NBA Betting Info. 3/18

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NBA Knowledge

Friday's hot teams
-- Thunder won four of last six games (4-1 last 5AF).
-- Cavaliers won seven of their last nine games (3-1 last 4AF)
-- Toronto won five of its last six games (3-6 last 9HF).
-- Rockets won four of their last six games (2-5 last 7HF).
-- Warriors won their last six games (2-4 last 6AF).

Cold teams
-- 76ers lost nine of their last ten games (2-5 last 7HU).
-- Orlando lost five of its last seven games (9-5HU).
-- Sacramento lost six of its last seven games (6-4 last 10AU).
-- Pistons lost three of their last four (13-3 last 16HF).
-- Celtics lost four of their last five games (2-7 last 9AU).
-- Portland lost six of its last eight games (1-3 last 4AU).
-- Pelicans lost eight of their last ten games (2-7 last 9HF).
-- Minnesota lost six of its last nine games (4-4 last 8AU).
-- Mavericks lost six of their last seven games (5-4HU).
-- Suns lost four of their last five games (3-2 last 5AU).
-- Lakers lost five of their last seven games (3-2HF).

Series records
-- 76ers lost last 10 games (3-7 vs spread) with Oklahoma City.
-- Cavaliers won last ten games (10-0 vs spread) with Orlando.
-- Pistons won five of last six games with Sacramento.
-- Raptors won six of their last eight games with Boston.
-- Trailblazers won seven of last eight games with New Orleans.
-- Rockets won their last five games with Minnesota.
-- Warriors won eight of last nine games with Dallas.
-- :Lakers lost five of their last six games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Philly games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Sacramento games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-2 last nine times toronto played night before.
-- Six of last seven Blazer-Pelican games stayed under total.
-- Last seven Houston-Minnesota games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Golden State games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Phoenix-Laker games.

Back/backs
-- 76ers are 3-7 vs spread last 10 times they played night before.
-- Raptors are 7-5 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Portland is 6-9 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Suns are 4-9 vs spread if they played the night before

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Thunder (46-22) at 76ers (9-59)


Date: March 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT


Dion Waiters had an emotional return to the court his last time out after the funeral of his younger brother.


It figures to be emotional for Waiters again Friday night when he returns to his hometown as his visiting Oklahoma City Thunder seek to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers for the 14th straight meeting.


Waiters left the team last Wednesday to attend the funeral of younger brother Demetrius Pinckney, who was killed in South Philadelphia on March 8. The fourth-year shooting guard missed four games before he came back for this Wednesday's 130-109 rout at Boston.


He was in a shooting slump before leaving the team, making 5 of 23 shots in three games. Waiters returned and made 1 of 5, although he tapped his chest near his heart and pointed to the sky after making his only one with a 3 from the left wing early in the second quarter.


Waiters is averaging 11.8 points on 35.2 percent shooting in four career games at Philadelphia.


"It's another game but I get a chance to be with my family, be around my little brothers and sisters," Waiters said. "You just try to cherish the moment because you just never know. You never know what type of situation you're going to be in as far as like family, anything can happen."


There won't be too much intrigue about Friday's outcome since the Thunder's streak over the 76ers (9-59) matches Cleveland's run over Orlando as the longest current win streaks by one team over another.


Making matters worse is that Philadelphia, which fell 99-94 at home to Washington on Thursday, is 1-13 in the second half of back-to-back games. Oklahoma City (46-22) will be trying to preserve its energy for Saturday's game at Indiana since the Thunder are 5-7 in the second half of back-to-backs.


These teams like to play at a fast tempo, with Philadelphia averaging 100.3 possessions per 48 minutes and Oklahoma City at 99.5. It figures to be a recipe for disaster for the lowly Sixers, who average a league-worst 17.3 turnovers as they match up with a Thunder team that averages 17.2 fast-break points for one of the league's best marks.


"We've realized that if we get stops, we get out on the break and it's hard for teams to stop us when we get out on the break," Thunder guard Randy Foye said.


