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**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:16 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Suns (15-45) at Heat (34-26)

Date: March 03, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

While much of their success has been predicated on their defense, the Miami Heat seem to be taking things to another level at the other end with Joe Johnson on board.

There's little reason to believe that won't continue against the swingman's former team.

The Heat look to build on a record-setting offensive performance Thursday night when they chase their 12th straight win over the Phoenix Suns, who hope to avoid a dubious streak on the road.

Miami (34-26) leads the Southeast Division by 1 1/2 games, mostly because it has allowed an Eastern Conference-low 96.9 points per game - a mark that ranks second in the NBA.

The Heat haven't been nearly as prolific offensively, sitting near the bottom of the league with 97.5 points per game and last with a 31.9 3-point percentage. They made a move to improve in that area Saturday, signing Johnson off waivers from Brooklyn.

The 34-year-old had averaged 13.4 points with a 46.0 3-point percentage in his last 25 games with the Nets. Now he's providing a spark for the Heat, totaling 36 points on 15-of-23 (65.2 percent) shooting from the field over back-to-back victories.

'Great pickup, Heat,' center Hassan Whiteside said of Johnson, who played in Phoenix from 2002-05. 'He's an amazing player and I'm glad he's on our side.'

Johnson finished with 24 points in Tuesday's 129-111 home win over Chicago. Whiteside scored 26 with 14 rebounds and is averaging 20.0 and 15.7 over six straight double-doubles.

Luol Deng contributed 20 points, Dwyane Wade added 18 and seven assists and former Sun Goran Dragic had 17 and 11 as Miami scored a season-high point total and shot a franchise-record 67.5 percent - which also matched the NBA's top effort in the last 18 years.

"It's five-man basketball, guys are making the right play and if you see somebody open you follow the fundamental law of basketball and throw it to them," coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Spoelstra's club looks to improve to 6-2 since losing leading scorer Chris Bosh indefinitely because of a blood clot in his leg. There hasn't been any updates on his condition of late.

Phoenix (15-45) could have a tough time containing Miami since it ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive scoring (107.9) and field-goal percentage (47.2). The Suns have been even worse on the road, allowing 114.0 points on 50.2 percent shooting during a 16-game losing streak that is their longest since dropping a team-record 17 straight during the 1973-74 season.

"A lot of it is immaturity, not in a bad way, but just in a realistic way," interim coach Earl Watson said.

Alex Len had 18 points and 12 rebounds and Mirza Teletovic scored 17 on Tuesday as Phoenix let Charlotte hit 13 of 27 from 3-point range in a 126-92 road defeat. Len has averaged 18.0 points and 11.0 boards in his last five games, while Teletovic has scored 17.8 and made 43.1 percent from beyond the arc over his past 10.

Wade led the way with 27 points and Dragic added 22 on Jan. 8 when Miami won 103-95 at Phoenix. The Heat have scored 113.6 per game while taking the last five home matchups by an average of 17.6 points.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:16 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Spurs (51-9) at Pelicans (23-36)

Date: March 03, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Back to playing outstanding defensively now that Kawhi Leonard has returned, the San Antonio Spurs are also getting some big production from the All-Star at the other end.

Now they might be facing banged-up nemesis Anthony Davis at an opportune time.

While the New Orleans Pelicans hope to spark a run to the postseason, the already playoff-bound Spurs will try to end their longest current road skid versus an opponent Thursday night.

San Antonio easily leads the league with 92.3 points allowed per game, but it surrendered 109.7 over a three-game stretch from Feb. 18-21 when Leonard was sidelined with a calf injury.

With the reigning Defensive Player of the Year back, the Spurs have returned to their stingy ways by holding opponents to an average of 86.3 points in their past four games. They limited Detroit to 39.7 percent shooting in Thursday's 97-81 home victory.

Leonard also led the way offensively with 27 points and San Antonio (51-9) joined Golden State as the only teams to clinch spots in the postseason so far. Leonard has found his stroke, averaging 27.7 points on 62 percent shooting over his last three games.

'It's not about (making the playoffs)," said LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored 23. "This is my first year here, but even for me it's not about that. I think we have a bigger picture in mind.'

The Spurs will go after their seventh straight win as they hit the road for the ninth time in 10 games, though their recent visits to New Orleans haven't gone so well. They've dropped their last three at the Smoothie King Center following a 104-90 loss there on Nov. 20.

Ryan Anderson finished with 30 points while making 6 of 11 from 3-point range in that contest and Davis contributed 20 points and 18 rebounds. Davis has given the mighty Spurs all they can handle, averaging 23.5 and 12.9 over eight consecutive double-doubles in the series.

The All-Star big man, however, didn't seem like himself Wednesday after returning from a one-game absence due to a sprained toe. He had 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting in a 100-95 loss at Houston that dropped the Pelicans six games behind the eighth-place Rockets with 23 left.

