Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

[TheGame]

NBA information

Hot teams
-- Charlotte won six of its last nine games.
-- Mavericks won six of their last eight games.
-- Cavaliers won/covered their last six games. Toronto won three of its last four games.
-- Bulls won/covered their last four games.
-- Memphis won four of their last five games. Clippers won three of their last four.
-- Phoenix won 10 of its last 14 games. Spurs won seven of their last nine games.
-- Jazz won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Pelicans lost three of their last four games.
-- Magic lost last three games, by 8-4-5 points. New York lost six of its last eight games.
-- 76ers lost their last nine games (2-7 vs spread).
-- Hawks lost their last seven games (0-6-1 vs spread). Detroit lost last three games, by 4-12-18 points.
-- Nuggets lost five of their last six games.
-- Trailblazers lost four of their last five games.
-- Lakers lost 23 of their last 28 games. Celtics lost three of their last four games.

Series records
-- Pelicans won eight of las ten games with Charlotte.
-- Knicks won their last eight games with Orlando.
-- 76ers lost eight of last ten games with Philly.
-- Raptors are 7-4 in their last eleven games with Cleveland.
-- Hawks won nine of last eleven games with Detroit.
-- Nuggets won seven of last eight games with Chicago.
-- Clippers lost five of last six games with Memphis.
-- Spurs won 11 of last 13 games with Phoenix.
-- Portland is 2-0 vs Utah this season, winning by 32-11 points.
-- Lakers won five of their last six games with Boston.

Totals
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Charlotte games.
-- Over is 14-1-1 in last sixteen NY-Orlando games.
-- Four of last five Philly games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Cleveland games stayed under.
-- 18 of 27 Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Chicago games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Clipper games went over the total.
-- Seven of Spurs' last eight games went over total.
-- Six of last eight Utah games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Boston games stayed under total.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

VCU at Massachusetts
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com

The Atlantic 10 Conference will be in the spotlight this Friday night in men’s college basketball when the VCU Rams look to bounce back from a tough loss when they square off against the Massachusetts Minutemen. The rest of Friday’s lineup is littered with a few intriguing contests in some of the other mid-major conferences.

VCU Rams vs. Massachusetts Minutemen

VCU is currently in second place in the Atlantic 10 with a straight-up record of 8-3, but its regular season title hopes took a major hit in last Saturday’s 64-62 loss to No. 10 St. Louis as a 5½-point road underdog. The Rams are currently three games in back of the Billikens, who are now a perfect 11-0 SU in conference play.

The loss was actually the Rams second in their last three games after dropping a 69-62 decision to St. Joes 69-62 on Feb. 8 as three-point road favorites. They are still a profitable 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games and the total has stayed UNDER in three of their last four contests. Overall, VCU is 20-6 SU with an even 12-12 mark ATS. It is 4-2 ATS in its last six road games and the total has gone OVER in three of its last five games on the road.

Head coach Shaka Smart has gained a reputation over the past few years for getting the most out of his team when the chips are on the line. The loss to the Billikens was a huge setback, but you know he will have his squad ready to go on Friday night. The Rams are averaging 75.9 points and shooting just 42 percent from the field, but they have remained solid on defense by holding teams to 65.9 points a game. Treveon Graham leads the team in scoring with 15.7 points per game and he is second in both rebounds (6.9) and assists (1.9).

The Minutemen are 4-4 SU in their last eight conference games after jumping out to a 3-0 start in the A-10. They are 20-5 SU overall on the strength of a solid 12-1 record in nonconference play. UMass has covered in three of its last for games including a 67-61 road victory over George Washington this past Saturday as a five-point underdog.

Massachusetts comes into this game with a 4-6-1 record ATS in conference play and on the year it is 15-10 ATS. It has won 10 of 11 home games this season SU, but it has only covered in five of those contests. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of its 11 games at home; however it has gone OVER in three of its last four outings overall.