Oklahoma City has cruised to two wins this week, 128-94 at home over Portland on Monday before Wednesday's opener to a three-game trip. Kevin Durant scored 48 in those games and Russell Westbrook had 41 and 21 assists.


Durant sat out with a strained left hamstring in a 102-85 rout of the Sixers on Nov. 13. Westbrook had 21 points, 17 boards and 11 assists.


Philadelphia had a healthy Jahlil Okafor then and fell to 1-8 since the rookie was lost for the season after Thursday's defeat. Ish Smith scored 20 in the Sixers' 16th defeat in 17 games as their rally from 24 points down fell short.


'I'm proud of their fight,' coach Brett Brown said. 'We did fight back. It turned into a game we could have stolen.'

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Cavaliers (48-19) at Magic (29-38)


Date: March 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT


The Cleveland Cavaliers elected to rest LeBron James this week with the playoffs approaching.


The Orlando Magic certainly wish they would have waited two more days.


With James back in the lineup, the visiting Cavaliers seek their 14th consecutive win over the Magic on Friday night in a season series that hasn't been close.


Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland (48-19) beat Dallas 99-98 on Wednesday for its seventh win in nine games. James sat out with coach Tyronn Lue starting a plan to rejuvenate the superstar leading into the postseason.


The Cavs hold a slim lead over Toronto for the Eastern Conference's top seed and close the final four weeks with a less challenging schedule. They play eight of their next 13 on the road, where they are 20-13.


The stretch starts with a visit to Orlando (29-38), where the Cavaliers have taken six straight.


The contrast in the series has been especially pronounced in the season's first three matchups. After a 117-103 home victory Nov. 23, the Cavs routed the Magic 111-76 at Amway Center on Dec. 11 and 104-79 at home Jan. 2.


Cleveland held Orlando to 38.5 percent shooting in the final two wins, the December blowout providing its largest margin of victory this season.


James has won 14 in a row against the Magic, the first eight of which came with Miami. He's shot 59.6 percent against them this season.


With James sitting, Kyrie Irving led the way against the Mavericks. He scored 33 points and helped thwart a Dallas rally with a steal with 2.9 seconds left.


The Cavs improved to 4-12 without James the last two seasons.


'Honestly, it was a personal challenge,' said Irving, who shot 35 percent while averaging 16.0 points in his previous two games. 'We know what the record is. I know I took it personally, and I have to lead the team whether he's in or out.'


Kevin Love scored 23 points after averaging 12.9 in his previous seven games and added 18 rebounds, while Channing Frye went 3 of 5 from 3-point range and chipped in 14 off the bench.


Orlando's hopes of making the postseason are slim, as it's suffered five losses in seven games to fall further back in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot.


The Magic led 30-26 after one quarter at Charlotte on Wednesday but were outscored 35-13 in the second in a 107-99 loss, denying them their first winning streak since early February.


'You have to be able to put your foot down and somebody's got to make a big basket for you or a big defensive play and kind of get a run going of your own," coach Scott Skiles said. "This is something we've really struggled with.'


Orlando - winner of three of its last four home games - shot 47.8 percent in the opening quarter but 40.0 over the final three. The Magic have averaged 100.1 points and 44.3 percent shooting their last seven games while allowing 109.4 and 46.9.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Kings (26-41) at Pistons (34-34)


Date: March 18, 2016 7:30 PM EDT


If the Detroit Pistons are to take advantage of a favorable four-game stretch on a lengthy homestand, they'll need to improve their recent defensive play.


The Pistons can start by avoiding a third consecutive defeat Friday night against the Sacramento Kings.


Following its worst loss in 22 years, 124-81 at Washington on Monday, Detroit (34-34) could at least look forward to returning home for an extended stay. The Pistons didn't play poorly while opening this nine-game home stretch with Wednesday's 118-114 defeat to Atlanta, but a couple of key lapses in the second half led to their third loss in four games.


Up 11 near the end of the third quarter, the Pistons allowed a 16-2 Hawks run that began with a 3-pointer from center Al Horford. Atlanta used a 10-0 run late in the fourth to erase a one-point Detroit lead.


