NBA Betting Info. 3/19

[TheGame]

StatFox Super Situations


NBA | DENVER at CHARLOTTE
Play Against - Road underdogs (DENVER) an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after allowing 105 points or more 3 straight games
27-7 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.4% | 19.3 units )
3-3 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.3 units )


NBA | LA CLIPPERS at MEMPHIS
Play On - Favorites vs. the money line (LA CLIPPERS) a good team (+3 to +7 PPG diff.) against an average team (+/- 3 PPG diff.) after 42+ games, after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games
187-54 since 1997. ( 77.6% | 70.8 units )
10-1 this year. ( 90.9% | 6.7 units )


NBA | NEW YORK at WASHINGTON
Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105.5 in a game involving two average teams (+/- 3 PPG diff.) after 42 or more games, after scoring 55 points or more in the first half in 2 straight games
46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
2-2 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.2 units )

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Nuggets (28-41) at Hornets (39-29)


Date: March 19, 2016 6:00 PM EDT


While Golden State and San Antonio keep winning at a record pace in the Western Conference, the surprising Charlotte Hornets have been the East's top team since the end of January.


Kemba Walker is playing a leading role for the Hornets, who hope to continue their climb by winning for the 16th time in 19 games Saturday night against the road-weary Denver Nuggets.


The Warriors have a shot to break NBA's record of 72 victories set by Chicago during the 1995-96 season, while the Spurs are on pace to break their franchise mark of 63 set in 2005-06.


They're the only teams with a better record than Charlotte's 17-4 since Jan. 31.


The Hornets (39-29), who were 10th in the East before the surge, are now in a race with barely any separation between four teams fighting for No. 3 seed. They're also just a half-game behind Atlanta as they try to capture the first division title in franchise history.


'It's fun now,' said Walker, the East's reigning player of the week. 'It's a race. It's a battle.'


Charlotte took a big step toward reaching both goals Thursday when Walker had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Al Jefferson added 21 points and 10 boards in a 109-106 victory at Miami. The Hornets made 13 of 26 from 3-point range and rallied from a 15-point deficit.


They've been hitting on all cylinders offensively so far this month, averaging an East-best 113.8 points and making 41.1 percent from beyond the arc while winning nine of the first 10 games.


Walker has scored 26.2 per game while hitting 31 of 69 (44.9 percent) from 3-point range in his last nine. Nicolas Batum has averaged 21.7 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds in his past three.


The Hornets seek their 13th win in 15 home games as they take on a Denver team that has given up 119.5 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting over a season high-tying four-game road skid.


The Nuggets (28-41) allowed Atlanta to shoot 50 percent - including 12 for 26 from 3-point range - in Thursday's 116-98 loss on the third stop on this five-game road swing. D.J. Augustin finished with 17 points and seven assists, while Joffrey Lauvergne had 16 points and Gary Harris scored 15.


'Maybe some guys are starting to mail it in,' coach Mike Malone said. 'I'm not sure. But I'm not going to stand for that. ... I'll just find a group of guys that will compete and play hard.'


After averaging 18.6 points and shooting 40 percent from 3-point range over his previous nine games, Emmanuel Mudiay will try to bounce back after scoring 12 while missing 8 of 11 shots Thursday. The rookie had 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting in a 95-92 home win over Charlotte on Jan. 10, though he did help hold Walker to 11 on 3-of-12 shooting.


Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points as Denver ended a four-game slide in this series, but he's since been sidelined with an ankle injury. Kenneth Faried is also likely to sit out due to a back injury.


Jefferson wasn't available for Charlotte in January, and now fellow big man Cody Zeller could be sidelined after leaving Thursday's game at halftime due to left knee soreness.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Thunder (47-22) at Pacers (36-32)


Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT


Indiana Pacers swingman C.J. Miles doesn't know Russell Westbrook personally but he expects revenge to be on the mind of the Oklahoma City star this weekend.


Westbrook just recorded his fourth triple-double in seven games and looks to help the visiting Thunder win their fourth straight Saturday night by avenging last month's loss to the Pacers.


Indiana (36-32) won 101-98 at Oklahoma City on Feb. 19 by outscoring the Thunder 17-7 in the final 3:00 in a run that included four 3-pointers in the last 2:28. Monta Ellis scored 27 and Paul George added 22 with a season-high 10 assists.


"They remember, especially guys (with) attitudes like Russ," Miles said. "You know Russ remembers. I don't even know him that well but I know he remembers. I mean we remember stuff like that.


"You know they're going to try to come in here and steal one back. It's going to be a great game, it's going to be intense."