With Chaz Williams leading the way with 15.4 PPG, the Minutemen have a slight advantage in scoring with an average of 77 points and they are a betting shooting team than the Rams with a field goal percentage of 47.3 percent. The concern has to be on the other end of the court with a defense that is allowing an average of 70.1 PPG, which has actually ballooned to 73 points in its last six games.

The one thing that UMass does very well is control the boards with 38.8 rebounds while holding its opponents to an average of 31.6 rebounds a game. Cady Lalanne has led the way in this department with 8.6 rebounds and he is second on the team in scoring with 12.8 PPG.
The Minutemen have been opened as slight one-point home favorites over VCU in this conference clash.

The Rams came over to the A-10 last season from the CAA and promptly swept UMass both SU and ATS as solid favorites in each contest.

Bonus Games

Iona Gaels vs. Rider Broncs

The Gaels continue their quest for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season title in the first of two meetings against Rider in the next nine days. They have a two-game lead over Manhattan in the standings with a 14-2 SU record in the conference and they are 17-8 SU overall. Iona has won its last nine games SU and it comes in as an early four-point road favorite for this contest. The Broncs are 13-12 SU overall with a 9-7 record in the MAAC. They are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games and the total has gone OVER in their last two games.

The Gaels have won seven of the last nine meetings in this series, but the two split last season’s series SU with Rider covering in both games. The total has stayed UNDER in the last six meetings.

Detroit Titans vs. Wright State Raiders

Detroit has strung together four SU victories in its last six games to improve to 6-7 SU in Horizon League. The Titans began their conference schedule with a 58-53 win over Wright State as two-point home favorites, but the road team in this series is still 5-2 SU in the last seven meetings. The Raiders come into this matchup with 7-6 SU record in conference play and they are 6-2 ATS in their last eight outings.

In this series, Detroit has a 6-2 edge both SU and ATS in the previous eight meetings, but the last four games have been evenly split 2-2 both ways. The total has stayed UNDER in five of the last six games. Wright State has been opened as a seven point home favorite this time around.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

Friday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Pelicans at Bobcats

New Orleans: 23-30 SU, 23-27-3 ATS
Charlotte: 25-30 SU, 31-22-2 ATS

The Bobcats are quietly playing well of late and making a push towards the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte pulled off a home-and-home sweep of Detroit, winning both games by double-digits, including Wednesday's 116-98 rout as 2½-point favorites. The Bobcats have covered seven of their past nine games, including each of the last three at Time Warner Cable Arena. Steve Clifford's club is playing with revenge on Friday, as the Bobcats were run out by the Pelicans back in November, 105-84.

The Pelicans fell apart late in Wednesday's home setback to the Knicks, the third loss in the last four games. New Orleans has held its own of late on the highway, winning four of its past seven road contests, including outright underdog victories at Detroit, Cleveland, and Memphis. Monty Williams' team has fared well on the road off a home loss this season, posting a 4-2 SU/ATS record in this situation.

Cavaliers at Raptors

Cleveland: 22-33 SU, 25-30 ATS
Toronto: 29-25 SU, 32-21-1 ATS

All of the sudden, the Cavaliers have turned the corner, winning and covering six consecutive games following a six-game skid. Cleveland has beaten only one above .500 team in this stretch (Memphis), but the Cavs are taking care of their business on the road with three straight victories on the highway. Mike Brown's club picked up wins on back-to-back nights against the 76ers and Magic, while limiting each of their last five opponents to 99 points or less.

The Raptors saw their three-game winning streak evaporate in Wednesday's two-point setback to the Bulls. Since winning six in a row at home, Toronto is just 4-3 SU and 3-3-1 ATS the last seven games at the Air Canada Center, which includes losses to the Clippers and Lakers. Toronto and Cleveland are meeting for the first time this season, as the two teams split four matchups last season, while the 'under' cashed three times.

