STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 2/21/14
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
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***** Friday, 2/21/14 NBA Information *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
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Betting Notes - Friday
•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.
•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.
•Series Records
-- Pelicans won eight of last 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 versus Utah this season, winning by 32-11 points.
-- Lakers won five of their last six games with Boston.
•Situational Trends of The Day
-- SAN ANTONIO is 31-10 ATS (+20 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 107.4, OPPONENT 95.6.
-- DETROIT is 19-4 OVER (+14.6 Units) when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. opponent this season.
The average score was DETROIT 100.9, OPPONENT 107.3.
-- CHICAGO is 5-26 (-23.6 Units) against the 1rst half line in home games off a road win by 3 points or less since 1996.
The average score was CHICAGO 45.2, OPPONENT 48.7.
-- NEW ORLEANS is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) the 1rst half total in road games after a game where they failed to cover the spread this season.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 46.6, OPPONENT 48.5.
-- TOM THIBODEAU is 19-5 UNDER (+13.5 Units) revenging a straight up loss versus opponent as a road favorite as the coach of CHICAGO.
The average score was THIBODEAU 93.7, OPPONENT 87.4.
•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- ORLANDO is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 90.4, OPPONENT 101.7.
-- DENVER is 16-3 OVER (+12.7 Units) in road games when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%) over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DENVER 105.6, OPPONENT 108.0
-- PHOENIX is 20-6 (+13.4 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season.
The average score was PHOENIX 54.0, OPPONENT 51.6.
-- UTAH is 15-2 UNDER (+12.8 Units) the 1rst half total versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game this season.
The average score was UTAH 41.6, OPPONENT 49.4.
-- BRETT BROWN is 4-19 ATS (-16.9 Units) in home games versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season as the coach of PHILADELPHIA.
The average score was BROWN 100.0, OPPONENT 111.6.
•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play On - Home teams versus the money line (CHARLOTTE) - average shooting team (43.5-45.5%) against an poor defensive team (45.5-47.5%) after 42+ games, after beating the spread by 42 or more points total in their last five games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last ten games.
(37-8 since 1996.) (82.2%, +28.2 units. Rating = 4*)
The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -110
The average score in these games was: Team 101.5, Opponent 93.3 (Average point differential = +8.1)
The situation's record this season is: (0-1, -1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (2-2, +0 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (6-3, +3 units).
-- Play On - Road favorites (SAN ANTONIO) – an average defensive team (92-98 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG) after 42+ games, after a combined score of 205 points or more 2 straight games, in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game).
(42-12 since 1996.) (77.8%, +28.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (48-7)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 5.7
The average score in these games was: Team 102.1, Opponent 91.1 (Average point differential = +10.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 23 (44.2% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-6).
-- Play Under - Road teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (SAN ANTONIO) - very good team - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game, after going over the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after going over the total by 48 or more points total in their last ten games.
(42-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (77.8%, +28.8 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 206.5
The average score in these games was: Team 101.9, Opponent 97.3 (Total points scored = 199.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 31 (57.4% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (4-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (86-58).
-- Play Against - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (MEMPHIS) - extremely well rested team - playing 3 or less games in 10 days, revenging a home loss versus opponent, off a home no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite.
(31-6 since 1996.) (83.8%, +24.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 52.9, Opponent 46.9 (Average first half point differential = +5.9)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (5-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-3).
-- Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 (SAN ANTONIO) - excellent shooting team (>=47.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, hot shooting team - 3 straight games making >=47% of their shots.
(30-7 since 1996.) (81.1%, +22.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 103.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.8, Opponent 46.2 (Total first half points scored = 96)
The situation's record this season is: (3-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (4-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-5).
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Friday's Match-ups
#801 NEW ORLEANS @ #802 CHARLOTTE
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN New Orleans, SportSouth (Charlotte) - Line: Bobcats -4.5, Total: 191.5) - The new-look Charlotte Bobcats seek their first three-game winning streak in two months when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. After winning both ends of a back-to-back against Detroit on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Bobcats bolstered their ranks by acquiring guards Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour from Milwaukee prior to Thursday's trade deadline. Neal and Ridnour will join a team that has won six of nine overall and has designs on moving up the ladder in the cluttered East standings.