Miles was out with a stomach virus for that matchup and he is back now, playing three of the last four games after missing nine with a strained left calf. That injury continues to limit his minutes.


He got to see Kevin Durant score 31 that night while Westbrook had 23 with 18 assists.


"Those two guys are as electrifying as any guys in this league," Miles said. "Russ plays every minute as if somebody shot him out of a cannon and KD arguably is the best scorer, flat-out scorer in the league. They're two of the best guys at their positions."


They showcased how dynamic they are in Friday's 111-97 victory at Philadelphia that clinched a playoff spot. Westbrook had 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while Durant made 11 of 16 shots for 26 points and 13 boards.


Westbrook's 13 triple-doubles tie Grant Hill (1996-97) and Jason Kidd (2007-08) for the most in a season over the last 25 years.


'It's a blessing, especially to go out and have fun and get the win,' Westbrook said. 'I think it's fun to see where we're playing the right way. It's fun for our guys to see everybody happy playing the right way.'


Durant logged 34 minutes and Westbrook 32 on Friday to lead Oklahoma City, which is 5-7 in the second half of back-to-backs.


The Thunder (47-22) rested starting forward Serge Ibaka because they were playing the worst team in the league, with Nick Collison starting in his place. Ibaka is expected to play Saturday.


His presence will boost an Oklahoma City team that leads the NBA in rebound margin at plus-8.4 and held a 63-36 edge without him Friday.


The Pacers have been outrebounded in three straight games, losing twice. That includes a 57-48 deficit in Thursday's 101-94 overtime loss to Toronto in which they allowed Bismack Biyombo to grab 25 rebounds.


The Thunder held a 48-45 advantage on the glass last month.


"I know we gotta keep them (Oklahoma City) off the glass better than we kept off Boston and Toronto our last couple of games," coach Frank Vogel said.


George is shooting just 35.2 percent in his last five games while averaging 18.6 points.


Pacers guard Ty Lawson is questionable after missing four games with a sore left ankle while Ian Mahinmi is questionable after sitting out Thursday with a sore back.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Nets (19-49) at Pistons (35-34)


Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT


The Detroit Pistons are coming off a hard-fought win to move into a virtual tie for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot.


They have a quick turnaround with the Brooklyn Nets visiting The Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday night, but playing on consecutive days hasn't been a problem for the Pistons lately.


After opening a franchise-long nine-game homestand with Wednesday's 118-114 loss to Atlanta, Detroit (35-34) bounced back with a 115-108 win over Sacramento on Friday. Detroit got off to a sizzling start, scoring a season-high 39 first-quarter points to lead by 14 after 12 minutes but the Kings roared back from 18 down to tie things up in the fourth but were never able to pull ahead.


'It's a good win. It doesn't matter how the game goes,' Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. 'In this league a lot of times, the team who loses but comes back from like 21 down gets praised more than the team who wins. ... I'll keep taking 21-point leads. That would be good.'


The tight game meant starters Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson all played more minutes than their season averages, but the increased workloads might not matter


The Pistons, who moved percentage points behind eighth-place Chicago, have won the second game of their last five back-to-backs. While two of those victories came over a pair of also-rans in New York and Philadelphia, they've also knocked off the East's two best teams in Toronto and Cleveland. While the Raptors rested Kyle Lowry, the Cavaliers were at full strength.


This is the first time they've reeled off five straight wins in the second half of back-to-backs in a single season since a six-game run in 2007.


Detroit's offense has also been firing on all cylinders in the last three such games, averaging 120.7 points on 54.5 percent shooting - 52.4 percent from 3-point range.


Jackson is averaging 23.4 points and has made 11 of 20 from beyond the arc during this winning streak while Morris has scored 19 in each of the last two. Morris, who is averaging 13.9 points, scored 20 and made all 6 3-point attempts in Friday's first half. He finished with 24 while Caldwell-Pope scored 23.


In his last five games, Caldwell-Pope is averaging 22.4 points - 7.6 better than his season average.


'He's been playing really, really well. He really has, at both ends,' Van Gundy said. 'You've got to hand it to him. He's been our most consistent player of late, and he's on a good run right now.'


Another big offensive performance seems likely given Brooklyn's defensive woes. Since March 4, the Nets (19-49) are allowing an East-worst 113.1 points per game and a league-worst 50.4 percent shooting.


In Wednesday's 118-102 loss at Chicago, Brooklyn fell behind by as much as 24 before pulling within four early in the fourth but could get no closer.


'That's all effort,' interim coach Tony Brown said. 'Our intensity level picked up'


Bojan Bogdanovic led the comeback with 26 points, two nights after scoring a career-high 44 in a 131-114 victory over the 76ers.