Norris Cole finished with 21 points as New Orleans held Houston to 3-of-34 shooting from 3-point range but committed 23 turnovers and sent the Rockets to the free-throw line 38 times.

"We come out here after every game and we talk about 'We're still in the playoffs,'" coach Alvin Gentry said. "No, we're not. We're not."

The Spurs, who have dropped four of the past six meetings with the Pelicans (23-36), shot just 3 for 14 from 3-point range and went to the foul line nine times against the Pistons.

Aldridge will try to stay hot after totaling 49 points and 26 rebounds in his last two games. He's averaged 25.6 points in his past seven versus New Orleans dating to his time with Portland.

Leonard has scored a combined 48 points on 54.1 percent shooting in this season's series.

San Antonio received some good news Wednesday when Manu Ginobili said he's pain free and will return next week after missing a month following testicle surgery. The guard took a knee directly to the groin from Anderson in a 110-97 home win over New Orleans on Feb. 3.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:16 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Kings (24-35) at Mavericks (33-28)

Date: March 03, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

A strategic tweak has opened things up offensively for the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to continue a late-season playoff push during this critical six-game homestand.

The defensively challenged Sacramento Kings are just trying to remain in the chase.

With Rajon Rondo hopeful to play in Dallas for the first time since a contentious split, the Mavericks seek their longest winning streak since late December on Thursday night when they try to extend the NBA's second-longest run at home versus an opponent.

Since averaging 91.8 points on 41.2 percent shooting during a five-game stretch from Jan. 29-Feb. 5 that culminated in three straight defeats, Dallas (33-28) has turned things around by scoring 117.5 per game and shooting 47.6 percent over its last eight.

"We made an easy adjustment, and mainly it was me," center Zaza Pachulia explained. "It's with the spacing. Don't block or run closer to the shooters and the penetrators."

The Mavericks rank among the NBA's leaders with a 39.4 3-point percentage since Feb. 6.

Wesley Matthews had 21 points to lead five players with at least 17 on Tuesday when they shot a season-high 55.8 percent, including 9 for 19 from long range, in a 121-108 home win over Orlando.

Chandler Parsons, who scored 17, has hit 52.1 percent from deep over his last eight games.

Dallas took over sole possession of sixth place in the Western Conference with Portland's loss Wednesday. The club appears to have a good opportunity to continue its surge and close out the homestand with its first four-game win streak since Dec. 23-30.

The Kings (24-35) have fallen five games out of a playoff spot after dropping four in a row. They've been porous defensively, allowing an average of 115.8 points during a 4-12 stretch.

Sacramento played better at that end Wednesday when DeMarcus Cousins had 18 points and 16 rebounds and Rondo added 17 assists in a 104-98 loss to Memphis to open a four-game trip.

"We just have to be aware and show urgency from the beginning of the game," Cousins said, "and not when somebody lights a flame under our (butts)."

Coach George Karl said he hopes Rondo can play after tweaking his ankle in the fourth quarter. The point guard was acquired by the Mavericks in a trade with Boston last season and had a tumultuous 46-game stint that included clashes with coach Rick Carlisle.

The relationship ended when Carlisle said Rondo had a back injury and wouldn't play again two games into a five-game playoff loss to Houston in the first round last April.

Rondo avoided pregame boos by sneaking to the bench during Dallas introductions Jan. 5 when Deron Williams had 25 points and hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in the second overtime to give Dallas a 117-116 victory.

The Mavericks escaped with their 22nd consecutive home win in the series, which is second only to San Antonio's 32 straight against Golden State.

Cousins led Sacramento with 35 points and 17 rebounds in the January defeat. Rudy Gay added 31 points but now could be out for a third straight game with a strained shoulder.

Cousins is averaging 30.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in his last four versus Dallas. The two-time All-Star led the way with 31 points in a 112-98 home victory Nov. 30.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:17 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Thunder (42-19) at Warriors (54-5)

Date: March 03, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

There's a chance Oklahoma City will find Stephen Curry in the one place on the floor it won't feel the need to have a hand in his face: the first row.

If so, he'll have a pretty good seat Thursday night to watch Golden State try to equal the mid-90s Bulls for the longest regular-season home winning streak in NBA history.

But if he doesn't miss a second straight game, the reigning MVP might have a little less space from 30-plus feet when the Thunder visit five days after Curry buried them in overtime in one of the season's finest games.

Curry sat out Tuesday's 109-105 home overtime win over Atlanta with a left ankle injury suffered in a 121-118 win at Oklahoma City on Saturday in which he scored 46 and hit the winning shot from 37 feet.

With three straight 40-point games, he was unsurprisingly named Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday after averaging 43.8 over four games as the Warriors improved to 14-0 over the past two seasons when he reaches 40.

It's the most productive four-game stretch (175 points) since Michael Jordan had 178 in November 1992, and it was also a week in which he tied the single-game 3-point record with 12 against the Thunder, broke his own single-season mark (288) and set an NBA record for consecutive games with a 3 (129).