The Pelicans would be well within the race if they resided in the same conference but enter Friday eight games out of a playoff spot in the West and losers of three of their last four. Eric Gordon scored 28 points but received little support in a 98-91 loss to New York at home on Wednesday, which left New Orleans with a 14-8 mark against the East. The first of those 14 wins came in a 105-84 rout of the Bobcats on Nov. 2, when the Pelicans recorded 18 blocks, which still stands as their season standard.
•ABOUT THE PELICANS (23-30 SU, 23-27-3 ATS): New Orleans was quiet at the deadline but had hoped to get guard Jrue Holiday back soon from a leg injury, although reports on his timetable have been mixed of late. If Holiday's return is further delayed that means continued big minutes for Brian Roberts, who has been among the team's most consistent contributors of late with six straight double-digit scoring efforts. Roberts is 10-for-16 from 3-point range and 12-of-12 from the charity stripe in that stretch.
•ABOUT THE BOBCATS (25-30 SU, 31-22-2 ATS): The acquisition of Neal should help Charlotte improve upon a perimeter attack that ranks 29th in the NBA with an average of just 5.8 made 3-pointers. Although he had struggled of late amid reduced playing time, Neal is a career 39.3 percent shooter from beyond the arc and was dynamic in that capacity earlier in the season, producing a 49.1 percent mark in his first 14 games. Ridnour has missed four straight games with back issues.
•PREGAME NOTES: New Orleans has won four straight at Charlotte.... Pelicans F Anthony Davis had six of his team's 18 blocks and a career-high six steals in the first meeting.... Bobcats G Kemba Walker is averaging 20.7 points and 8.3 assists over his last three games.... New Orleans is 47-73 against the spread in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.... Charlotte is 8-22 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW ORLEANS covered the spread 501 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the spread 499 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CHARLOTTE won the game straight up 596 times, while NEW ORLEANS won 381 times. In 1000 simulated games, 611 games went over the total, while 389 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW ORLEANS covered the first half line 525 times, while CHARLOTTE covered the first half line 475 times. *No Edge. In 1000 simulated games, 555 games went over first half total, while 445 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW ORLEANS is 15-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--NEW ORLEANS is 14-5 straight up against CHARLOTTE since 1996.
--11 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CHARLOTTE is 10-9 versus the first half line when playing against NEW ORLEANS since 1996.
--11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Pelicans are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Pelicans are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Pelicans are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
--Bobcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 3-0-1 in Bobcats last 4 games following a ATS win.
--Over is 4-0-1 in Bobcats last 5 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
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#803 CLEVELAND @ #804 TORONTO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), TSN2 (Toronto) - Line: Raptors -6.5, Total: 196.5) - In the midst of a season-high six-game winning streak, the Cleveland Cavaliers have an eye on the postseason as they travel to Toronto to take on the Raptors on Friday. Cleveland had dropped six straight and eight of its last nine before its current run, which has the Cavaliers three games behind eighth-place Charlotte in the East. Point guard Jarrett Jack summed up the current state of the team plainly, telling the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, "Right now, we're playing damn good basketball."
At just 4-4 in February, Toronto can't exactly make a similar claim. After resuming play after the All-Star break with a road win over Washington, the Raptors fell at home to Chicago on Tuesday and coach Dwane Casey wants his players to use it as a learning lesson as they look toward a playoff berth. "That was a playoff game," Casey told the Toronto Star. "That's something our players have to get used to - that intensity (and) physicality."
•ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (22-23 SU, 25-30-0 ATS): Cleveland bolstered its lineup with the acquisition of center Spencer Hawes from the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, sending a pair of second-round draft picks, backup forward Earl Clark and reserve center Henry Sims to Philadelphia in return. Hawes has averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds this season for the 76ers and gives the Cavaliers an immediate fill-in for Anderson Varejao, who has missed the last four games dealing with a back injury. Jack, whose name had surfaced along with that of forward Luol Deng in trade rumors leading up to the deadline, should be relieved to be staying with Cleveland, having told reporters a day earlier, "I didn't come here in July to leave in February."