Losers of four straight on the road and 13 of 16 away from Brooklyn, the Nets have dropped 14 of 17 at The Palace.


The Pistons have won two of three against Brooklyn this season, with Andre Drummond averaging 21.3 points and 15.7 rebounds.


Detroit has totaled 152 points in the paint in this season's matchups with the Nets, who are allowing an average of 46.7 points in the paint, second-worst in the NBA.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Knicks (28-41) at Wizards (33-35)


Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT


John Wall is going above and beyond to help the Washington Wizards' quest to make it into playoff position.


Carmelo Anthony just wants to believe the New York Knicks are capable of a better effort than they gave in their latest defeat.


With Wall in position to record a third straight triple-double, the Wizards can equal a season high with their fourth consecutive victory Saturday night against Anthony and the visiting Knicks.


A night after recording 29 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 117-96 rout of Chicago, Wall put up 16, 14 and 13 as Washington (33-35) hung on for Thursday's 99-94 win at Philadelphia.


Tied for fourth in the league with a career-high four triple-doubles, Wall is looking to become the first Washington player in 30 years to accomplish that feat in three straight contests. Wall turned the ball over eight times but shot 11 of 19 against the Bulls to make at least 50 percent of his shots for the third time in a four-game stretch. He had a season-high nine turnovers and went 4 of 17 from the field but hit all eight free throws Thursday.


"He stepped up (Thursday), but the good thing is that John wasn't happy about it," coach Randy Wittman said.


Perfect in three games since losing five in a row, the Wizards are 10th in the Eastern Conference but 1 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Washington led by as many as 24, but allowed the 76ers to tie the score twice in the final 5 1/2 minutes. The Wizards scored their final nine points from the free-throw line.


'If you want to reach the next levels, you have to be more professional in finishing off a game," Wittman said.


Wittman should be happy that the Wizards have allowed an average of 90.3 points and 39.7 percent shooting in three games after yielding 110.8 and 48.9 percent from the field in the previous five.


Wall had 25 points but just four assists as New York (28-41) snapped a seven-game series skid with its 117-110 win at Washington on Halloween. Wall had 28 and 17 assists to help the Wizards avenge that defeat with a 111-108 victory at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 9, hitting four free throws in the final seconds.


With 37 points in the win and 33 plus 13 rebounds in the loss, two of Anthony's top three scoring games this season were against the Wizards.


Anthony has shot 52 percent while New York's gone 3-5 this month, and averaged 25.1 points in eight games prior to finishing with 18 in Wednesday's 121-85 loss at Golden State.


The Knicks' other starters totaled 10 points as the team shot 39.6 percent, allowed the Warriors to go 18 of 37 from 3-point range and were outscored 35-18 in the third quarter. That all added up to an irritated Anthony.


"At times we didn't even try to compete," he said.


"This is not an indication of who we are as a team (in terms of effort). We can bounce back and be the team we really are against the Wizards."

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Cavaliers (49-19) at Heat (39-29)


Date: March 19, 2016 7:30 PM EDT


LeBron James had Cleveland Cavaliers fans and media abuzz earlier this month when he visited Miami and worked out with former teammate Dwyane Wade.


The Heat haven't been as hospitable to the Cavaliers in recent home matchups, and James will try again Saturday night to claim his first victory in Miami since leaving.


James took advantage of a short break to head back to his former home with his wife after a 100-96 win against Indiana on Feb. 29. His explanation for taking off for Miami was "because I want to" and added he didn't care if people were upset with him meeting with a current rival.


"I would love to go to L.A., but I'll take 2 1/2 (hours of flight time to Miami) over 4 1/2 (flight to Los Angeles)," he said. "I've got a house in L.A. but it makes more sense for me to go south than go west. But I go because I want to."


In this scheduled trip to Miami, James will try to push Cleveland (49-19) toward a second straight Central Division title and its ninth win in 11 games. The Cavaliers have lost 10 straight in Miami - their longest active road losing streak to any opponent - and in three trips since James returned to Cleveland last season.


He was given the night off in a 99-84 loss Dec. 5 and scored 29 points on 13-of-19 shooting in a 102-92 victory Oct. 30. The teams have split their last six overall meetings.


"Obviously, we love to compete against them and I love to compete against (James)," Wade said. "It will be good for us, coming off a loss to play the best team in the Eastern Conference. It will be another challenge for us."


Miami (39-29) could use a win to boost its chances in the competitive Southeast Division. The Heat fell one-half game behind Atlanta with a 109-106 defeat to Charlotte on Thursday, which also ended a four-game home win streak.