Should he again scorch Oklahoma City, he'll be the first player to score 40 or more in four straight games since Kobe Bryant from Jan. 10-14, 2012.

Curry and Andre Iguodala, who also was sidelined while dealing with tightness in his left hamstring, are questionable, though coach Steve Kerr said Curry is further along than Iguodala. Without those two, the Warriors still managed to extend their home winning streak to 43, including 25-0 this season with wins coming by an average of 15.2 points.

"I said, 'How many home wins in a row is that?' And everybody had a blank stare on their face, so our guys have no clue how many we've won in a row," said Kerr, who shot 56.0 percent from 3-point range in those 44 Bulls wins in two seasons spanning 1995-96. "It's a source of pride controlling our own floor. We've done an incredible job of that since last year."

Klay Thompson took on the offensive load without his backcourt mate, though he wasn't nearly as efficient, going 8 of 27 and 6 of 16 from 3-point range for 26 points. Draymond Green had 15 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists and also hit an off-balance 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 40.2 seconds remaining in overtime.

Golden State is trying to sweep the three-game regular-season series that could be a preview of the Western Conference finals, and the Warriors have also won four straight at home over Oklahoma City.

The Thunder (42-19) will certainly be seeking some revenge, though the second night of a back-to-back at Golden State might be a little ambitious.

Additionally, they're coming off what went from looking like an impressive win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night to a 103-98 loss. Oklahoma City led by 17 in the fourth quarter and ended up losing its fifth in seven games since the All-Star break.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points with 11 rebounds and is averaging 31.5 points and 11.8 boards over four straight double-doubles.

The point total might be even higher if the Thunder would take care of the ball. In the last three, they've averaged 20.3 turnovers, including 23 against the Warriors.

"They were disciplined and we weren't," Durant said. "I need to lead by example. I need to play with a passion, and hopefully it rubs off."

Curry's performance over the weekend overshadowed Durant's 37 points and 12 rebounds, but the Thunder star has averaged 37.7 points on 56.5 percent shooting and 11.7 rebounds in the last three meetings. That includes 40 points and 14 rebounds in a 116-108 defeat in Oakland on Feb. 6.

Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, has struggled with his shot in the series, hitting 33.9 percent in the last five meetings without a single effort better than 36.8.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:17 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

NBA Odds: Thursday, March 3 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Sadly, Thursday night is the final regular-season meeting between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, who can tie the NBA record for longest home winning streak with a victory. If you are a fan of the NBA, root for the Thunder to fall to the No. 4 seed in the West by the end of the season (Clippers could pass them). Because that would mean an expected showdown with the Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. If OKC stays at No. 3, it wouldn't be favored to get past No. 2 San Antonio in the West semis. Any true NBA fan should want to see the Warriors have to get past both the Thunder and Spurs -- no offense to Clippers --- on the way back to the NBA Finals if they are truly to be considered the best single-season team of all time. Might Thursday also be the final time that Thunder star Kevin Durant plays in Oakland not as a member of the Warriors? There have been rumors that he will join Golden State in free agency if he does leave OKC.

Suns at Heat (-13, 205.5)

Phoenix didn't bother showing up in Tuesday's 126-92 loss at Charlotte; the Suns' biggest deficit was 43 points. This is not an NBA team right now. It was Phoenix's 16th straight road loss and, incredibly, 11th in a row by double digits. Phoenix dropped to 4-24 on the road and moved within one of tying the team's 42-year-old record for consecutive road losses. Miami shot a franchise-record and NBA season-high 67.5 percent from the field in Tuesday's 129-111 home win over Chicago. The Heat's 52-for-77 shooting was the best in the league since Utah shot exactly that number on Feb. 27, 2010. The all-time record, if you are wondering, is 70.7 percent by San Antonio in a 132-120 win over Dallas on April 16, 1983. Joe Johnson looks re-energized since signing with the Heat and had 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting. The Heat won in Phoenix 103-95 on Jan. 8 and have taken 11 straight in the series.

Key trends: Phoenix is 5-21 against the spread in its past 26 games. The Heat are 4-0 ATS in their past four at home. The favorite is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The "over/under" is 5-1 in Phoenix's past six.

Early lean: Heat and over.

Spurs at Pelicans (TBA)

First game of the TNT doubleheader and will feature live betting at sportsbooks. San Antonio hosted Detroit on Wednesday in its first home game since Feb. 6. We might see Gregg Popovich up to his old tricks here with guys like Tim Duncan and Tony Parker sitting out the second of a back-to-back on the road. New Orleans was in Houston on Wednesday with Anthony Davis listed as questionable. He did practice Tuesday and thus should play. The Spurs and Pelicans have split in 2015-16, each winning at home. San Antonio has dropped three straight in the Big Easy.

Key trends: The Spurs are 1-9 ATS in the past 10 in New Orleans. How about that!? The under is 3-1-1 in the past five meetings.

Early lean: That Spurs' losing streak in New Orleans ends, regardless.

