17-11 in Charlotte’s home games this season, while the Over is 13-10-2 in the team’s road matchups.
Detroit Pistons (27-27 SU, 27-26-1 ATS):
The Pistons haven’t won more than 39 games in a season since 2007-2008, so credit head coach Stan Van Gundy for elevating this franchise back to a level of respectability.
All-Star center Andre Drummond (17.0 points, 14.9 rebounds) has been an absolute beast for a Detroit squad that is a profitable 16-9-1 ATS at home this season. But now that we’ve dispensed with the niceties, take note that the Pistons closed out the first half of the season by dropping six of their final eight contests (2-6 ATS).
Portland Trail Blazers (27-27 SU, 30-24 ATS):
The real story here should be the fact that point guard Damian Lillard (24.3 points, 7.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds) was left off both the All-Star team and 30-man Olympic invitational roster. But the upside is that the four-year veteran has guided the Blazers to both a .500 record and the seventh seed in the Western Conference despite losing power forward LaMarcus Aldridge last summer in free agency.
Portland has been exactly what you would expect from a .500 club through the first half of the season, but pay close attention to the fact that this team caught fire (8-1 SU, 7-2 ATS) just before the break.
Utah Jazz (26-26 SU, 27-25 ATS):
Shooting forward Gordon Hayward (19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds) and center Rudy Gobert (10.3 points, 10.5 rebounds) are coming into their own for a Jazz franchise that has won fewer than 40 games in four of the last five seasons.
Winners of seven of their last eight outings (5-3 ATS) the best way to bet this club is by playing the Under in Utah’s home games (16-10-1) as the Jazz currently rank 30th in the NBA in pace (92.9). In addition, note that Utah is an impressive 8-1 SU when playing on Saturdays this season.
Houston Rockets (27-28 SU, 23-32 ATS):
One of the worst defensive teams in the league (26th in defensive efficiency), Houston will most certainly fall under the “sellers” category once the NBA trade deadline rolls around, as reports have already surfaced that general manager Daryl Morey is looking to move overpaid center Dwight Howard.
The Rockets play too much isolation basketball, turn the ball over at an alarming rate (16.2 turnovers per game, 27th in NBA) and are a pathetic 12-17 ATS at home through the first half of the season. These guys are arguably the league’s biggest disappointment.
Washington Wizards (23-28 SU, 26-25 ATS):
The Wizards lost seven of their last 10 games (4-6 ATS) to close out the first half of the season, but are scoring above the league average at 102.9 points per game (8th in NBA) and currently boast a not-so-horrific scoring differential of -2.7, so it’s somewhat possible this team puts together a modest run upon returning from the All-Star break.
At the very least, the franchise has a star in point guard John Wall (20.1 points, 9.9 assists), who just earned his third consecutive All-Star nomination.
Orlando Magic (23-29 SU, 29-22-1 ATS):
They’re six games under .500, but only the Boston Celtics have covered move spreads in the Eastern Conference this season than the Magic, who are 14-10-1 ATS on the road in 2015-2016.
Led by fifth-year center Nikola Vucevic (17.0 points, 8.9 rebounds), Orlando likes to play at a slow pace (21st in NBA) complemented by league-average defense (103.1 defensive efficiency, 16th in NBA). In classic Magic fashion, Orlando entered the break having dropped 12 of its last 15 outings, but somehow found a way to cover the number in six of its last seven contests.
New York Knicks (23-32 SU, 29-26 ATS):
The bad news is that head coach Derek Fisher has already been fired, but the good news is that rookie Kristaps Porzingis (fourth overall selection in 2015 draft) has come on strong in 28.2 minutes per game this season while scoring 13.9 points and grabbing 7.7 rebounds per outing.
The worse news is that the Knicks dropped six straight and 10 of 11 entering All-Star weekend (3-8 ATS) and are now well on their way towards earning another lottery selection.
Sacramento Kings (22-31 SU, 23-30 ATS):
A dumpster fire of the highest magnitude, don’t be surprised if head coach George Karl is sent packing before the second half of the season commences. The Kings lack heart, commitment, focus and, perhaps most importantly, any desire whatsoever to create stops on the defensive end of the floor (109.1 ppg surrendered, worst in NBA).