•ABOUT THE RAPTORS (29-25 SU, 32-21-1 ATS): Toronto also made a move at the trade deadline, albeit one that was a little bit more under the radar. The Raptors acquired guard Nando de Colo from San Antonio in exchange for forward Austin Daye. De Colo has averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 26 games for the Spurs this season, while Daye has played sparingly for Toronto, registering a total of eight points and seven rebounds in eight appearances for the Raptors. Of Tuesday's loss to the Bulls, in which Toronto gave up 31 first-quarter points before buckling down and ultimately falling by two, Casey noted, "I do like the way we fought back but that's not a way to live in the NBA.
•PREGAME NOTES: The Raptors topped Cleveland in Toronto 100-96 on March 10 but had lost the previous two games as the home team in the series.... The Cavaliers are averaging over 103 points per game in February and have topped the century mark in four of the six games of its current winning streak.... Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas has scored less than 10 points in three of the last four games and notched just two against Chicago Tuesday.... Cleveland is 18-7 against the spread versus good free throw shooting teams - making more than 76% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... Toronto is 21-9 versus the spread versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting less than 24 free throws/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the spread 656 times, while CLEVELAND covered the spread 344 times. *EDGE against the spread =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO won the game straight up 791 times, while CLEVELAND won 189 times. In 1000 simulated games, 543 games went under the total, while 457 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, TORONTO covered the first half line 591 times, while CLEVELAND covered the first half line 409 times. *EDGE against first half line =TORONTO. In 1000 simulated games, 520 games went under first half total, while 432 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CLEVELAND is 33-30 against the spread versus TORONTO since 1996.
--CLEVELAND is 35-30 straight up against TORONTO since 1996.
--37 of 61 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CLEVELAND is 33-30 versus the first half line when playing against TORONTO since 1996.
--33 of 63 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Toronto.
--Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
--Under is 18-3-1 in the last 22 meetings in Toronto.
--Underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
--Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
--Raptors are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
--Raptors are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. loss.
--Raptors are 7-1-1 ATS L9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
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#805 DALLAS @ #806 PHILADELPHIA
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, FSN Southwest (Dallas), CSN Philadelphia - Line: Mavericks -9.5, Total: 216) - The Philadelphia 76ers went into the season knowing they would probably be settling for a cushy spot at the draft lottery. They've taken a few more steps toward finalizing that path as they prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Already saddled with one of the worst records in the NBA, Philadelphia dealt enigmatic forward Evan Turner, starting center Spencer Hawes and fellow big man Lavoy Allen in two separate deals ahead of the trade deadline.
While the 76ers operate with the future on their minds, the Mavericks still have a shot at a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Dallas had a prime chance to make a major statement in that regard, but wound up on the wrong end of a 42-point outburst from LeBron James en route to a 117-106 Miami win on Tuesday. The Mavericks should feast on a Philadelphia team that comes in allowing a league-high 110.5 points per game.
•ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (32-23 SU, 31-24-0 ATS): With an eye on finishing the season strongly, the Mavericks know they'll need major contributions from forward Dirk Nowitzki - particularly in crunch time. The problem is, Nowitzki isn't nearly as effective in the fourth quarter as he has been in the past; he's shooting just 44.1 percent in the fourth on the season. "I think it's just stamina," the 35-year-old told ESPNDallas.com. "You've got to attack all game. Then, yeah, maybe your legs are not quite as good as they were 10 years ago."
•ABOUT THE 76ERS (15-40 SU, 21-34-0 ATS): Dealing Turner and Allen to the Indiana Pacers for oft-injured forward Danny Granger rids Philadelphia of one of the most frustrating talents in the league while bringing aboard a player with one year left on his contract at $14 million. Hawes was never part of Philadelphia's future plans, making Thursday's swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers more of a foregone conclusion. Philadelphia received forward Earl Clark, center Henry Sims and two 2014 second-round picks in return; neither player is expected to contribute much the rest of the way.
•PREGAME NOTES: Dallas has prevailed in eight of the last 10 meetings.... Nowitzki averages 23.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 26 games versus Philadelphia.... The 76ers made a minor move to replace Hawes, acquiring F/C Byron Mullens from the Clippers for a second-round pick.... The Mavericks are 14-3 versus the spread when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 25% to 40%) - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... Philadelphia is 1-12 against the spread in home games versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the spread 593 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the spread 407 times. *EDGE against the spread =DALLAS. In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS won the game straight up 796 times, while PHILADELPHIA won 186 times. In 1000 simulated games, 758 games went under the total, while 227 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, DALLAS covered the first half line 545 times, while PHILADELPHIA covered the first half line 455 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 688 games went under first half total, while 277 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DALLAS is 16-13 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--DALLAS is 20-12 straight up against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--16 of 31 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DALLAS is 21-10 versus the first half line when playing against PHILADELPHIA since 1996.