Miami is also tied with the Hornets after dropping three of five.


"There's a lot at stake for us. It's about us trying to bounce back from a tough loss ," coach Erik Spoelstra said.


Cleveland clinched a playoff berth with a 109-103 victory in Orlando on Friday. Kyrie Irving led the way with 26 points, giving him a combined 59 in his past two games.


"We thought we were going to make the playoffs, so it wasn't really a big deal to clinch," coach Tyronn Lue said. "We have bigger things ahead of us. We have a bigger deal in front of us."


Irving missed both games against Miami earlier this season while recovering from knee surgery.


Wade is averaging 28.1 in 21 all-time home games against Cleveland and had topped 30 in consecutive visits from the Cavaliers until a 19-point performance in December.


Wade needs 13 points to become the 41st player in NBA history to reach 20,000 and will try to help Miami score at least 100 for a 10th consecutive game. The Heat haven't pulled off that feat in one season since a team-best run of 14 straight in 1993-94.


Cleveland's most recent victory in Miami was a 92-91 win Jan. 25, 2010.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Rockets (35-34) at Hawks (40-29)


Date: March 19, 2016 7:30 PM EDT


The Atlanta Hawks survived for one night without Kent Bazemore, but his absence may not be for long.


Bazemore is listed as probable Saturday night when the Hawks seek a fifth straight win as they host the Houston Rockets.


Atlanta (40-29) held out Bazemore in Thursday's 116-98 victory over Denver due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Tim Hardaway Jr. made his first start in Bazemore's place and scored a season-high 21 points.


Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said he did not feel the injury was serious and his club has upgraded Bazemore to probable. Bazemore's return would come at a good time since he had his second-best scoring effort of the season with 26 points in a 121-115 victory at Houston (35-34) on Dec. 29.


Atlanta rallied from 19 points down in that win. Al Horford had 30 points and 14 rebounds in his battle at center against Dwight Howard, who had 30 and 16. James Harden finished with 26 points, 10 boards and eight assists.


Hardaway did not see action in that game as part of a difficult season for the first-year Hawk that has seen him endure two assignments to the Development League.


'It's tough, but at the same time you've got to be ready for any situation,' he said.


The Hawks have won nine of 11 to take the Southeast Division lead and move into third place in the Eastern Conference. They know they can't take anything for granted with Miami and Charlotte each one-half game behind them.


"It seems like when I look there's very little different between third and 10th," Budenholzer said. "It changes every couple days or five days, one team wins two or three in a row and someone has a tough schedule, a tough back-to-back so there's still quite a few games (left). We just need to keep kind of pressing forward."


The Rockets have struggled all season to resemble the team that won 56 games a season ago. They have held multiple team meetings, with point guard Patrick Beverley calling the latest one Thursday and Houston responding the next night with a 116-111 home win over Minnesota.


Beverley scored a season-high 18 points with a career-high 10 assists.


'He's the fire starter,' coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Beverley. 'The guys feed off of his energy, and they feed off of his fight."


Harden had 29 points and matched a career high with 14 assists, marking the fourth time he has had that many this season. Harden is averaging 9.4 assists in a 5-2 stretch for Houston.


"I'm just trying to get my teammates involved," Harden said. "They were really loaded up defensively in the paint so just making the extra pass and guys knocked down shots tonight."


The Rockets are 7-9 in the second half of a back-to-back set despite Harden averaging a league-best 31.3 points in such games.


Houston has not played Josh Smith in the last seven games while claiming he is not injured, although he is not 100 percent healthy. It means the Atlanta area native and former Hawks forward likely won't get the chance to win for the first time in four tries as a visitor against the club he played for from 2004-13.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Jazz (33-35) at Bulls (34-33)


Date: March 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


The revolving door of injuries keeps on spinning for the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, with no signs of slowing down for the home stretch.


With each team missing key players again, the Jazz and Bulls continue to scrap for postseason spots Saturday night.


Utah (33-35) has won four straight to move closer to Portland, Dallas and Houston, who are holding down the final three Western Conference three playoff berths.


The Jazz's chances of making it in seemingly suffered a major blow this week with the news that leading scorer Gordon Hayward would miss time with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, an injury notorious for keeping players shelved for extended time.


Hayward, who averages 20.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, sat out the last two games and his return is uncertain.


Utah, however, earned two impressive wins without him, beating East-leading Cleveland 94-85 on Monday and Phoenix 103-69 on Thursday.


Joe Ingles had a season-high 15 points and career-high six steals against the Suns while starting his second straight game in place of Hayward. Trey Lyles scored 17 and Shelvin Mack had 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.