Sacramento dropped eight of 10 entering All-Star Weekend, but be advised that the Over has hit in seven of the Kings’ last eight games and is now 17-10 when this crew hits the road this season.
Denver Nuggets (22-32 SU, 30-22-2 ATS):
They’re currently five games out of the playoff picture at the moment, but somehow the Nuggets have found a way to cover more spreads than any other team in the Western Conference, save for the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
And not only can you make money betting on this club when they hit the road (18-9-1 ATS), but the Over is 16-9-1 in Denver’s 26 home contests this season. Credit a 14-game stretch that featured a 12-2 ATS mark to close out the first half of the campaign for the surprising numbers.
Milwaukee Bucks (22-32 SU, 27-26-1 ATS):
The Bucks posted a 41-41 record and grabbed the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference last season. This year has been a different story due, in large part, to the loss of head coach Jason Kidd, who underwent hip surgery back in December and is out of action indefinitely.
Milwaukee closed out the first half of the season with back-to-back wins over Boston and Washington, respectively, to bring a halt to a five-game losing streak, but with a unit that ranks 23rd in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency, this season will likely turn into a lost cause.
New Orleans Pelicans (20-33 SU, 22-31 ATS):
Alvin Gentry’s first season as head coach in New Orleans got off to a horrific start (4-15), but the Pelicans have since settled down a bit and started playing semi-respectable basketball (16-18 over last 34 games). Power forward Anthony Davis (23.4 points, 10.1 rebounds) is an All-Star for the third consecutive year, but guard Tyreke Evans was lost for the season after undergoing right knee surgery.
The bottom line here is the discrepancy when it comes to playing this team’s totals. In essence, consider the Over when New Orleans plays at home (19-7) and the Under when the Pelicans hit the road (20-6-1).
Minnesota Timberwolves (17-37 SU, 24-29-1 ATS):
The Timberwolves are still a long way from respectability, but rookie Karl-Anthony Towns (17.1 points, 10.1 rebounds) and second-year shooting guard Andrew Wiggins (20.8 points) form a highly productive nucleus that could lead to big things down the road if Minnesota can clean up the turnovers (14.8 per game, 20th in NBA) and play a little defense (104.1 points per game surrendered, 23rd in NBA).
Fading the Timberwolves when they play at home has been the move through the first half of the season, as Minnesota is just 9-18-1 ATS at Target Center through 28 contests.
Brooklyn Nets (14-40 SU, 26-27-1 ATS):
Mikhail Prokhorov’s franchise is tanking, but unlike the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets have no idea what they’re doing. Head coach Lionel Hollins was fired in January while general manager Billy King was “reassigned,” proving this organization has no viable plan in place for the foreseeable future.
The Nets have dropped 17 of their last 21 games and rank 28th in both offensive (99.3) and defensive efficiency (106.7). Seriously, move along. There’s nothing to see here.
Phoenix Suns (14-40 SU, 21-33 ATS):
The Suns are making a run at Sacramento for the title of “NBA’s Most Dysfunctional Franchise,” and took a big step forward Wednesday night when power forward Markieff Morris and shooting guard Archie Goodwin went after each other during a timeout barely halfway through the first quarter.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek has already been fired and the club has lost nine straight and 15 of their last 16 overall, so the only thing bettors should be thinking at the moment as it pertains to the Phoenix Suns is how to properly fade this team. Here’s the answer: bet against them on the road, where the Suns are currently 7-19 ATS.
Los Angeles Lakers (11-44 SU, 26-29 ATS):
It’s Kobe Bryant’s last hurrah, so nothing else really matters at the moment when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Under tends to hit at Staples Center (15-9), so that’s one angle you may want to consider when second half play resumes next week.
Philadelphia 76ers (8-45 SU, 25-27-1 ATS): The never-ending tank job masquerading as a professional sports franchise known as the Philadelphia 76ers continues to disgrace the good game of basketball.
Somehow this organization magically found a way to only lose by three points to the defending champion Golden State Warriors back on January 30. Unfortunately, consistently fading the Sixers won’t be enough to turn a profit, but note that the Over is 16-10 in Philadelphia’s 26 home games this season.