Clippers at Grizzlies

Los Angeles: 37-19 SU, 31-25 ATS
Memphis: 30-23 SU, 24-28-1 ATS

The Clippers embark on a three-game road trip that starts at FedEx Forum in a rematch of last season's first round playoff series with the Grizzlies. After dropping the first two games, Memphis roared back to win four straight and ultimately advance to the Western Conference Finals. This season, the road team has claimed each of the first two meetings, with the Clippers dominating the Grizzlies, 101-81 on December 5 as short away favorites.

Los Angeles will try to rebound after getting chased by San Antonio in Tuesday's 113-103 home defeat, the fifth 'over' in the last six games for the Clippers. Doc Rivers' defense has been ripped up of late, allowing at least 105 points in five of the past six contests, while losing each of their previous two road games at Denver and Golden State. Memphis is riding a three-game hot streak after holding off New York on Tuesday, 98-93, but the Grizzlies are just 2-5 ATS the last seven contests. In the role of a home underdog, the Grizzlies own a 2-6 ATS mark, with the only straight-up victory coming against the Rockets last month.

Spurs at Suns

San Antonio: 40-15 SU, 27-28 ATS
Phoenix: 32-21 SU, 35-17 ATS

The Spurs wrap up their annual Rodeo Road Trip, which spans nearly three weeks every February. San Antonio hasn't disappointing, putting together a 6-2 ATS and 5-3 SU record on this nine-game swing, which includes impressive victories over the Clippers and Blazers in the underdog role. Tony Parker remains out for the Spurs, while Tim Duncan will miss his second consecutive game as the veteran forward will get another night off to end the road trip.

The Suns continue to be one of the huge surprises in the NBA this season, but Phoenix still hasn't figured out how to beat San Antonio. In two meetings this season, the Suns have lost by a combined 10 points, including a 108-101 home setback in mid-December, the fourth consecutive home loss to the Spurs since 2012. Jeff Hornacek's team has split their last six games at U.S. Airways Center, but the Suns have won seven of their past 10 home contests against Western Conference competition.

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Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

Game of the Day: Spurs at Suns
By Covers.com

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (+1.5, 209.5)

The San Antonio Spurs look to finish the nine-game rodeo road trip in style when they wrap up the annual excursion against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. San Antonio is 6-2 on the trip to improve its NBA-best road mark to 22-7 and they resumed play after the All-Star break with back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers despite the absence of All-Star point guard Tony Parker. Phoenix stands sixth in the Western Conference and is 18-9 at home.

Backup guard Patty Mills has been a force with Parker out and averaged 27 points against the Clippers and Trail Blazers to raise his average to 21 over the past seven games. He’s doing what Tony usually does in taking over in that fourth quarter,” swingman Danny Green said, aware that Mills scored 29 fourth-quarter points in the two victories. The Suns are 11 games above .500 to equal a season best and have defeated the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics since play resumed.

LINE HISTORY: Phoenix opened as a 1.5-point favorite but action on the Spurs flipped that spread to Suns +1.5. The total has climbed from 208.5 to 209.5.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-12.5) - Suns (-8.3) + Home Court (-3.0) = Spurs -1.2

INJURY WATCH: Spurs - Kawhi Leonard (Prob - hand), Tim Duncan (Ques - rest), Aron Baynes (Ques - knee), Tony Parker (Out - hand). Suns - Eric Bledsoe (Out - knee).

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Not sure which stat to put more stock into: A 2-11 SU record versus .600 or better competition (both wins vs. the Clippers) or an 16-6 SU record without Tony Parker the last two seasons." - Covers Expert Bryan Power.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Expect Phoenix to be about a 1-point favorite. Also expect us to need the Spurs. They have looked great on their current road trip despite not having Tony Parker." - Mike Perry, Sportsbook.ag.

ABOUT THE SPURS (40-15 SU, 27-28 ATS, 33-21 O/U): Small forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to the lineup after missing the past 13 games due to a broken finger. Leonard was averaging 11.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals prior to his injury and San Antonio also missed his ability to shut down opposing forwards. The Spurs got center Tiago Splitter (shin) back against Portland and veteran guard Manu Ginobili (hamstring) recently returned as well. Parker is sidelined with injuries to his shin, groin, hand and back.