'The way our system is, it's not for Gordon or for anybody in particular,' Ingles said. 'It goes side-to-side and we've got 15 guys that are willing to pass the ball. Whoever's going or whoever's open is going to take or get the shot.'


It was the defensive showing that was most impressive. The Jazz held the Suns to a season-low point total for a Utah opponent and 34.1 percent shooting, which included a 6-for-24 effort on 3-pointers.


The Jazz have played lengthy stretches without several key contributors, including Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and Dante Exum.


Utah will be looking for a sweep of the season series after a 105-96 overtime victory Feb. 1, its third in four meetings.


Chicago (34-33) opened a pivotal four-game homestand with Thursday's 118-102 win over Brooklyn.


The fragile Derrick Rose (groin) and Jimmy Butler (knee) each logged at least 29 minutes, while Taj Gibson played 27 minutes despite a nagging right hamstring injury. Gibson started in place of Pau Gasol, who will sit out Saturday and is doubtful for Monday's contest against Sacramento due to right knee inflammation.


E'Twaun Moore has helped to fill the void in the Bulls' backcourt when Rose and Butler have been unavailable, but he's also out after leaving Thursday's game with a left hamstring injury. Gibson is probable.


"It's a part of the NBA, it's being a part of this team," Gibson said. "I'm an unselfish player and I am trying to set a good example for the young guys and go out there and play for each other, especially now with the playoff push. It's real important now helping each other. So I don't want them to see any doubt."


Chicago, battling Indiana, Detroit and Washington for the East's final two postseason spots, has received a huge lift from Doug McDermott off the bench lately. He's averaged 24.7 points and 62.2 percent shooting while going 12 of 19 from behind the arc in the last three games, two of them wins.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Clippers (43-24) at Grizzlies (39-30)


Date: March 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies appear to be headed toward a first-round playoff matchup, though both clubs are hoping to look much different by the time they get there.


While the Clippers are now likely to be without their leading scorer until later this month, the Grizzlies are missing so much more as they stand on the verge of their longest slide in 27 months.


Los Angeles will try to close the gap on third place in the Western Conference on Saturday night when it chases a fourth consecutive victory over host Memphis, which looks to avoid a fifth straight defeat.


The Clippers have more than held their own with a 26-11 record since All-Star Blake Griffin went down. They've moved five games ahead of the fifth-place Grizzlies in a potential opening-round showdown, but received some bad news last weekend when Griffin suffered a setback in his return from a quad injury.


J.J. Redick stepped up with 25 points and five 3-pointers on Wednesday while DeAndre Jordan had 23 points and 16 rebounds and Chris Paul added 15 points and 16 assists in a 122-106 win at Houston.


"Even before Blake left, we've become a grinding team," coach Doc Rivers told the team's official website. "You've just got to hang in there ... There's no guarantee what lineup we're going to have."


The lineup Rivers does have has raised its level of play. Redick has scored 20.3 per game while hitting 53.7 percent from 3-point range in his last six, while Jordan has averaged 17.3 points on 80.3 percent shooting over his past eight and Paul has put up 22.5 points and 11.7 assists in his last 15.


Redick also shined in the first meeting with Memphis (39-30) on Nov. 9, scoring six consecutive points over the final 55 seconds to help the Clippers (43-24) rally for a 94-92 victory at Staples Center.


Los Angeles has won three straight in this series after dropping seven of the previous eight, including the 2013 first-round playoff series that the Grizzlies won in six games. Now the Clippers will try to inch closer to third-place Oklahoma City as they continue a difficult five-game road swing.


The Grizzlies have a comfortable hold on fifth but things are moving in the wrong direction after host Milwaukee handed them a sixth loss in eight games, 96-86 on Thursday. The Grizzlies have lost most of their rotation to injury, including starters Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph.


"We keep attacking, keep doing what we can," coach Dave Joerger told the team's official website.


Randolph will likely be a game-time decision after missing the past seven with a sore knee, while reserve Vince Carter also could return after sitting out the last four due to a strained calf.


Lance Stephenson, acquired from Los Angeles for Jeff Green on Feb. 18, has filled in with 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in his last four. Matt Barnes, another former Clipper, has averaged 16 points and 8.2 boards over his past five and JaMychal Green has had 14.1 and 8.3 in his last eight.


The Grizzlies aren't getting much help from others, averaging just 95.8 points on 38.7 percent shooting in their past six games. They've also given up an uncharacteristic 110.8 points per game over that span.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

Preview: Warriors (62-6) at Spurs (58-10)


Date: March 19, 2016 8:30 PM EDT


The Golden State Warriors have spent the last 18 months rising to the gold standard in the NBA, a peerless team that has blown the doors off the rest of the league during their title run last season and the record-setting pace they have set this year.