Kings at Mavericks (TBA)

Sacramento was in Memphis on Wednesday. There was some concern about DeMarcus Cousins after tweaking his ankle on Monday, but he wasn't even listed on the injury report vs. the Grizzlies so presumably he plays here barring a setback. Thus I'm surprised there's an opening TBA here. Although Rudy Gay was in question Wednesday as well. Not sure he's TBA worthy. Dallas won a third straight game Tuesday, 121-108 over Orlando -- and that's the Mavs' lowest point total in the winning streak. The Mavericks made a season-high 55.8 percent of their field goal attempts (43-for-77) against the Magic. Dallas' four highest-scoring games of the season have come in the wins during this 4-1 homestand. These teams have split this season, each winning at home. Dallas has won an incredible 22 in a row at home vs. Sacramento.

Key trends: The Kings are 7-2 ATS in the past nine meetings. The under is 7-1 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Mavericks will win high-scoring game and by a ton if Cousins sits.

Thunder at Warriors (TBA)

Second TNT game and should draw stellar TV ratings (and betting action) off Saturday's incredible finish in OKC even with the late start in the East here. Alas, I give the Thunder little shot to win because they had to play at the Clippers on Wednesday night. Good luck winning in Oakland on heavy legs. Golden State played without Steph Curry and Andre Iguodala on Tuesday but beat Atlanta 109-105 in overtime for its 43rd straight home win. Draymond Green hit a prayer 3-pointer to beat the shot-clock buzzer to give the Warriors a four-point lead with 40.2 seconds left in OT. Green finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Curry was out with the ankle he sprained in the third quarter Saturday vs. the Thunder, but he fully expects to play here. Iguodala had hamstring tightness, but I'm sure he will as well. Michael Jordan's Bulls set the NBA record of 44 home wins in a row from late March 1995 to early April 1996.

Key trends: The home team is 6-0-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 8-3 in the previous 11.

Early lean: Warriors, who have won four straight at home in series, as long as Curry plays.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:17 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

NBA

Thursday's hot teams
-- Miami won five of its last seven games (5-7 last 12HF).
-- San Antonio won its last six games (12-7 last 19AF). Pelicans won three of last four home games (4-2 last 6HU).
-- Dallas won four of its last five games (5-2 last 7HF).
-- Warriors won their last six games (3-7 last 10HF)- they won last two games in overtime.

Cold teams
-- Suns lost 12 of their last 13 games (-14 last 15AU).
-- Kings lost eight of last eleven games (0-6 last 6AU).
-- Thunder lost five of their last seven games (2-3AU).

Series records
-- Miami won last ten games with Phoenix, covering last seven.
-- Spurs lost four of last six games with New Orleans.
-- Mavericks won seven of last eight games with Sacramento.
-- Warriors won five of last six games with Oklahoma City.

Totals
-- Five of last six Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven San Antonio games; four of last five New Orleans games went over.
-- Eight of last nine Sacramento games went over the total.
-- Last four games went over total for both Thunder, Warriors.

Back/backs
-- Spurs are 12-0 (8-4 vs spread) if they played night before. Pelicans are 6-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Sacramento is 3-5 vs spread in its last eight road games if they played the night before.
-- Oklahoma City is 2-6 vs spread if it played the night before.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 07:18 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes

Cavs Seek Revenge on Re-Tooled Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers (42-17 SU, 25-31-3 ATS) are still the best team in the Eastern Conference. At press time, they're –400 to win the East. But things haven't gone very smoothly for the Cavs as of late. They're 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five games, including a loss to the team they'll face Friday night, the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

This past Sunday, the Wizards beat Cleveland 113-99 as 3-point home dogs; the Cavs were favored by 6.5 points before LeBron James was given the day off to rest. James will presumably play in the rematch. Meanwhile, the word on the street is that Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland, and that morale on the team is generally low.

Washington (29-30 SU, 31-28 ATS) is working its way back into playoff contention in the East after being hampered by injuries earlier this season. The Wiz are 8-4 SU and ATS over their past dozen games; new arrival Markieff Morris made his first start at power forward in Monday's 116-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers (+13 away), putting up 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists with a pair of steals.

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:37 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Phoenix At Miami