Detroit played somewhat better defensively, holding the Hawks to 43.8 percent shooting after the previous three opponents shot 51.4 percent. But it allowed Atlanta to go 4 of 7 from beyond the arc in the fourth, and has yielded an average of 117.8 points in four games.


"I can't find any answers," said coach Stan Van Gundy, whose team is fighting for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. "We're just not guarding anybody."


Detroit shot 46.4 percent and was much better offensively after equaling its lowest point total of the season Monday.


"We have to come back prepared for Friday and try to get a win there," said forward Andre Drummond, who had 18 rebounds and 18 points after failing to score 10 in two of the previous three contests.


The Pistons seemingly have a good opportunity to get back on track with lottery-bound opponents Sacramento (26-41), Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Orlando in town over a six-day stretch. They are 17-13 against sub-.500 teams.


"They're important," said guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is averaging 22.3 points in his last four games. "We've got to take the next four games and we've got to take them real serious. We can't play down to our opponent."


Detroit's five-game winning streak against Sacramento ended with a 101-92 road loss Nov. 11. However, the Kings have dropped five in a row at The Palace, and enter this meeting losers in 10 of 12.


After snapping a five-game skid with Tuesday's 106-98 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento took a step back with its 123-108 home loss to New Orleans one night later.


'We lacked that spirit that we had (Tuesday) night," said coach George Karl, whose club allowed the Pelicans to shoot 54.4 percent overall and 12 of 21 from 3-point range. "The game got loose on us.'


Still managing to co-exist with Karl, DeMarcus Cousins was held to 20 points on 8-of-21 shooting. Cousins scored 33 and was 4 of 5 from beyond the arc against the Pistons in November, but he's totaled 31 points on 10-of-32 shooting and committed 11 turnovers in the last two at Detroit.


It's uncertain if teammates Rajon Rondo (toe, thumb, shoulder) and Marco Belinelli (ankle) will miss a second straight contest. Guard Ben McLemore (finger) might miss his sixth consecutive game.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Celtics (39-29) at Raptors (46-21)


Date: March 18, 2016 7:30 PM EDT


Facing the possibility of matching their longest losing streak of the season has the Boston Celtics feeling a sense of urgency.


The Celtics try to snap their three-game skid Friday night when they face the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Raptors for the first of two meetings in under a week.


Boston (39-29) is in good position to reach the playoffs for a second consecutive season, sitting five games clear of the cutoff. Despite that, the Celtics are feeling pressure after falling 130-109 to Oklahoma City on Wednesday in their most lopsided home defeat of the season. Their losing streak follows a 7-2 stretch, during which they averaged 110.7 points.


"We gotta win," guard Isaiah Thomas told the team's official website after scoring 29 points. "The playoff picture - not saying we're not going to make the playoffs, but - it's close, so Toronto is another test for us. We gotta be mature about the situation and just try to get a win."


Boston has only won three of its last 11 meetings with the Raptors (46-21), dropping five of six at Toronto after a 115-109 loss on Jan. 20. The Celtics gave up 55.4 percent from the field in one of their worst defensive efforts of the season.


Thomas has continued to excel on the opposite end, averaging 27.3 points on 49.2 percent shooting in his last seven games.


With a 7 1/2-game lead over Boston, Toronto is nearing a third straight Atlantic title but is more concerned with closing the two-game deficit on Cleveland for the conference lead.


Toronto has won 11 of its last 14 games after beating Indiana 101-94 in overtime Thursday, with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry scoring 28 points apiece.


"We understand that someone on our team is eventually going to get hot late in the game," DeRozan said. "I started to hit some shots and then Kyle got going."


DeRozan is averaging 29.5 points over the last eight games, and Lowry is scoring 28.7 over the last three while hitting 10 of 22 from 3-point range.


"We know that those guys are going to make tough shots," Celtics guard Avery Bradley said. "We just have to try to make every possession hard on them and try to take the supporting cast out. It's the same mindset as (Wednesday's) game, and hopefully they're not making every shot too."


DeRozan has scored 29.6 per game in his last five against Boston, including 34 on 13-of-25 shooting in January.