As good as they have been through it all, they have rarely been better than they were at home Jan. 25 against the organization that has for two decades been the NBA's standard bearer.


The Warriors thumped the San Antonio Spurs that night, a 30-point victory that delivered a resounding message to the rest of the league. Yet for all of the obstacles they've obliterated along the way, one more remains: a win in San Antonio.


The Warriors - the team that almost never loses these days - have lost a staggering 32 straight regular-season games in San Antonio, a skid that started when 39-year-old Tim Duncan entered the league. The last time they won in San Antonio was Feb. 14, 1997.


Golden State could end that skid Saturday night.


'We know what the Spurs have been doing all year,' Stephen Curry said before the Warriors started a tough back-to-back with a 130-112 win at Dallas on Friday. 'We'll talk about we haven't won there in the regular season for so long. We'd love to end that streak."


The Warriors (62-6) are eyeing one of the league's magic numbers: the 72 wins the Chicago Bulls piled up in 1995-96. But the Spurs (58-10) are right on their heels and have been there all season long, and when the two meet it will be the best combined record among opponents this late in the season in league history.


The Spurs have always downplayed regular-season matchups, keeping their eyes fully focused on being as ready as possible once the playoffs begin in April.


'It's whatever you want to make it,' said Duncan, who did not play in the first meeting. 'We're going to show up for the game and we're going to play it. It's not going to change our season or anything else. It will be a great matchup for us. Obviously, two best records in the league. They're playing exceptionally well. It's a good test for us. Playoff-type atmosphere and playoff-type intensity. Good experience for us.'


But there may be a little extra motivation for a proud franchise that has won five championships but left Golden State in January with coach Gregg Popovich saying 'it was like men and boys out there.'


'They're the defending champs and they've been playing unbelievable this year,' Spurs guard Tony Parker said. 'We've been playing great, too, so we get another shot at it.'


The Spurs are 20-3 since losing to the Warriors and have fully evolved from a veteran team guided by its Big Three of Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobili to one that leans heavily on All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.


Like Golden State, San Antonio has already clinched a playoff berth and division title. But clinching the top seed would be huge for either team given their success at home. Golden State has won 50 straight home games dating to last season, which is the longest streak in league history. The streak includes 32 victories to open this season, which is fourth all-time.


San Antonio is 34-0 at home this season and has won 43 straight overall dating to March 2015, which is third all-time.


Both Popovich and Warriors coach Steve Kerr have taken to resting players in the regular season - no matter the opponent - to ensure everyone is ready for the postseason. But this one feels different.


'I don't think that's going to happen,' Parker said.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

NBA Odds: Saturday, March 19 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews


I love the NBA, but if I'm being honest the regular season really doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. The most memorable regular-season games I can remember in my lifetime off the top of my head involved individuals: Michael Jordan's first games out of retirement; Kobe Bryant's 81-point night against Toronto; LeBron James' first game as a member of the Heat and then first game back in Cleveland with Miami. Things like that. But I can't recall an actual game matchup I have anticipated more than Saturday night's epic Golden State at San Antonio showdown, which is the ABC Saturday Primetime Game. Not much will take my attention away from the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament, but this will. The result could determine whether the Warriors do break the Bulls' NBA record of 72 wins and if we have two teams incredibly finish the regular season unbeaten at home. Enjoy!


Nuggets at Hornets (-8.5, 216)


Denver lost a third in a row Thursday in Atlanta, 116-98. The Nuggets' starters combined for only 49 points in the team's third game already this week (all on road). Starting forward Kenneth Faried sat with lower back soreness. He should return here. Charlotte won in Miami on Thursday, 109-106 for its second straight win. Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker each had 21 points as the Hornets rallied from 15 down. Center Cody Zeller was unable to play in the second half due to knee soreness. Charlotte lost in Denver 95-92 on Jan. 10 but has won two straight at home in the series.


Key trends: The Nuggets are 1-4 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in the past five.


Early lean: Hornets and under.


Nets at Pistons ( TBA)


Brooklyn lost 118-102 in Chicago on Thursday. The Nets nearly rallied from a 24-point deficit late but then faded. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Nets' comeback with 26 points. Detroit hosted Sacramento on Friday night looking to end a two-game losing streak. Detroit goes for the season series win vs. the Nets with a 2-1 lead. The Pistons have won four of the last five games at home against Brooklyn.


Key trends: The Nets are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 8-1 in Detroit's past nine in the second of a back-to-back.