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, March 3, 2016
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Joe Johnson has played two games in a Miami Heat uniform and already looks like a perfect fit. The Heat will try to follow up the best shooting night in franchise history and run their winning streak to three straight when they host the lowly Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
Johnson is 2-0 since joining Miami after agreeing to a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets and went 10-of-13 from the floor on Tuesday as part of a franchise-record 67.5-percent effort in a 129-111 shellacking of the Chicago Bulls. All eight players who saw the court for the Heat shot better than 50 percent from the field as the team held onto fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Miami could be in for another brilliant offensive night against the Suns, who were run off the floor in a 126-92 loss at Charlotte on Tuesday. Phoenix has lost 29 of its last 32 games and has not won on the road since Dec. 7.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), FSN Sun (Miami)
ABOUT THE SUNS (15-45): Phoenix earned a rare win on Saturday 111-106 in part by overwhelming the Memphis Grizzlies on the interior by starting centers Alex Len and Tyson Chandler together. The Suns tried to ride that tactic to back-to-back wins but ended up getting outrebounded (65-52) and outscored in the paint (48-42) while managing to get torched on the perimeter as well. Starting guards Ronnie Price and Devin Booker and small forward P.J. Tucker combined to go 7-of-32 from the floor, including 1-of-12 from 3-point range in the loss to the Hornets.
ABOUT THE HEAT (34-26): Even Miami’s players had no explanation for becoming the second team since 1998 to shoot 67.5 percent or better from the floor. “I don’t know what to say. We moved the ball,” forward Luol Deng, who went 8-of-10 from the floor, told reporters. “I saw we only made six threes. It’s kind of impressive to score 129 with only making six threes. Joe (Johnson) just did a great job of just fitting right in — and we’re getting our rotation down.” That rotation includes bringing center Hassan Whiteside off the bench, and he scored a career-high 26 points in his sixth straight double-double on Tuesday.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Heat have taken 11 straight in the series, including a 103-95 win at the Suns on Jan. 8.
2. Miami PF Amar’e Stoudemire blocked five shots in 15 minutes on Tuesday.
3. Phoenix PF Mirza Teletovic has hit at least three 3-pointers in each of the last six games.
PREDICTION: Heat 117, Suns 99

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:38 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: San Antonio At New Orleans
When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, March 3, 2016
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
The San Antonio Spurs have clinched a postseason berth for the 19th consecutive season and seek their seventh straight victory when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. San Antonio sewed up a playoff spot with a 97-81 home victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday to join the Golden State Warriors as the only teams to punch a ticket to this season’s postseason.
The Spurs’ streak of playoff appearances is tied for fourth-most in NBA history with the Boston Celtics (1951-69) and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t know his team clinched a berth until told by reporters. “It’s something that’s not been talked about in our locker room and I haven’t really been paying attention because I try to stay locked in to what we are doing,” Aldridge said after the win. “It’s not about (the milestones). We have a bigger picture in mind and the guys are focused on that.” New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry declared that his squad is no longer in the Western Conference playoff race after dropping a 100-95 decision to eighth-place Houston to fall six games behind the Rockets. “We come out here after every game and we talk about that we’re still in the playoff race. ‘No we’re not, OK?'” Gentry told reporters after Wednesday’s game. “What we are is a team that when we have an opportunity to do something, we didn’t get it done. So that is the bottom line.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE SPURS (51-9): All-Star forwards Kawhi Leonard (27 points) and Aldridge (23) each had big outings against the Pistons and Leonard is in the midst of a three-game scoring spree. Leonard is averaging 27.7 points and shooting 62 percent from the field during the stretch and has eight 20-point performances in his last 10 games. Aldridge is averaging 24.5 points and 13 rebounds over the past two contests and has notched double-doubles in three of the past five games.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (23-36): Gentry’s ire was understandable as New Orleans viewed the Houston game as a must-win affair if it were to make a late postseason push. The Pelicans held a six-point lead with four-plus minutes remaining before disintegrating on a night in which they committed 22 turnovers and All-Star power forward Anthony Davis struggled to 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Small forward Ryan Anderson looks to rebound from a 5-of-20 shooting night – he had 14 points – after averaging 28.5 points over the previous two contests.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Pelicans have won four of the past six meetings after splitting two encounters this season.
2. New Orleans F Dante Cunningham (knee) could sit out after being injured against the Rockets.
3. San Antonio backup SG Manu Ginobili (testicular surgery) participated in Wednesday’s pregame shootaround and is expected to return to action next week.
PREDICTION: Spurs 115, Pelicans 106

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:38 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Sacramento At Dallas
When: 8:30 PM ET, Thursday, March 3, 2016
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Mavericks put the finishing touches on a season-high six-game homestand when they host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday for the latest edition of a what has been a one-sided series. Although the Kings were triumphant in the first meeting at home in November, the Mavericks won the second encounter Jan. 5 to extend their home winning streak in the series to 22 games.
That is the longest run at home against any opponent in Dallas’ franchise history and it dates to Sacramento’s last road win versus the Mavericks on Feb. 27, 2003. Dallas is 4-1 on the homestand and is averaging 123.7 points over the last three contests – all victories – while maintaining the sixth position in the Western Conference. That puts it eight games ahead of the Kings, who have hurt their chances of sneaking into the playoff picture with four straight losses. Sacramento rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit before falling 104-98 at Memphis on Wednesday.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, CSN California (Sacramento), FSN Southwest (Dallas)
ABOUT THE KINGS (24-35): Forward Rudy Gay has missed two straight games with a sore shoulder while Quincy Acy was given another start – his sixth in a row – and finished with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Acy has reached double digits in three of his last four games after hitting that mark twice in his first 32 contests. He is 17-of-25 from the floor during the quick burst and hit all four of his shots – including a 3-pointer – in a 12-point, 16-minute effort in the previous meeting with Dallas.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (33-28): According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Dallas’ three straight wins with at least 120 points is its first such streak since 2004. Wesley Matthews is averaging 17.8 points on 51.7 percent shooting – including 16-of-35 from 3-point range – during the homestand and Chandler Parsons has posted a scoring average of 24.3 while hitting 11-of-21 triples in the three-game winning streak. Matthews was one of three Mavericks to score at least 20 points (Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams were the others) in a 117-116 overtime victory against the Kings earlier this year.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Kings C DeMarcus Cousins has four straight double-doubles but is shooting 38.3 percent in the stretch.
2. Sacramento PG Rajon Rondo is averaging 14.3 assists in a nine-game span.
3. Dallas has won 22 of the last 25 games overall versus Sacramento.
PREDICTION: Mavericks 118, Kings 108