--15 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Mavericks are 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.
--Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
--Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia.
--Underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
--Road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
--76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
--76ers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.
--76ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
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#807 NEW YORK @ #808 ORLANDO
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, MSG (New York), FSN Florida (Orlando) - Line: Knicks -1, Total: 196.5) - The New York Knicks are still well within striking distance for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and begin a key back-to-back by visiting the Orlando Magic on Friday. The Knicks, coming off a victory at New Orleans on Wednesday, trail eighth-place Charlotte by 3 1/2 games and play Saturday at Atlanta, which is 4 1/2 clear of them in seventh. Carmelo Anthony poured in 42 points in Wednesday’s 98-91 triumph and New York attempts to extend its win streak over Orlando to nine games.
The Knicks stood pat at the trade deadline Thursday and will likely be without guard Iman Shumpert due to a sprained knee that he suffered at New Orleans. The Magic, who own the third-worst record in the league, did not make a deal either and look to snap a three-game losing streak. Orlando’s leading scorer Arron Afflalo has averaged 23 points in the two losses to New York this season.
•ABOUT THE KNICKS (21-33 SU, 23-31-0 ATS): Anthony has produced at least 30 points in four of the previous seven games and is averaging 33.3 over the last three contests, standing second in the league at 27.5 overall. J.R. Smith rebounded from two poor shooting games to score 19 against New Orleans and Tim Hardaway Jr. has made 7-of-15 from 3-point range while averaging 19.5 points over the last two outings. Forward Amar’e Stoudemire, who had averaged 16 points over five games, missed the last contest with a sore knee and is questionable for Friday.
•ABOUT THE MAGIC (16-40 SU, 23-33-0 ATS): Orlando struggled in the first two games after the All Star break, missing seven of 16 free throws Tuesday at Milwaukee before shooting 39.3 percent from the field at Cleveland on Wednesday. Afflalo scored 23 versus Cleveland to raise his average to 19.5 and Tobias Harris (13.9) is second after registering 35 points combined in the last two outings. Center Nikola Vucevic boasts seven double-doubles in his last 10 games and he must do more with power forward Glen Davis likely out with a sore right Achilles.
•PREGAME NOTES: Orlando G Jameer Nelson has 8,013 career points and needs seven to pass Shaquille O’Neal for fourth on the franchise’s all-time list.... New York C Tyson Chandler recorded one of his seven double-doubles with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the 103-98 win at Orlando on Dec. 23.... The Magic are 5-1 in their last six games at home and stand 13-15 overall in their own building while owning the league’s worst road record (3-25).... The Knicks are 14-4 versus the spread when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 25% to 40%) - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.... The Magic are 10-23 against the spread versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting less than 24 free throws/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK covered the spread 541 times, while ORLANDO covered the spread 437 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK won the game straight up 563 times, while ORLANDO won 410 times. In 1000 simulated games, 511 games went under the total, while 489 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, NEW YORK covered the first half line 545 times, while ORLANDO covered the first half line 455 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 493 games went under first half total, while 472 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--NEW YORK is 33-27 against the spread versus ORLANDO since 1996.
--NEW YORK is 33-32 straight up against ORLANDO since 1996.
--34 of 58 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--NEW YORK is 37-23 versus the first half line when playing against ORLANDO since 1996.
--31 of 58 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Knicks are 8-0 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Knicks are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Orlando.
--Over is 19-6-1 in the last 26 meetings.
--Over is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in Orlando.
--Favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 5-1 in Knicks last 6 road games.
--Over is 6-0-1 in Knicks last 7 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Over is 6-0 in Knicks last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Magic are 4-0 ATS L4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
--Under is 6-0 in Magic last 6 after allowing 100 points or more.
--Over is 7-0 in Magic last 7 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
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#809 ATLANTA @ #810 DETROIT
(TV: 7:30 PM EST, SportSouth (Atlanta), FSN Detroit - Line: Pistons -4, Total: 210) - Three weeks ago, the Atlanta Hawks found themselves in prime position for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Seven losses later, the Hawks find themselves fighting for their post-season lives as they look to end their skid Friday night against the host Detroit Pistons. Atlanta struggled throughout its 114-97 defeat against Washington on Wednesday, but is facing a Detroit team that is going through its own share of struggles.