Lowry hasn't enjoyed the same success in this season's two matchups, scoring 14 points in each while shooting 7 of 22.


Bismack Biyombo set a franchise record with 25 rebounds Thursday, and added a career-high 16 points. The center, however, has only totaled seven points and 10 boards in two games against Boston this season.


He'll have to contend with Kelly Olynyk, who is playing his second game since missing 12 with a shoulder injury. The center was sluggish Wednesday, finishing with eight points while missing 6 of 7 shots.


"A little pain. A little discomfort," Olynyk said. "Trying to just keep the strength and keep the muscles activated. Hopefully you don't take too big of a bump but other than that it felt alright out there. I just need to get back into a rhythm."


He's averaging 19.0 points in the last three visits to Toronto.


These teams will conclude their season series Wednesday in Boston.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Trail Blazers (35-34) at Pelicans (25-42)


Date: March 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


The Portland Trail Blazers' playoff hopes are looking a little more tenuous because of their recent road woes but they'll next face a team that's struggled almost no matter where it's been playing.


The Blazers will seek to end a six-game losing streak away from home by sending the New Orleans Pelicans to another defeat Friday night.


Portland's road skid reached a season high Thursday with a 118-110 defeat to San Antonio, its third consecutive visit to a Western Conference division leader. The Blazers opened their four-game trip with a 128-94 drubbing to Oklahoma City on Monday.


"You play in San Antonio and Oklahoma City, you know it's going to be tough," coach Terry Stotts said. "I don't think it's about keeping our spirits up. It's just about competing."


Those six straight road losses are responsible for Portland's 2-6 overall mark in its last eight games. The Blazers (35-34) have seen what was a 4 1/2-game lead on a playoff spot earlier this month cut to 1 1/2 by surging Utah, winners of four straight.


With the Jazz idle Friday, Portland will try to pad its advantage by handing New Orleans a ninth loss in 11 games.


"It's an important game and one that we want to win," guard C.J. McCollum said. "We have to go out there and execute."


The Pelicans (25-42) have only beaten one team over that stretch, Sacramento, and avoided an 0-5 road trip with Wednesday's 123-108 victory.


Ryan Anderson scored 21 of his team-best 29 points in the second quarter, and New Orleans had a season-high 74 in the first half. The Pelicans averaged 49.7 points in their three previous opening halves.


"Obviously, we struggled through this whole road trip. I thought we had some good moments, played some good basketball, couldn't quite get over the hump. I thought from start to finish we did a good job tonight," coach Alvin Gentry said.


New Orleans topped the Kings 115-112 on March 7 before hitting the road to avoid a season-high fourth consecutive home defeat. The Pelicans also beat Portland 115-89 on Dec. 23 in New Orleans to end a seven-game skid in the series.


Damian Lillard sat out for the Blazers because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot after scoring 30 in a home victory over the Pelicans on Dec. 14.


McCollum, who scored a team-best 26 points Thursday, had a career-high 37 in a 112-94 victory over New Orleans on Oct. 28.


New Orleans' Anthony Davis is averaging 27.0 points on 57.9 percent shooting in the season series, and Portland will be short-handed in its next attempt to slow him down.


Meyers Leonard is expected to miss at least two more games after dislocating his left shoulder in practice Wednesday. He suffered the same injury Nov. 11 and sat out seven contests.


Chris Kaman, averaging 3.2 points, had a season-high 12 on 5-of-6 shooting and five rebounds in 14-plus minutes in his absence.


The Trail Blazers, who won six straight away from Portland prior to the skid, had a seven-game road losing streak last season.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Timberwolves (22-46) at Rockets (34-34)


Date: March 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


The Houston Rockets' first two games this week serve as a microcosm of their inconsistent season, as they went from a season-best defensive effort to historically bad.


Maybe a return to a series they have dominated the last three seasons will get them back to the former.


The Rockets hope Friday night's visit from the Minnesota Timberwolves helps steady a rocky stretch as they go for their sixth consecutive win in this series and seventh straight at Toyota Center.


Houston's up-and-down season has led to a 34-34 record and a share of the Western Conference's seventh seed with Dallas, just ahead of Utah.