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:38 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Preview: Oklahoma City At Golden State
When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, March 3, 2016
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Golden State and Oklahoma City engaged in the most thrilling contest of the season when they squared off Saturday and the two teams look to participate in another memorable contest when the Warriors host the Thunder on Thursday. Golden State guard Stephen Curry scored 46 points and tied the NBA record with 12 3-pointers Saturday and his final one was a 32-footer with 0.6 seconds left to give the Warriors a 121-118 overtime victory.
Curry (ankle) is questionable for the rematch because of an injury he suffered against the Thunder and the ailment forced him to sit out Tuesday’s 109-105 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors have won 43 consecutive home games and are vying to tie the all-time mark of 44 straight, set by the Chicago Bulls from March 30, 1995 through April 4, 1996. Oklahoma City has lost five of its last seven games and arrives in a sour mood after letting a 22-point lead evaporate in Wednesday’s 103-98 road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. “I’ve said this before, the best thing for this team is adversity,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters. “It needs adversity. It doesn’t need to be easy, in my opinion. Here’s an adverse situation – so what do we do going forward?”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE THUNDER (42-19): All-Star small forward Kevin Durant was deeply distressed after the meltdown against the Clippers – Oklahoma City was outscored 35-13 in the fourth quarter – and is concerned about the team’s odds of getting past the Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Clippers in the tough Western Conference. “I hate losing like that,” Durant, who had 30 points for his 47th straight 20-point outing, told reporters. “If we want to be a great team, we’re fooling ourselves. If we want to win a bunch of games during the regular season, it’s cool, but we’re fooling ourselves the way we’re playing.” Durant had 37 points and 12 rebounds against the Warriors on Saturday while All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook added 26 points and 13 assists.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (54-5): Curry’s status is likely to be revealed at the mid-day shootaround and shooting guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green will be expected to lead the offense if Curry can’t play. Green missed all eight of his field-goal attempts and scored two points against the Thunder last Saturday despite contributing 14 rebounds, 14 assists, six steals and four blocked shots. Thompson had 32 points against Oklahoma City and is averaging 26 points over the last seven games despite suffering through an 8-of-27 shooting night against Atlanta.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Warriors are 2-0 against the Thunder this season and have won the past four meetings.
2. Oklahoma City PF Serge Ibaka had a season-high 20 rebounds against the Warriors on Saturday – two shy of his career best.
3. Golden State swingman Andre Iguodala (hamstring) could miss his second straight game.
PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Thunder 117