The Pistons have dropped three in a row and sit 2 1/2 games behind the Charlotte Bobcats for eighth place in the East, with the Hawks 3 1/2 games ahead. Detroit fell flat in back-to-back losses to the Bobcats this week, losing 108-96 Tuesday before falling 116-98 in Charlotte the following night. Thursday marks the third meeting of the season between the teams, with the Hawks sweeping a home-and-home set Nov. 20 and 22.
•ABOUT THE HAWKS (25-28 SU, 26-26-1 ATS): Injuries to Al Horford (torn pectoral), Gustavo Ayon (shoulder) and Pero Antic (ankle) left Atlanta with no choice but to start former No. 1 pick Elton Brand in the middle against the Wizards. For his part, the 34-year-old looked like his old self - racking up a season-high 20 points to go with 11 rebounds. With Ayon, Antic and forward DeMarre Carroll (hamstring) all still hurting, Brand may need to step into the starting role again versus Detroit - a tall task considering he played a season-high 35 minutes against Washington.
•ABOUT THE PISTONS (22-32 SU, 23-30-1 ATS): Detroit isn't dealing with the same kind of injury woes as Friday's opponent, but will still be down a veteran point guard for the foreseeable future. Chauncey Billups has decided to undergo surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his right knee, and there's no timetable for his return. Billups' role in the Pistons' offense was by no means significant, but his absence will be felt on a team that has been leaning heavily on Brandon Jennings while not getting much from rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
•PREGAME NOTES: Atlanta has won three straight meetings and eight of the last 10.... Brand didn't play in either of the Hawks' wins over Detroit earlier in the season.... Pistons F Josh Smith scored just 11 points in the two games against Atlanta, the city where he spent his first nine NBA seasons before bolting last offseason as a free agent.... The Hawks are 17-5 against the spread versus poor free throw shooting teams - making less than 71% of their attempts over the last three seasons.... Detroit is 10-22 versus the spread when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the spread 651 times, while DETROIT covered the spread 329 times. *EDGE against the spread =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA won the game straight up 535 times, while DETROIT won 441 times. In 1000 simulated games, 633 games went under the total, while 354 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, ATLANTA covered the first half line 593 times, while DETROIT covered the first half line 369 times. *EDGE against first half line =ATLANTA. In 1000 simulated games, 582 games went under first half total, while 388 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DETROIT is 40-34 against the spread versus ATLANTA since 1996.
--DETROIT is 44-32 straight up against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 74 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--DETROIT is 41-32 versus the first half line when playing against ATLANTA since 1996.
--37 of 73 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Detroit.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Hawks are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Hawks are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
--Over is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
--Pistons are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
--Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
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#811 DENVER @ #812 CHICAGO
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, ESPN, Altitude (Denver), WCIU (Chicago) - Line: Bulls -8.5, Total: 194) - The Denver Nuggets pulled out of a five-game skid at the expense of the worst team in the NBA and will attempt to keep that momentum up against stiffer competition when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Nuggets made some minor moves at the trade deadline and played with a short bench in Thursday’s 101-90 triumph over Milwaukee while waiting for the new arrivals. The Bulls made their move a long time ago by shipping out Luol Deng and are steadily climbing up in the East.
Chicago has won four straight to pull three games over .500 and into fourth place in the underwhelming Eastern Conference. “It’s been a hell of a turnaround,” center Joakim Noah told ESPNChicago.com. “Definitely. But we’re not satisfied with being three games over .500. Just like (coach Tom Thibodeau) says all the time, ‘things change quick in this league.'" The Nuggets are hoping Thursday’s triumph sparks a quick change in its own fortunes, as they sit six games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference after being the No. 3 seed last season.