ABOUT THE SUNS (32-21 SU, 35-17-1 ATS, 29-23 O/U): Guard Gerald Green continues to excel as the fill-in starter with Eric Bledsoe (sidelined). Green is averaging 26 points over the last four games, including a career-best 36-point outing against Denver on Tuesday. Phoenix is 11-4 this season when Green scores 20 or more points and the journeyman is averaging 16.3 points in his 35 starts. Green has made multiple 3-pointers in five straight games and nine of the last 11.

TRENDS:

* Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Phoenix.
* Spurs are 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Over is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings.
* Road team is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 64 percent of bets on Spurs -1.5 and 64 percent of bets on Over 209.5.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

StatFox Super Situations

YALE at CORNELL
Play Against - Home teams as an underdog or pick (CORNELL) after 3 straight games where both teams score 70 points or less against opponent after scoring 30 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games 41-15 over the last 5 seasons. ( 73.2% | 24.5 units ) 3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 1.9 units )

IONA at RIDER
Play On - Road favorites of -165 to -500 vs. the money line (IONA) poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=45% on the season 151-39 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.5% | 61.1 units ) 35-12 this year. ( 74.5% | 8.6 units )

HARVARD at PENNSYLVANIA
Play Against - Underdogs of 6 to 11 points vs. the first half line (PENNSYLVANIA) an average offensive team (67-74 PPG) against an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG), after 3 straight games where both teams score 70 points or less 27-7 over the last 5 seasons. ( 79.4% | 19.3 units )

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

7:00 PM
MANHATTAN vs. SIENA
Manhattan is 17-6-2 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Manhattan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Siena's last 7 games when playing at home against Manhattan
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Manhattan

7:00 PM
YALE vs. CORNELL
Yale is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cornell
Yale is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cornell
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cornell's last 6 games when playing at home against Yale
Cornell is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Yale

7:00 PM
DARTMOUTH vs. PRINCETON
Dartmouth is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Princeton
Dartmouth is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Princeton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Princeton is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
HARVARD vs. PENNSYLVANIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Harvard's last 6 games on the road
Harvard is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Harvard
Pennsylvania is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Harvard

7:00 PM
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. MASSACHUSETTS
No trends available
Massachusetts is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Massachusetts is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home

7:00 PM
BROWN vs. COLUMBIA
Brown is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Brown is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbia
Columbia is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Columbia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Oakland is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Oakland is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Illinois-Chicago's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
IONA vs. RIDER
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iona's last 5 games on the road
Rider is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Iona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rider's last 6 games when playing at home against Iona

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. WRIGHT STATE
Detroit is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Wright State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing on the road against Wright State
Wright State is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Wright State's last 7 games

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

StatFox Super Situations

UTAH at PORTLAND
Play Under - Home teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 after going over the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, with a winning record on the season 89-45 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.4% | 39.5 units ) 14-11 this year. ( 56.0% | 1.9 units )

SAN ANTONIO at PHOENIX
Play On - Road teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (SAN ANTONIO) after a road game where both teams score 100 or more points, well rested team - playing 6 or less games in 14 days 82-46 since 1997. ( 64.1% | 37.5 units 7-1 this year. ( 87.5% | 6.8 units )

ATLANTA at DETROIT
Play On - Underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (ATLANTA) after failing to cover the spread in 6 or more consecutive games, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units ) 1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New York's last 17 games
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 12 games
Orlando is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games at home
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
New Orleans is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. DETROIT
Atlanta is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games
Detroit is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games

8:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MEMPHIS
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Memphis is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

8:00 PM
DENVER vs. CHICAGO
Denver is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Denver's last 15 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
Chicago is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver

9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Phoenix's last 20 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing at home against San Antonio

10:00 PM
UTAH vs. PORTLAND
Utah is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games
Portland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

10:30 PM
BOSTON vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Lakers are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

NBA Odds and Picks
By: David Purdum
Sportingnews.com

Overreacting to the San Antonio Spurs’ ever-changing lineup and injury report has been a recipe for wagering disaster.