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:39 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Inside the Paint – Thursday
By Chris David
After watching Wednesday’s action in the NBA, I’m assuming the confidence will be very high for the betting public and you might actually hear about some lucky winner cashing in on a 10-team parlay or somewhere in that neighborhood.
The favorites went an eye opening 10-1 straight upand 9-2 against the spread, with the lone loser coming on the Thunder, who blew a huge lead to the Clippers. Los Angeles actually opened as a short home favorite in that game before the late money sided with Oklahoma City.
Fortunately for the folks behind the betting counter, the ‘under’ went 8-3 on Wednesday.
Thursday’s card has four games on tap, which includes the nationally televised double-header on TNT.
Lots of questionable injuries in play tonight, so be sure to keep an eye on our report or follow our Twitter feed for the game-time updates.
Phoenix (15-45 SU, 23-37 ATS) at Miami (34-26 SU, 32-27-1 ATS)
The Heat are laying close to two touchdowns (-14 ½) in this game and it’s hard to make a case for the underdogs. The Suns have gone 2-9 both SU and ATS on the road versus the Eastern Conference this season and they’re coming off an embarrassing 126-92 loss at Charlotte on Tuesday.
The Suns have issues on offense due to injuries and they’re even worse on defense, allowing 107.9 points per game plus opponents have connected on 47.2 percent of their shots. They’ve dropped 16 straight on the road and more importantly, they’ve only covered one of those games.
Miami hasn’t been a dominant team (19-12 SU, 16-14-1 ATS) at home by any means, especially as a double-digit favorite. The clubs is 3-0 SU but 1-2 ATS and the three victories came by 13, 5 and 5 points.
The total is hovering around 211 and that’s a high number for Miami, who continues to be a great ‘under’ bet (38-22). However, the Suns have decided to go up tempo lately and that’s helped the ‘over’ go 5-1 since the All-Stark break.
San Antonio (51-9 SU, 37-22-1 ATS) at New Orleans (23-36 SU, 25-34 ATS)
The TNT opener features the Spurs and Pelicans squaring off in the “Big Easy” and both face back-to-back spots in this game. San Antonio (11-0 SU, 7-4 ATS) has been much better than New Orleans (3-9 SU, 6-6 ATS) on zero days rest this season and I’m sure that’s one of the many reasons that it’s laying points on the road tonight.
Surprisingly, New Orleans has won four of its last six meetings against San Antonio and it’s covered five of those games as well. The Pelicans dropped the Spurs 104-90 on Nov. 20 as 7 ½-point home underdogs but that’s when the club was somewhat healthy and actually had playoff aspirations. Including that setback, San Antonio has dropped three straight at the Smoothie King Center.
A lot has changed in a four months and San Antonio got the better of New Orleans in early February with a 110-97 win at home as a 12 ½-point favorite.
Since opening the All-Star break with an embarrassing 105-86 loss at the Clippers, the Spurs have ripped off six straight wins and covered four of those games. The defense has stepped up recently with no opponents breaking more than 94 points and that’s helped the ‘under’ cash in four consecutive games.
New Orleans has gone 3-3 in that same span and has shown flashes of brilliance with a big win over Oklahoma City but falls back to reality in a home loss to Minnesota. The Pelicans only hope to compete in this game is if they shoot a very high percentage because the defense has allowed 110 PPG since the All-Star break.
Sacramento (24-35 SU, 25-33-1 ATS) at Dallas (33-28 SU, 33-27-1 ATS)
This isn’t an easy game to handicap, especially if you look at the recent meetings. Dallas has won eight of the last 10 but Sacramento has gone 7-2 versus the number during that span with one push.
The Kings knocked off the Mavericks 112-98 on Nov. 30 as two-point home favorites. In the second go ‘round, the pair played to a 117-116 shootout in early January that Dallas won at home but failed to cover (-7). Despite that game easily going ‘over’ the number, the ‘under’ had cashed in seven straight encounters.
Dallas enters this game on a 9-0 run to the ‘over’ and that effort has been helped with a combination of great offense and poor defense. Coincidentally, Sacramento fits into that category at times when it makes shots and expecting a low-scoring game tonight is probably foolish.
The Mavericks have posted 122, 128 and 121 points in their last three games, all wins, and now face the worst defensive team in the league in the Kings (109.5 PPG). Should we expect anything less than 120 tonight?
After sweeping a home-and-home against the Nuggets right after the All-Star break, the Kings have gone 0-4 both SU and ATS in their last four which includes last night’s 104-98 loss at Memphis. George Karl’s team has gone 2-12 SU and 7-7 ATS on zero days rest this season. Even though the Kings like to run, the club has only mustered up 91, 97, 100 and 92 points in their last four games when facing back-to-back spots.
Oklahoma City (42-19 SU, 25-35-1 ATS) at Golden State (54-5 SU, 31-25-3 ATS)
Quick rematch between this pair and it’s tough to expect another back-and-forth effort that we saw on Saturday when the Warriors dropped the Thunder 121-118 in overtime. Including that win, Golden State has won two straight and five of the last six encounters against Oklahoma City.
Since Saturday’s affair, Golden State beat Atlanta 109-105 on Tuesday but failed to cover as a 5 ½-point home favorite. It was the second straight overtime game for the Warriors, who were playing without Stephen Curry (ankle) and Andre Iguodala (hamstring) versus the Hawks. As of this morning, Curry is listed as ‘probable’ while Iguodala is ‘questionable.’
Despite the record-breaking pace for wins in the season, the Warriors have stung bettors with a 2-7-1 ATS run over their last 10 games. However, Golden State still remains perfect at home with a 25-0 record. Versus the number at Oracle Arena, the club is just 11-12-2 ATS but they’ve been favored by double digits in 18 of those games. In games where the spread is nine or less at home, the Warriors are 4-3 ATS while the ‘under’ has gone 5-2.
Oklahoma City hasn’t been a great ATS team all season and last night’s 103-98 collapse to the Clippers watched them blow a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. I still believe the Thunder are nothing short of a bully and backing them against quality opponents is a big reach. On zero days rest, OKC has gone 5-4 SU and 4-5 ATS this season which includes a 3-1 run in its last four on back-to-back spots.
TNT will provide national coverage of this game at 10:35 p.m. ET.