This week has seen the good but skipped over the bad to the ugly.


On the positive end, the Rockets posted their largest margin of victory with Monday's 130-81 win over Memphis, logging season bests for both opponent points and field-goal percentage (29.7). But on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers made 56.6 percent of their attempts and 12 of 30 3s in beating Houston 122-106.


The opponent field-goal percentage increase of 26.9 is the league's highest in consecutive games since Philadelphia held Charlotte to 30.7 percent on Feb. 9, 2013, before the Clippers finished at 58.7 two days later.


The Rockets seemed to pull out of a funk with four wins in five games from March 2-11, but they have dropped two of three since. Opponents shot at least 54.5 percent in those two defeats while eclipsing 120 points. Houston has surrendered at least 110 in 10 of the last 22 games, and opponents are shooting 50.3 percent in 12 losses during that stretch.


'The intensity wasn't there,' interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the loss to Los Angeles. 'We didn't come out with any force defensively. You give up 35 points and 37 points in two quarters of play against a very good team, coming back is going to be tough if not impossible.'


James Harden pulled out of a shooting funk by making 5 of 10 3s for 33 points to go with eight assists, and the recently signed Michael Beasley had 16 points and eight rebounds.


Harden finished with 27 points and 11 assists to help the Rockets to their fifth straight win in this series with a 107-104 victory on Jan. 13. The Rockets are 9-1 against the Timberwolves since March 15, 2013.


Minnesota (22-46) has won two of three to open a four-game trip. Zach LaVine scored 28 points in each of the last two games and matched a career high with six 3-pointers in Wednesday's 114-108 victory in Memphis.


The Timberwolves equaled a season high for points in any quarter with 42 in the opening frame before holding off a late Grizzlies rally.


'We're just glad we got the win,' LaVine said. 'The main thing is to just get a win. You win by 20, you win by one, it's a win.'


It was just Minnesota's fifth victory in its last 27 road games. Houston is 18-15 at home and has lost three of its last five there.


While the Rockets held LaVine to 1-of-6 shooting for two points in January, Andrew Wiggins made 9 of 16 shots for 28 points - his third straight game with at least that many against Houston.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Warriors (61-6) at Mavericks (34-34)


Date: March 18, 2016 8:30 PM EDT


Golden State coach Steve Kerr insists all the record chasing is finally wearing on his players, though the Warriors certainly aren't showing any signs of fatigue on the court.


After extending their NBA-record run at home, the Warriors resume their pursuit of 73 wins Friday night when they take on the Dallas Mavericks at the scene of one of their six defeats.


Golden State hasn't shown many weaknesses while compiling a 61-6 record, which remains one game ahead of Chicago's mark through 67 during its record 72-win season in 1995-96.


"I thought that record was unbreakable, really," Kerr said. "The last 20 years, I never thought anyone would come close. There's still 16 games to go and things happen, but the fact that we're here talking about it is a testament to our guys' competitive desire."


The Warriors won the last five of a 6-0 homestand by an average of 19.6 points. With Wednesday's 121-85 victory over New York, they also became the first team in the history of the four American professional sports leagues to win 50 straight home games.


Despite all the success, Kerr says his team is beginning to wear down. He's taking precautions to slow that process, limiting practice time and picking spots to give guys rest.


"You can kind of see it their eyes and legs a little bit," Kerr added. "I think you just get a feel as a coach, and as a staff, you get a read on guys as you see how energetic they are or not. It's something that every team that makes a championship run goes through."


Banged-up reserves Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli and Kevon Looney won't make a three-game trip that includes Saturday's showdown with San Antonio, the league's second-best club.


Golden State, looking to avoid its third back-to-back road losses of the season, is likely to be careful not to look ahead to the Spurs because of a 114-91 loss at Dallas on Dec. 30.


The Warriors, however, did not have Curry in that contest due to a bruised leg and Thompson was held to just 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting. Curry had 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting Jan. 27, but Thompson stepped up with a season-high 45 points in a 127-107 home victory.