Gregg Popovich just beat the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers with a makeshift lineup of backups. It’s almost like he’s toying with other coaches, demoralizing them with an “I’ll beat you with these guys” attitude.

Who knows who he’ll throw out there Friday at Phoenix (9 p.m. ET). But as long as Popovich is on the sidelines, it may not matter.

With Tim Duncan and Tony Parker sitting out, the Spurs (39-15 SU, 27-28 ATS) got 29 points from Patty Mills in a 111-109 win over the Trail Blazers, who are also banged-up, Wednesday. On Tuesday, Duncan played, but Parker and Kawhi Leonard both sat. Leonard has been out for a month, but is expected to return Friday against Phoenix.

This will be last of the Spurs’ nine-game road trip. They are 6-2 straight-up and 5-3 against the spread on their two-week road swing. San Antonio is 17-12 ATS on the road this season.

Popovich said Tuesday that Parker is out indefinitely with an array of injury issues. Duncan sat for rest against the Trail Blazers and could be back tonight.

Line: San Antonio -1, Total 209.5

The surprising Suns, at 33-17-3 ATS, have been the best bet in the NBA, but they’ve struggled in their most recent meetings with the Spurs. Phoenix is 2-8 straight-up and 3-6-1 against the spread in their last 10 against San Antonio.

The Spurs have already beaten the Suns twice this season, 108-101 in December in Phoenix, and 99-96 at home in the first week of the season. Parker missed the December game. The Spurs covered as 3.5-point road favorites.

The Suns are 15-10 ATS at home on the season.

Phoenix has since lost point guard Eric Bledsoe, who had 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals in the December game against the Spurs. Bledsoe injured his knee two weeks later and has missed the last 23 games. The Suns are 12-10-1 ATS without him.

Phoenix is coming off a 100-94 home win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. The Suns had six players score in double-figures and got a big contribution from its bench, which outscored the Celtics’ reserves 37-21.

The Linemakers' lean: The Spurs have won both meetings against the Suns this year (1-1 ATS), but won't have Tony Parker for this game. However, they get a big boost as Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to the lineup, and while we shouldn't expect Leonard to be at full strength, it could be argued that he is the most important player on the team. With him out of the lineup, the Spurs have been just okay; with him, they are elite. The Spurs have won and covered their last three games coming into tonight, and this is the final of a long and grueling nine-game road trip. Look for the Spurs to win and carry the momentum home.

Friday NBA betting notes

Denver Nuggets at Chicago Bulls (-7, 192.5) - The Nuggets, who won at Milwaukee 101-90 on Thursday, are 2-6 ATS on the second half of back-to-backs this season. Before last night's cover, Denver had failed to cover the spread in six consecutive games.

Dallas Mavericks (-12, 213) at Philadelphia 76ers - There have been signs that the over-matched Sixers have lost interest during their active nine-game losing streak. Philly’s been especially bad at home, going 7-20 ATS, the worst home mark in the league.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors (-7.5, 196.5) - For all their troubles, the Cavs are only three games out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. They’ve won six consecutive games, straight-up and against the spread.

Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons - Hawks PG Jeff Teague injured his ankle in a loss to the Wizards on Wednesday and is doubtful to play tonight at Detroit. The Hawks are plenty deep at the guard position, with Lou Williams and Shelvin Mack also capable of running the point. The Hawks have lost seven consecutive games straight-up and are 11-15-1 ATS on the road this season. … Thirty-eight of the Pistons’ 54 games have gone OVER the total.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

Inside the Stats
By Marc Lawrence
VegasInsider.com

Let’s take inside the stats at what’s happening on the College Hoops and NBA hardwood this season as we enter this weekend’s action.

Note that all results are ATS (Against The Spread) unless noted otherwise.

After The Break

With the 2014 NBA All-Star game now in the rear view mirror, let’s take a look at the very best or very worst situational roles teams have managed this season as they head out of the break.