**Satch** · 03-03-2016, 08:41 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

Red-hot Blazers burning up the book for lucky NBA bettors
By BIG AL MCMORDIE
In the NBA’s previous 60 seasons, no player has been unanimously voted the MVP. Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, and LeBron James in 2013 each fell one vote short. But with his 3-point, game-winning shot on Saturday night vs. the Thunder, Steph Curry likely sewed up the first unanimous MVP season.
Curry has single-handedly dominated games against the other four best players in the West this season (Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul), and his Warriors have gone 6-0 in those games. And what’s most scary for the rest of the NBA: Golden State’s three best players have yet to enter their prime.
Spread watch
Pop quiz: name the NBA’s three hottest teams. Even a casual fan would likely correctly guess the two hottest teams (Golden State, San Antonio, each 9-1 its last 10 games). But most fans would fail to identify the third, which is the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland is 8-2 its last 10, and 17-4 its last 21. Even better for basketball bettors, Portland is 15-6 ATS over its last 21 games. In comparison, the Spurs (18-3 SU; 11-10 ATS) and Warriors (18-3 SU; 10-10-1 ATS) have not returned a profit over the same span.
This week, the Blazers will play four road games against the Knicks, Celtics, Raptors and Pistons. The game against Boston isn’t particularly ideal, as Portland will be playing without rest and it’s 5-8 ATS this season in that situation (compared to 29-18 ATS when rested).
However, Portland will not only be rested for its other three games, but it will also be playing with revenge from home losses earlier this season to those opponents (Knicks, Raptors, Pistons). And Portland is 6-0 ATS its last six games, and 10-2 ATS its last 12 when rested and playing with revenge.
Totals watch
Kawhi Leonard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, missed San Antonio’s first three games after the All-Star Break due to a calf injury. And the Spurs struggled on defense in those three games. San Antonio gave up 105 to the Clippers (50.0 FG%), 113 to the Lakers (49.4 FG%) and 111 to the Suns (46.2 FG%).
Since Leonard’s return, the Spurs have gone 3-0 SU/ATS, and held the Kings (92), Jazz (78) and Rockets (94), on average, to 15.7 ppg less than their scoring average. Not surprisingly, all three games stayed Under the total.
This week, the Spurs will play their first home game (Wednesday, vs. Detroit) following their eight-game rodeo road trip. And the Spurs have gone 11-2 SU, 9-4 ATS and 5-8 Over/Under in their first game back at home following their “Rodeo Trip”.
After that, the Spurs will hit the road Thursday for a game at New Orleans, before coming back home for another game vs. Sacramento. And the last three meetings (and six of the last eight) between the Kings and Spurs have gone Under the total
Injury watch
Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari injured his ankle in Friday’s loss to Dallas, and is expected to miss upwards of four weeks. This is really bad news for a Denver team which still has hopes for making a run at the eighth playoff spot out West.
Gallinari has been Denver’s best player this season, as he has a 19.29 PER, and is averaging 19.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Unfortunately, Denver got a glimpse in December at what life without Gallo would be like. In the six games he missed earlier this season, Denver went 1-5 SU and 2-3-1 ATS, with its only victory against the dreadful Phoenix Suns.
If there is a silver lining, it’s that Denver’s first four games without Gallinari will all be at home, and all against beatable opponents (Grizzlies, Lakers, Nets, Mavericks). Its game versus Memphis Monday looks to be the best of the bunch to play on the Nuggets.
Not only is Denver 5-1 ATS its last six home games vs. Memphis, but it will be Memphis’ third game in four nights. And the Nuggets are 128-84 ATS at home when rested and matched up against non-division foes playing their third game in four nights.
Schedule watch
This season, Commissioner Adam Silver’s intent was to make the schedule much less taxing for NBA players. Back-to-backs were reduced 7.8 percent, while four-games-in-five-nights were reduced 60.8 percent. The result has been fascinating, to say the least.
NBA teams have actually been terrific this season when playing without rest in either their fourth game in five nights or fifth game in seven nights (against opponents not in such a situation). They’re 43-20-1 ATS, including 16-4 ATS at home. And it makes perfect sense. With a less grueling schedule, the players are more rested, generally. So, when they’ve faced a difficult schedule this season, they’ve been able to overcome it and outperform expectations.
This week, three teams will play their fifth game in seven nights without rest: Orlando (Wednesday), Portland (Wednesday) and Miami (Friday). Of the three, Orlando (vs. Chicago) would rate as my favorite, as it will be playing at home.

**TheGame** · 03-03-2016, 11:10 AM

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/3

PHOENIX vs. MIAMI
Phoenix is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Phoenix

SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW ORLEANS
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New Orleans's last 13 games at home

SACRAMENTO vs. DALLAS
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Sacramento's last 19 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 14-6-1 ATS in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing Sacramento

OKLAHOMA CITY vs. GOLDEN STATE
Oklahoma City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Oklahoma City is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Golden State is 5-9-2 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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NBA Betting Info. 3/3

NBA Betting Info. 3/3

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