**Satch** · 02-18-2016, 09:09 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

2nd Half Trends to Watch
By Marc Lawrence
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Now that 2016 NBA All Star game is in the history books, and with an assist from my powerful NBA database, let’s take a quick look at the Good, the Bad and the Ugly trends compiled by each team in the league in games played season to date thru February 11th.
All results are ATS (Against The Spread) unless noted otherwise.
Enjoy.
Atlanta
Good: 3-0 SUATS off 3 losses exact
Bad: 1-3 off 3 wins exact
Ugly: 1-5 away with no rest
Boston
Good: 7-1 vs. opp off BB SUATS losses
Bad: 1-3 ATS as DD favorite
Ugly: 0-3 off win more than 20 points
Brooklyn
Good: 3-0 with no rest vs. non-con opp
Bad: 3-9 dog off BB losses
Ugly: 1-7 home off BB SUATS losses
Charlotte
Good: 7-1 off win 17 or more points
Bad: 1-5 home vs. opp off SU dog win
Ugly: 0-5 with no rest vs. opp off win
Chicago
Good: 5-1 home vs. opp off DD win
Bad: 2-9 non-con games off a win
Ugly: 0-7 vs. opp off ATS loss less than 5 points
Cleveland
Good: 5-1 ATS as a dog
Bad: 2-8 away vs. opp off BB losses
Ugly: 1-7 off loss 6 or more points
Dallas
Good: 5-0 away off loss 14 or more points
Bad: 1-4 off ATS win more than 17 points
Ugly: 0-4 as a dog of more than 10 points
Denver
Good: 7-0 away vs. non-con opp
Bad: 1-4 off BB wins vs. non-div opp
Ugly: 0-5-1 off a win vs. opp off DD loss
Detroit
Good: 9-1 off SU favorite loss
Bad: 1-4 off a win vs. div opp off a loss
Ugly: 1-9 away vs. opp off BB losses
Golden State
Good: 10-1-1 off win 14 or less points
Bad: 3-6 with rest off division win
Ugly: 0-5 ATS non-con DD fav off DD win
Houston
Good: 5-1 ATS vs. opp off win 17 or more points
Bad: 1-6 vs. opp off SU favorite loss
Ugly: 0-6 off BB SU favorite losses
Indiana
Good: 8-1 vs. division opp off a win
Bad: 2-8 ATS off loss 9 or more points
Ugly: 0-6 off DD loss vs. non-con opp
Los Angeles Clippers
Good: 6-1 ATS favorite off DD loss
Bad: 3-9 home off SUATS win
Ugly: 1-7-1 vs. con opp off BB losses
Los Angeles Lakers
Good: 8-2 off SUATS loss vs. non-con opp
Bad: 1-5-1 vs. opp off DD ATS loss
Ugly: 0-5 off div game vs. opp off SUATS loss
Memphis
Good: 6-0 with no rest off loss
Bad: 1-7-1 off BB SUATS wins
Ugly: 0-10 SUATS vs. opp off DD win
Miami
Good: 4-0 away vs. sub .390 opp
Bad: 1-6 ATS favorite 7 or more points
Ugly: 0-4 dog off ATS win 6 or more points
Milwaukee
Good: 9-0 vs. unrested opponent
Bad: 1-5 off BB SUATS wins
Ugly: 0-4 off SU favorite loss
Minnesota
Good: 7-1 away vs. .666 or greater opp
Bad: 2-10 vs. opp off BB losses
Ugly: 0-4 favorite vs. opp off SUATS win
New Orleans
Good: 4-0 off SU favorite loss vs. con opp off loss
Bad: 1-5 favorite off SUATS loss
Ugly: 0-6 home off DD loss
New York
Good: 5-1 dog 9 or more points
Bad: 1-5 favorite off SUATS loss
Ugly: 0-4 off win 16 or more points
Oklahoma City
Good: 8-1 off ATS loss 3 or less points
Bad: 1-4 as a dog
Ugly: 0-5 vs. .625 greater opp
Orlando
Good: 7-0 off ATS win 14 or more points
Bad: 1-3 off ATS loss 16 or more points
Ugly: 0-6 favorite 5 or more points
Philadelphia
Good: 3-0 as a favorite
Bad: 3-10 away off DD ATS loss
Ugly: 0-5 div dog opp off a win
Phoenix
Good: 5-0 off ATS loss 18 or more points
Bad: 1-6 off win vs. opp off loss
Ugly: 0-8 away vs. opp off SUATS win
Portland
Good: 5-0 vs. opp off BB SUATS losses
Bad: 1-4 vs. opp off win 18 or more points
Ugly: 0-4 off SU dog win vs. non-con opp
Sacramento
Good: 3-0 off win 18 or more points
Bad: 1-5 home off win vs. opp off SU dog win
Ugly: 0-4 favorite 8 or more points
San Antonio
Good: 11-1 home off DD ATS loss
Bad: 1-5 vs. .640 or greater opp
Ugly: 0-3 home favorite 16 or more points
Toronto
Good: 9-1 vs. .625 greater opp
Bad: 1-4 home off a loss
Ugly: 0-4 vs. opp off BB losses with no rest
Utah
Good: 7-0 off SU favorite loss
Bad: 1-5 off win vs. opp off SU dog win
Ugly: 0-4 away vs. opp off ATS win 15 or more points
Washington
Good: 5-0 off SU favorite loss vs. opp off loss
Bad: 2-8 off SU dog win
Ugly: 0-5 home favorite off DD win