All results are from this season.

Atlanta - 5-0 fav off DD win
Boston - 1-6 off DD win
Brooklyn - 0-5 away vs. opp off DD win
Charlotte - 1-6 off BB wins
Chicago - 10-1 vs. opp off win DD win
Cleveland - 0-9 fav vs. .375 > opp
Dallas - 9-0 vs. non-con opp off win
Denver - 0-5 dog with no rest
Detroit - 1-10 non-con games off loss
Golden State - 5-0 SUATS off loss 12 >
Houston - 1-7-1 vs. .333 < opp
Indiana - 4-0 SUATS w/3 or more days of rest
LA Clippers - 8-0 off SU favorite loss
LA Lakers - 4-0 w/3 or more days of rest
Memphis - 5-0 away vs. opp off BB SUATS wins
Miami - 1-9 home off SUATS win
Milwaukee - 0-7 vs. .638 > opp
Minnesota - 5-0 off SU fav loss vs. opp off win
New Orleans - 3-0 home vs. opp off SU dog win
New York - 1-12 dog 5 < points
Oklahoma City - 4-0 SUATS off loss 3 < points
Orlando - 1-5 away vs. opp off BB losses
Philadelphia - 1-7 home vs. opp off BB losses
Phoenix - 8-0 away vs. < .400 opp
Portland - 4-0 dog vs. non-con opp
Sacramento - 0-6 off loss vs. opp off BB SUATS wins
San Antonio - 0-8 vs. .666 > opp
Toronto - 6-0 dog vs. opp w/no rest
Utah - 0-4 off BB SUATS wins
Washington - 6-0 vs. division opp

Finally, only Milwaukee failed to win back-to-back games the first half of the season. The Bucks were 0-9 SU and 2-7 ATS in games after a victory.

Conference Rules

With college conference play heading down the stretch, here is a look at the leading trends inside each of the major loops.

All results are from conference games played this season.

American Athletic
Best Conference Trend: Double-digit favorites off a win are 14-5-1
Best Team: SMU 10-4 / Worst Team: Central Florida 3-10

ACC
Best Conference Trend: Road teams off a DD win are 24-8-1
Best Team: Virginia 11-3 / Worst Team: Notre Dame 4-9-1

Big East
Best Conference Trend: Home favs off BB wins are 16-4
Best Team: Providence, Villanova, Xavier 8-5 / Worst Team: Butler 4-9-1

Big 10
Best Conference Trend: Road teams are 11-1-1 vs. opp off DD win
Best Team: Nebraska 10-2 / Worst Team: Illinois 4-9-1

Big 12
Best Conference Trend: 2-11 favorites off BB loses
Best Team: Texas Tech 9-4 / Oklahoma State 3-10

Pac 12
Best Conference Trend: Dogs off a SU underdog win are 3-9
Best Team: UCLA 10-3 / Worst Team: USC 3-9

SEC
Best Conference Trend: Home dogs are 11-2 vs. opp off SUATS win
Best Team: Tennessee 8-5 / Worst Team: LSU 4-7-1

Defense Rules

Listed below are the Top 5 college hoops teams on the defensive front, in Defensive Field Goal percentage and Rebound Margin.

Look to 'play on' these teams in either revenge or underdog roles:

Defensive Field Goal Percentage

1. SMU 37.1
2. Eastern Michigan 37.7
3. Southern 37.9
4. Arizona 38.1
5. Cal Irvine 38.3

Rebounding Margin

1. Quinnipiac +11.7
2. Iowa +10.6
3. Kentucky +10.5
4. Arizona +9.9
5. Indiana +9.9

Here is a list of the Top 5 NBA defensive teams:

Scoring Defense

1. Pacers 90.7
2. Bulls 92.3
3. Grizzlies 94.5
4. Raptors 96.7
5. Bobcats 97.1

Rebounding Margin

1. Thunder +4.9
2. Pacers +4.5
3. Bulls +3.6
4. Trailblazers +3.3
5. Rockets +3.3

Stat of The Week

Ohio State is 11-1 ATS with double-digit loss revenge in conference games, including 9-0 ATS the last nine.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