Early lean: Not really sure why this is TBA. Reggie Jackson originally was questionable for the Pistons on Friday but set to play. They win here regardless.


Thunder at Pacers (+4, 212.5)


Oklahoma City was in Philadelphia on Friday in a potential trap game ahead of this one. Indiana lost 101-94 at home in overtime to Toronto on Thursday. Monta Ellis had a chance to win the game in regulation at the free-throw line but made just 1-for-2 to tie it at 85. The Pacers are 1-7 in overtime games, and they've played 16 games decided by one possession. Rodney Stuckey played for the first time since Jan. 13 and finished with four points and five rebounds. Indiana is looking to sweep the season series for the first time in seven years as it pulled off a 101-98 upset in OKC on Feb. 19.


Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 11-1 in the past 12 in Indiana.


Early lean: Thunder and over.


Knicks at Wizards (-8, 207.5)


New York didn't put up much of a fight in Oakland on Wednesday, losing 121-85 to the Warriors. Carmelo Anthony had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis played through an illness but probably shouldn't have as he was 1-for-11 from the field for two points. Washington won a third straight Wednesday, 99-94 in Philadelphia. John Wall had 16 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for his fourth triple-double of the season. Guard Bradley Beal (pelvic sprain) and swingman Alan Anderson (left ankle) didn't play. These teams have split two meetings, each winning on the road. Washington had won seven straight vs. the Knicks entering the season.


Key trends: The road team is 7-0-1 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 9-1 in New York's past 10 games overall.


Early lean: Knicks will be gassed at end of season-long six-game trip. Go Wizards.


Rockets at Hawks (-6.5, 216.5)


Houston hosted Minnesota on Friday. The next time Houston visits Atlanta, Rockets center Dwight Howard could be in a Hawks uniform. They are expected to go after Howard in free agency, and Howard is from there so might actually go. Atlanta won a fourth in a row Thursday, 116-98 over Denver. Tim Hardaway Jr. got his first start of the season and had 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. I wondered why that guy had been buried on the bench after coming over in a draft night trade from New York. Hardaway started because Kent Bazemore was out, but certainly Hardaway has earned more minutes at a minimum. Atlanta has won four straight in the series following a 121-115 victory in Houston on Dec. 29. Al Horford had 30 points and 14 rebounds in that one.


Key trends: The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 5-2 in the previous seven.


Early lean: Hawks and over.


Cavaliers at Heat (+4.5, 209)


Cleveland was in Orlando on Friday, and Coach Tyronn Lue already has said he plans to let LeBron James play both ends of the back-to-back. All his guys, actually, assuming they aren't hurt Friday. Miami lost 109-106 at home to Charlotte on Thursday, blowing a 15-point lead. Dwyane Wade missed an open 3-pointer at the buzzer. He's never been much of a 3-point shooter. Wade scored 11 points, getting him within 13 of 20,000 for his career. Miami reached 100 points for the ninth consecutive game. These teams have split two low-scoring meetings, each winning at home. They haven't played since early December. Miami has won 10 straight at home vs. the Cavs.


Key trends: The home team is 7-0 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 5-0 in Miami's past five games.


Early lean: Heat and under.


Jazz at Bulls (TBA)


Utah won a fourth straight Thursday, 103-69 over sorry Phoenix. Shelvin Mack was close to a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Gordon Hayward missed a second straight game with a foot injury, and I doubt he plays here. Joe Ingles started again for him. The 69 points were a season low allowed. Chicago beat the visiting Nets by 16 on Thursday. Doug McDermott had his third strong game in a row with 25 points. Pau Gasol missed a third in a row and won't play here. Chicago lost in Utah 105-96 in OT on Feb. 1. Hayward scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and overtime for the Jazz.


Key trends: The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 6-1 in the past seven.


Early lean: I'd probably take Jazz if Hayward was playing. Assuming not, go Bulls.


Clippers at Grizzlies (+10, 202.5)


L.A. ended a two-game losing streak with a 122-106 win in Houston on Wednesday. DeAndre Jordan had 23 points (8-for-8 from the floor) and 16 rebounds, and J.J. Redick 25 points. The Clippers shot 57 percent from the field. Memphis lost a fourth straight Thursday, 96-86 at Milwaukee. It's just a really bad team right now with all those injuries. It would be easier to tell you who played than who didn't. The Clips and Grizz have played once thus far, a 94-92 L.A. win in Memphis on Nov. 9. These teams made a trade Feb. 18 in which L.A. sent guard Lance Stephenson and a 2019 first-round draft pick to Memphis in exchange for forward Jeff Green.