J.J. Barea led Dallas with 23 points and five 3-pointers in the first meeting. Chandler Parsons finished with 23 points and seven rebounds in January when Dallas played without Dirk Nowitzki and Zaza Pachulia.


The Mavericks (34-34) hope to survive a late-season funk after losing for the sixth time in seven games Wednesday, 99-98 at East-best Cleveland. They're tied with Houston for the West's final two playoff spots, with both holding a slim advantage over ninth-place Utah.


Nowitzki and David Lee finished with 20 points apiece and Barea contributed 17 against the Cavaliers, but the team's rally from a 20-point second-half deficit fell just short.


"We know if we play hard on both ends we can beat anybody, but if it's the third quarter and we're down 20 each time, it's going to be tough to come back against good teams," Nowitzki said.


The Mavericks are slumping defensively at home, allowing 109.8 points per game in their past 11. They'll try to avoid losing five straight there for the first time since a six-game skid in 1999-2000.


Dallas has dropped eight of the past nine meetings overall versus Golden State.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

Preview: Suns (18-50) at Lakers (14-54)


Date: March 18, 2016 10:30 PM EDT


Don't tell Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott that his team's fans want to lose Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.


It's uncertain whether or not Kobe Bryant will play and it's also not clear if his presence will help or hurt his team's chance at a victory.


What is clear is that there is plenty of incentive for the Western Conference's worst teams to lose when they meet Friday night at Staples Center.


Los Angeles (14-54) owns the league's second-worst record and its fans would like to finish with that mark since the franchise will enhance its chances of a top-three lottery pick that way. If the Lakers fail in the lottery and slip to the fourth pick, the choice will go to Philadelphia.


Surpassing Phoenix (18-50) in the standings would hurt the Lakers' lottery odds. These teams meet twice in the next six days after splitting their first two meetings.


"As far as I'm concerned, we're not in a weird position," Scott said. "We play Phoenix and we're trying to win the game."


The Lakers have lost three straight to fall to 2-4 on this eight-game homestand as they played without Bryant in Tuesday's 106-98 loss to Sacramento. The retiring veteran continues to battle shoulder problems and Scott termed Bryant's chances of playing Friday at "50-50."


If Bryant doesn't play, Scott said he will give Metta World Peace his second straight start.


Bryant is the NBA's worst shooter among qualifying players at 35.6 percent overall and 27.5 percent on 3-pointers. The Lakers have won four of their last 11 games he has missed.


Phoenix had a five-game win streak over Los Angeles end the last time these teams met, a 97-77 defeat Jan. 3 that Bryant sat out. He has not faced the Suns this season, has missed six of the last nine matchups and hasn't played in a victory over Phoenix since he made 1 of 8 shots for four points and eight turnovers in a 91-85 win Feb. 12, 2013.


The Lakers expect to have forward Brandon Bass back after he sat out Tuesday because of a corneal abrasion in his right eye. He may have to wear goggles.


"If they say I have to wear the goggles, I don't have no choice, right?" Bass said. "But if they say I don't have to, then I don't have to, then I ain't gonna wear 'em. But we'll see how it goes."


The Suns fell for the fourth time in five games, 103-69 at Utah on Thursday. They shot a season-low 34.1 percent and finished with their lowest point total.


'We played passive aggressive in the first half," coach Earl Watson said. 'In the second half, we played timid. We couldn't hit a shot. We couldn't stop their runs. That isn't acceptable, that can't happen.'


Brandon Knight scored a team-high 17 in his third start since missing 21 games with a strained groin. He has totaled 55 points and 24 assists this season versus Los Angeles with his first career triple-double in a 120-101 rout Nov. 16.


Rookie Devin Booker was held to seven points on 3-of-14 shooting Thursday after he entered averaging 23.6 in his first eight games in March.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

NBA Odds: Friday, March 18, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews


Most experts have pegged LSU freshman Ben Simmons as the No. 1 overall pick for this summer's NBA Draft, and Simmons already has signed with an agent, so he's leaving LSU. But Simmons didn't take his schoolwork very seriously -- in fact, LSU, perhaps fearing that it would incur some NCAA violations, passed on the NIT when it missed the NCAA Tournament. Will Simmons not being a great student scare NBA teams off? Probably not. But the guy has no jumper. And if Duke can make a long run in the Big Dance and freshman star Brandon Ingram, who can shoot, plays really well then Ingram could be the choice at No. 1 overall. Some other guys are definitely going to raise their stocks in the draft with big games in the Big Dance as well.