Today's NBA Picks

LA Clippers at Memphis

The Clippers look to bounce back from their 113-103 home loss to San Antonio as they head to Memphis tonight with an 8-0 ATS record in their last 8 games following an upset loss as a favorite. LA is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST

Game 801-802: New Orleans at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 114.821; Charlotte 125.605 Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 11; 187 Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 3; 192 Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-3); Under

Game 803-804: Cleveland at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 117.312; Toronto 122.687 Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 5 1/2; 202 Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 196 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+8 1/2); Over

Game 805-806: Dallas at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 120.115; Philadelphia 103.827 Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 16 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 12 1/2; 212 Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-12 1/2); Over

Game 807-808: New York at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New York 118.044; Orlando 114.103 Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 4; 191 Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 195 1/2 Dunkel Pick: New York (-2 1/2); Under

Game 809-810: Atlanta at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.169; Detroit 117.152 Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 218 Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 209 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4); Over

Game 811-812: Denver at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Denver 110.690; Chicago 125.021 Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 14 1/2; 186 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 192 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-7); Under

Game 813-814: LA Clippers at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 124.883; Memphis 121.413 Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 199 Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1 1/2; 195 Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1 1/2); Over

Game 815-816: San Antonio at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 117.651; Phoenix 123.942 Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 6 1/2; 204 Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 208 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+1 1/2); Under

Game 817-818: Utah at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 116.805; Portland 122.707 Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6; 206 Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8; 202 Dunkel Pick: Utah (+8); Over

Game 819-820: Boston at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Boston 114.394; LA Lakers 113.540 Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 200 Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; 203 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Boston (+2); Under

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/21

NCAA Basketball Picks

VCU at Massachusetts

Rams look to bounce back from their 64-62 loss to St. Louis as they travel to UMass to face a Minutemen team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 home game. VCU is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Rams favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: VCU (+1 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST

Game 821-822: VCU at Massachusetts (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: VCU 67.668; Massachusetts 62.843 Dunkel Line: VCU by 5; 152 Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 1 1/2; 147 1/2 Dunkel Pick: VCU (+1 1/2); Over

Game 823-824: Detroit at Wright State (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 52.709; Wright State 60.870 Dunkel Line: Wright State by 8; 125 Vegas Line: Wright State by 5 1/2; 129 Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-5 1/2); Under

Game 825-826: Dartmouth at Princeton (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 44.134; Princeton 60.665 Dunkel Line: Princeton by 16 1/2 Vegas Line: Princeton by 13 Dunkel Pick: Princeton (-13)

Game 827-828: Brown at Columbia (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Brown 53.070; Columbia 56.520 Dunkel Line: Columbia by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: Columbia by 6 Dunkel Pick: Brown (+6)

Game 829-830: Harvard at Pennsylvania (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 61.409; Pennsylvania 48.162 Dunkel Line: Harvard by 13 Vegas Line: Harvard by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Harvard (-10 1/2)

Game 831-832: Yale at Cornell (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Yale 52.745; Cornell 38.868 Dunkel Line: Yale by 14 Vegas Line: Yale by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Yale (-10 1/2)

Game 833-834: Oakland at Illinois-Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 51.184; Illinois-Chicago 46.706 Dunkel Line: Oakland by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Oakland by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-1 1/2)

Game 835-836: Iona at Rider (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Iona 59.101; Rider 52.178 Dunkel Line: Iona by 7; 165 Vegas Line: Iona by 5; 160 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Iona (-5); Over

Game 837-838: Manhattan at Siena (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 59.417; Siena 51.210 Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 8 Vegas Line: Manhattan by 5 Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (-5)

Game 841-842: Mercer at Florida Gulf Coast (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Mercer 59.898; Florida Gulf Coast 56.418 Dunkel Line: Mercer by 3 1/2; 135 Vegas Line: Mercer by 1; 139 Dunkel Pick: Mercer (-1); Under