•ABOUT THE NUGGETS (25-28 SU, 23-30-0 ATS): Denver has been without an adequate backup at point guard since Andre Miller was suspended from the team and the Nuggets finally moved the disgruntled veteran in a three-team deal that brought back forward Jan Vesely from the Washington Wizards. Denver was not done fixing the point guard situation and also swapped forward Jordan Hamilton to the Houston Rockets in exchange for veteran Aaron Brooks, who can handle the point along with Randy Foye until Ty Lawson (rib) is ready to return. Foye handed out 10 assists on Thursday as the Nuggets got a combined 55 points on 23-of-32 shooting from the starting frontcourt of Kenneth Faried, J.J. Hickson and Wilson Chandler.
•ABOUT THE BULLS (28-25 SU, 26-27-0 ATS): Denver will have a tougher time scoring in the frontcourt against Chicago, which ranks second in the NBA in points allowed and boasts All-Star Noah in the middle. Forward Carlos Boozer was rumored to be on the trade block but the Bulls ended up keeping the high-priced veteran, who provides a strong tandem with Taj Gibson at the four spot. Chicago is limiting opponents to 84.8 points over the last four games and has allowed only one of its last 11 opponents to reach 100 points.
•PREGAME NOTES: Bulls sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy is just 8-for-36 from beyond the arc in the last nine games.... The Nuggets have taken five straight and seven of the last eight in the series, including a 97-87 home win on Nov. 21.... Denver C JaVale McGee, who has been out since Nov. 8, underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left tibia and is out for the season.... The Bulls are 8-19 versus the spread off an upset win as an underdog, including 6-16 ATS off an upset win as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons.... Denver is 1-11 against the spread on Friday nights this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, CHICAGO covered the spread 513 times, while DENVER covered the spread 487 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CHICAGO won the game straight up 690 times, while DENVER won 286 times. In 1000 simulated games, 502 games went over the total, while 474 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, DENVER covered the first half line 491 times, while CHICAGO covered the first half line 471 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 493 games went under first half total, while 474 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DENVER is 17-15 against the spread versus CHICAGO since 1996.
--DENVER is 20-12 straight up against CHICAGO since 1996.
--19 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--CHICAGO is 17-15 versus the first half line when playing against DENVER since 1996.
--17 of 32 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Nuggets are 13-6-1 ATS in the last 20 meetings.
--Nuggets are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.
--Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
--Home team is 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--Nuggets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Nuggets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.
--Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
--Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 Friday games.
--Under is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
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#813 LA CLIPPERS @ #814 MEMPHIS
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), SportSouth (Memphis) - Line: Clippers -1.5, Total: 196) - The Memphis Grizzlies hope to have guard Tony Allen back in the mix when they continue a push toward a playoff spot with a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Allen has been out since Jan. 3 with a hand injury, forcing the Grizzlies to forge ahead without a defensive stopper and one of their complimentary scorers. The club has not suffered, however, going 16-5 in Allen's absence and running its current win streak to three with a 98-93 win over New York on Tuesday.
The Clippers had their own three-game run snapped in a 113-103 loss to San Antonio on Tuesday, capping of a 3-2 homestand that bridged the All-Star break. All-Star point guard Chris Paul struggled mightily in his first game following the break, going 1-for-10 from the field in 38 minutes. The road team has won the first two meetings, with Paul and two others scoring 15 points in a 101-81 win over the Grizzlies - who were without Allen and center Marc Gasol - in the most recent encounter Dec. 5 at Memphis.
•ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (37-19 SU, 31-25-0 ATS): Los Angeles made a pair of smaller moves at the deadline by shipping veteran reserve Antawn Jamison to Atlanta and backup center Byron Mullens to Philadelphia, but they did not pull the trigger on something larger, despite kicking the tires on Knicks guard Iman Shumpert. Roster spots have been opened up and a signing could be in the works to add depth to a team whose starters average 33.1 minutes, the sixth-highest mark in the league. Blake Griffin has shown no signs of slowing down as he paces the squad in minutes played, averaging 33.9 points and 11.1 rebounds this month.
•ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (30-23 SU, 24-28-1 ATS): Allen's potential return comes one game after the more significant comeback of point guard Mike Conley, who had 22 points in the win over the Knicks after missing the final seven games before the break with an ankle injury. Conley showed rust early on before producing 16 points in the second half and 10 in the final six minutes to spark a late rally. The return of the Grizzlies floor general also provided a boost for veteran swingman Mike Miller, who scored a season-high 19 points and hit a key 3-pointer in the final minute.