Cavaliers at Magic (+7.5, 212)


Cleveland beat Dallas 99-98 on Wednesday without LeBron James, who was rested in the second of a back-to-back. And as long as the Cavs have a comfortable lead atop the East, expect that to continue -- and not just for James. Kyrie Irving stepped up without LeBron and had 33 points. Kevin Love added 23 points and 18 rebounds. Not a coincidence how those guys' numbers go way up with James on the bench. Orlando lost 107-99 in Charlotte on Wednesday. The Magic were down as much as 26. The Magic are 0-3 vs. the Cavs this season and have dropped 13 straight in the series, which is the second-longest skid vs. one team of all-time for Orlando. The record is 14 against the Pistons from 1988-1993.


Key trends: The Cavs are 7-0 against the spread in their past seven in Orlando. The "over/under" is 5-2 in those seven.


Early lean: Cavaliers and under.


Thunder at 76ers (+15, 220)


Potential trap game for Oklahoma City here as the Thunder are off an impressive 130-109 win in Boston on Wednesday. Kevin Durant was regularly greeted with chants of "Come to Boston!" and had 28 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in just over three quarters. Durant has scored at least 20 in 53 straight games. Philadelphia hosted Washington on Thursday. The Sixers lost 102-85 in OKC on Nov. 13. Durant sat out and Russell Westbrook had a triple-double. It was his third in his past four games against Philadelphia.


Key trends: OKC is 7-2 ATS in the past nine meetings. The under is 5-1 in the previous six.


Early lean: I'll take the points. Go over.


Kings at Pistons (TBA)


Sacramento lost 123-108 at home to New Orleans on Wednesday. DeMarcus Cousins had 20 points and 12 rebounds, but the Kings were down as many as 27. Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli and Ben McLemore all missed the game. Now Sacramento must win its final seven home games to avoid a losing record in their final season at Sleep Train Arena. Detroit lost a second straight Wednesday, 118-114 over Atlanta. The Pistons led by 11 in the third quarter. Andre Drummond had 18 points and 18 rebounds but missed nine of 17 free throws. The Pistons lost in Sacramento 101-92 on Nov. 11.


Key trends: The Kings are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-0 in those five.


Early lean: Long trip across country and Kings are banged up. This shouldn't be close even with Detroit's Reggie Jackson questionable.


Celtics at Raptors (TBA)


Lone national TV game of the night on NBA TV. Boston lost a third straight Wednesday, 130-109 vs. the Thunder. It was Boston's second straight loss at TD Garden following a 14-game home winning streak. The 130 points allowed were the most given up by the Celtics in regulation since 2004. Forward Kelly Olynyk returned from a 12-game injury absence. He played 22 minutes. Toronto was in Indiana on Thursday. The Raptors are 2-0 vs. Boston this season and won the game on Toronto 115-109 on Jan. 20.


Key trends: The Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their past six road games. The over is 5-2 in the past seven meetings.


Early lean: I think this is TBA with the worry that Raptors coach Dwane Casey might give point guard Kyle Lowry the game off in the second of a back-to-back. Plus, it's not clear if Jonas Valanciunas will play Thursday or here. So wait on those guys.


Timberwolves at Rockets (-8.5, 221.5)


Minnesota won at short-handed Memphis 114-108 on Wednesday. Zach LaVine scored 28 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 10 boards. The team's 42 first-quarter points matched a Minnesota season high for points in a quarter. Houston lost 122-106 at home to the Clippers on Wednesday. James Harden led Houston with 33 points and eight assists. The Rockets have allowed 110 or more points in 10 of the past 22 games. Houston has won six in a row at home vs. the Timberwolves. Both teams have scored 100-plus points in nine of the past 10 meetings.