**Satch** · 02-18-2016, 09:09 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Preview: Utah At Washington
When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, February 18, 2016
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
The effects of a winter storm that dumped two feet of snow on parts of the east coast around Jan. 23 are still being felt by the NBA, which had to reschedule a pair of games due to the weather. One of those games will be made up on Thursday, when the Utah Jazz and the Wizards sacrifice the final day of their All-Star break to meet in Washington for the makeup contest.
The Jazz should be happy to get back to work after surging with seven wins in eight games prior to the All-Star break to jump into eighth place in the Western Conference. Utah nearly made it eight straight before dropping a 100-96 decision at New Orleans in the final game before the break and will get on a plane immediately after Thursday’s game to begin stretch of four of five at home against the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Wizards at least have the luxury of playing their back-to-back on Thursday and Friday at home, and they are looking for a quick spark in order to make a run at a postseason spot in the East. Washington dropped nine of its final 13 before the break and is staring at a final 31 games that include a pair of West Coast road trips (one of three games, the other five games), two more dates with Cleveland, two more against Chicago and three games against Atlanta.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ROOT (Utah), CSN Mid-Atlantic (Washington)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (26-26): The Jazz managed a respectable 7-9 mark with forward Derrick Favors out 16 games while dealing with a back injury and have thrived since his return. The 24-year-old is one of the leaders of a strong young roster, and the team is 7-2 since his return. “We’re taking it game by game,” second-year guard Rodney Hood told the Salt Lake Tribune. “We haven’t really been talking about the playoffs. If we make it, it would be amazing with us being such a young team. (Our goal) is to just game by game to get better, and if we do that, we’ll be where we want to be by the spring.”
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (23-28): Washington finished 10 games above .500, earned the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference and won a first-round playoff series last spring, only to start off inconsistent this season. The Wizards are last in the league in rebounding and have dipped to the bottom third in the league in defensive efficiency, though All-Star point guard John Wall saw signs that the team could be one of the best. “We showed glimpses of what we can be, beating good teams and competing against the best teams,” Wall told the Washington Post. “We just got to be able to do that the last 31 games. … We got to be able to put everything to the side and compete for these last 31 games. They’re going to go by fast.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Hood averaged 23 points in the last four games.
2. Wall scored 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting in the All-Star Game despite dealing with a bruised right knee.
3. Washington held Utah to an average of 86.3 points in taking the last three in the series.
PREDICTION: Wizards 96, Jazz 92

**Satch** · 02-18-2016, 09:09 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 2/18

Preview: Chicago At Cleveland
When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, February 18, 2016
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
The Chicago Bulls have looked like contenders in the Eastern Conference every time they played the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, but not so much against most other teams. The Bulls will try to find that consistent high level when they return from the All-Star break and visit the Cavaliers again on Thursday.
Chicago dropped four straight prior to the break and 13 of 18 to drop into seventh place in the Eastern Conference, and it will begin the second half without All-Star guard Jimmy Butler (knee strain). “It’s frustrating,” Bulls forward Taj Gibson told reporters after a 113-90 loss to Atlanta ended the nominal first half. “It’s very frustrating because we have more than enough to win. We used to win games with less than this. I think it’s our mental (approach). It’s extremely frustrating and it hurts my heart.” The Cavaliers are not without questions of their own despite sitting atop the East and are reportedly one of the teams actively involved in trade discussions leading up to Thursday afternoon’s deadline. Cleveland closed out the first half with three straight impressive wins, though all three came at home against sub-.500 teams from the Western Conference.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE BULLS (27-25): Chicago has a pair of All-Stars in Butler and Pau Gasol, a former MVP in point guard Derrick Rose and a host of solid role players led by Gibson, but the pieces had a hard time coming together over the last six weeks. “We got to find ourselves,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. “I challenged them, whatever they got to do over the break, look themselves in the mirror, find a way to get committed to this team where we can come out and go on a run. And that’s all we can do right now is look forward.” Chicago’s most impressive performance in that stretch leading up to the break came in a 96-83 victory at Cleveland on Jan. 23.
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (38-14): That Jan. 23 meeting marked coach Tyronn Lue’s first game in charge of Cleveland, and the team has since gone on to win eight of 10 games. Lue was the coach for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game and strategically held star LeBron James to 20 minutes in that contest as he prepares for a strong stretch drive. “It’s time for me to turn it on,” James told CavsTV. “This is when I usually start to hit the switch, right after the All-Star break.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving is averaging 32 points on 59.1 percent shooting in the last three games.
2. Chicago F Nikola Mirotic (appendix) is out indefinitely.
3. Cleveland F Kevin Love (shoulder contusion) is expected to play on Thursday.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers 110, Bulls 101

Announcement

NBA Betting Info. 2/18

NBA Betting Info. 2/18

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