Key trends: The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 4-0-1 in the past five.


Early lean: Clippers and under.


Warriors at Spurs (-4, 220)


I'm rather bummed the Warriors are playing the second of a back-to-back as they were in Dallas on Friday. Andre Iguodala missed that game and won't play here, either. I'd prefer both teams at full strength. San Antonio avoided looking ahead to this one too much Thursday against Portland but the Spurs didn't cover, as I said they wouldn't, winning 118-110 for their fifth straight victory. Tony Parker had 18 points and a season-high 16 assists for the Spurs, now 34-0 at home. I'm sure you remember the first meeting of these teams. It was Jan. 25 in Oakland and the Warriors slaughtered the Spurs 120-90; San Antonio had won 13 straight entering that one. Steph Curry had 37 points in just three quarters. The teams had the highest combined win percentage ever for opponents meeting at least 40 games into an NBA season. It should be noted the Spurs were without Tim Duncan, but obviously he alone isn't good enough for a 30-point swing. If the Spurs don't lose here, I only give them three other shots to be beaten at home: April 2 vs. Toronto, April 10 vs. these Warriors and April 12 vs. Oklahoma City.


Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-1 in the past six.


I'm leaning: Did you know the Spurs have won an incredible 32 straight regular-season home games over the Warriors? Make it 33. If the Warriors win this, the season is basically over. No one beats them in the playoffs. Go under.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

NBA


Saturday's hot teams
-- Hornets won nine of their last ten games (5-3-1 last 9HF).
-- Thunder won five of its last seven games (5-1 last 6AF). Indiana won four of its last six (3-3HU).
-- Cavaliers won eight of their last ten games (3-1 last 4AF). Heat won seven of their last ten games (3-1HU).
-- Rockets won five of their last seven games (3-1 last 4AU) Atlanta won seven of its last eight games (6-1 last 7HF).
--
Utah won its last four games; Chicago won three of its last four home games. -- Warriors won their last seven games (2-0AU). San Antonio won its last five games (2-4-1 last 7HF).


Cold teams
-- Denver lost its last three games (1-4 last 5AU).
-- Nets lost five of their last six games (2-3 last 5AU). Detroit lost three of its last five games (13-3-1 last 17HF).
-- Wizards won their last three games (4-2 last 6HF). New York lost six of its last nine games (3-2 last 5AU).
-- Memphis lost its last four games (5-1 last 6HU). Clippers are 3-4 in their last seven games (8-1 last 9AF).


Series records
-- Hornets won four of last five games with Denver.
-- Thunder lost three of last four games with Indiana.
-- Nets lost three of last four games with Detroit.
-- Knicks lost eight of last nine games with Washington.
-- Heat won seven of last ten games with Cleveland (3-3 since Lebron went back to the Cavaliers).
-- Hawks won their last four games with Houston.
-- Jazz won three of last four games with Chicago.
-- Clippers won their last three games with Memphis.
-- Spurs won eight of last ten games with Golden State.


Totals
-- Last four Denver games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- 8 of last 9 Detroit games went over if Pistons played night before.
-- Nine of last ten New York games stayed under total.
-- Last five Miami games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-0 last eight games if Houston played the night before.
-- Six of last seven Chicago-Utah games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Memphis games went over the total.
-- Seven of last night Golden State-San Antonio games stayed under.


Back/backs
-- Pistons covered last six games if they played the night before.
-- Thunder is 2-7-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Cleveland is 6-3 last nine times if it played the night before.
-- Rockets are 2-7 vs spread last nine times they played night before.
-- Warriors covered one of last five games if they played night before.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/19

'Top-two in the NBA battle it out'


Although College Basketball has taken center stage this weekend, the NBA handicapping world will be abuzz with excitement Saturday evening when the Spurs host Warriors at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. The Spurs are favored by 3.5 points on the NBA odds board and the total set at 216.5.


San Antonio has a couple of advantages in this matchup. The Spurs are tough nuts to crack on home court. Spurs are undefeated this season at 34-0 outscoring visitors by 18.1 points/game with a 21-13 record against the betting line. Looking furthur back the Spurs have won an amazing 43 consecutive regular season games in front of the friendly crowd at AT&T Center posting a 29-14 record at the betting window.


Additionally, San Antonio hammered 120-90 by Warriors in Oakland earlier bodes well for Spurs' chances. Coach Pop's team has shown they don't take losses lightly. This season Spurs have posted a 6-0 (4-2 ATS) mark revenging a loss. History also shows Spurs are good choices revenging a double digit loss. In the last fourteen such situations the result has been an 11-3 record against the betting line.