Key trends: The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their past six after a double-digit loss. The over is 7-0 in the past seven meetings.


Early lean: Rockets and over.


Trail Blazers at Pelicans (-2, 216)


Portland was in San Antonio on Thursday. New Orleans ended a four-game skid with a 123-108 win in Sacramento on Wednesday. Sacramento native Ryan Anderson had 29 points for the Pelicans in his final game at Sleep Train Arena, where his high school team played in the state playoffs. The Pelicans set a season high with 74 points in the first half while completing a four-game sweep. Portland leads this season series here 2-1, winning both at home. The Blazers are looking for their third straight season series win over New Orleans.


Key trends: The Blazers are 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.


Early lean: Pelicans and under.


Warriors at Mavericks (+9, 227)


This screams potential trap game for Golden State as it visits San Antonio in the NBA game of the year on Saturday night. The Warriors won a sixth in a row on Wednesday, 121-85 against the Knicks to complete an unbeaten six-game homestand. Steph Curry had 34 points in the team's 50th straight home win. Andre Iguodala missed a third straight game and won't play here. Dallas lost 99-98 in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Mavs had possession late with a chance to win but a pass for Dirk Nowitzki was stolen. The Warriors have won eight of the last nine regular-season meetings with the Mavericks but Dallas did win at home on Dec. 30.


Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 8-3 in Dallas' past 11 at home.


Early lean: Warriors and over.


Suns at Lakers (TBA)


Phoenix was in Utah on Thursday. The Lakers lost a third in a row Tuesday, 106-98 against the Kings. Kobe Bryant sat out with his shoulder problems. Brandon Bass also missed the game. Important for the Lakers to lose this as it would all but guarantee they finish with the second-worst record in the NBA and that the Suns can't overtake them for that. Remember, if L.A.'s draft pick isn't in the Top 3, it goes to Philadelphia. Phoenix has won five of the past six meetings in the series.


Key trends: The home team has covered five of the past seven meetings. The over is 4-1-1 in the past six.


Early lean: Does Kobe really deserve a TBA at this point? I don't think it matters, Lakers will win and maybe regret they did later on.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

'Quest for 73 Continues as Warriors Visit Mavs'


Winning the championship isn't enough anymore for the Golden State Warriors. They're on a quest to break the NBA regular-season record of 72 wins, set by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. The saga continues Friday night (8:30 PM ET) when the Warriors visit the Dallas Mavericks, who are fighting to make the playoffs.


After smashing everything in sight earlier in the season, the Warriors (61-6 SU, 38-27-2 ATS) have come down to earth a little, and it's affecting them at the pay window. Golden State is 15-2 SU and 7-9-1 ATS over the past 17 games. The Dubs have also run into some rare injury problems; swingman Andre Igoudala (sprained left ankle) and back-up center Festus Ezeli (scoped left knee) are both out for Friday's game.


The Mavericks (34-34 SU, 36-31-1 ATS) have also lost a step or two, but in their case, it's costing them victories. Dallas is just 6-12 SU, 7-11 ATS since the beginning of February. This is despite adding free agent power forward and former Warrior David Lee, who has played at a very high level during his 10 games in Dallas. Lee has 19.8 points and 15.0 rebounds per 36 minutes with the Mavs.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/18

StatFox Super Situations


NBA | PORTLAND at NEW ORLEANS
Play Against - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (NEW ORLEANS) off a road win, a bad team, winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season
52-22 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.3% | 27.8 units )
6-3 this year. ( 66.7% | 2.7 units )


NBA | GOLDEN STATE at DALLAS
Play Against - Underdogs vs the money line (DALLAS) revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, off a cover where the team lost the game straight up as an underdog
663-179 since 1997. ( 78.7% | 174.9 units )
19-6 this year. ( 76.0% | 7.3 units )


NBA | PHOENIX at LA LAKERS
Play On - Road teams vs. the 1rst half line (PHOENIX) a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) after 42+ games, after scoring 105 points or more
67-31 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.4% | 32.9 units )
7-2 this year. ( 77.8% | 4.8 units )