•PREGAME NOTES: Memphis is 8-11 at home against the West.... Conley is averaging 11.4 points in 21 career games against the Clippers, his lowest mark against any NBA team.... Griffin had 14 points - at the time a season low - in the previous encounter with the Grizzlies.... The Clippers are 10-2 versus the spread when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%) this season.... The Grizzlies are 9-0 against the spread versus teams who are called for 2+ less fouls/game than their opponents - 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, MEMPHIS covered the spread 532 times, while LA CLIPPERS covered the spread 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, LA CLIPPERS won the game straight up 491 times, while MEMPHIS won 478 times. In 1000 simulated games, 602 games went over the total, while 382 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, MEMPHIS covered the first half line 537 times, while LA CLIPPERS covered the first half line 436 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 550 games went over first half total, while 424 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MEMPHIS is 40-35 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--MEMPHIS is 41-39 straight up against LA CLIPPERS since 1996.
--39 of 76 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--LA CLIPPERS is 40-39 versus the first half line when playing against MEMPHIS since 1996.
--39 of 76 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Clippers are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Memphis.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Clippers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
--Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
--Over is 9-1 in Clippers last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
--Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
--Under is 8-1 in Grizzlies last 9 games following a ATS loss.
--Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
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#815 SAN ANTONIO @ #816 PHOENIX
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, KENS (San Antonio), FSN Arizona (Phoenix) - Line: Spurs -1, Total: 209) - 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.
•ABOUT THE SPURS (40-15 SU, 27-28-0 ATS): 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): 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.
•PREGAME NOTES: San Antonio is 2-0 against Phoenix this season and has won eight of the last nine meetings.... The Suns lead the league in fast-break points (18.7) and had a 30-8 edge in Wednesday’s victory over Boston.... The Spurs dealt G Nando de Colo to Toronto for F Austin Daye prior to Thursday’s trading deadline.... The Suns are 14-5 versus the spread versus good free throw shooting teams - making more than 76% of their attempts this season.... San Antonio is 4-13 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the spread 574 times, while SAN ANTONIO covered the spread 410 times. *EDGE against the spread =PHOENIX. In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX won the game straight up 546 times, while SAN ANTONIO won 426 times. In 1000 simulated games, 506 games went under the total, while 471 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In 1000 simulated games, PHOENIX covered the first half line 551 times, while SAN ANTONIO covered the first half line 449 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 533 games went under first half total, while 467 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PHOENIX is 50-44 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO since 1996.
--SAN ANTONIO is 59-41 straight up against PHOENIX since 1996.
--50 of 98 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--PHOENIX is 50-46 versus the first half line when playing against SAN ANTONIO since 1996.
--57 of 97 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Spurs are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
--Spurs are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Phoenix.
--Over is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings.
--Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Phoenix.
--Road team is 5-0-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 overall.
--Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 road games.
--Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 after allowing 100 points or more.
--Suns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
--Suns are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more.
--Over is 5-1 in Suns last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
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#817 UTAH @ #818 PORTLAND
(TV: 10:00 PM EST, CSN Northwest (Portland), ROOT (Utah) - Line: Trail Blazers -9, Total: 202) - The slumping Portland Trail Blazers let the trade deadline go without making a move and are hoping a run of games against sub-.500 teams can drag them out of the funk. The Trail Blazers will attempt to snap a three-game slide when they host the Utah Jazz on Friday. The Jazz declined to make a major move at the deadline as well and will move forward with the core of Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward, Trey Burke and Enes Kanter.
Portland’s slide came against some of the best competition the NBA has to offer, with losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs coming by an average of 3.3 points. The Blazers used a different starting lineup for the first time this season in the 111-109 loss to the Spurs on Wednesday by inserting Dorell Wright for injured All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, who won't play Friday while nursing a groin strain. The Jazz had a season-long three-game winning streak come to an end with a 105-99 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
•ABOUT THE JAZZ (19-34 SU, 23-27-3 ATS): Utah has several pieces that would be attractive to contending teams but was not especially motivated to get anything done as its young team continues to come together. The Jazz are getting strong production out of reserve guard Alec Burks, who is averaging 24.3 points in the last three games to help cover over the shooting slumps of Burke and Hayward. Burke went 6-for-12 from the field against the Nets, snapping a string of 13 straight games hitting fewer than 50 percent, while Hayward is shooting just 28.8 percent this month.
•ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (36-18 SU, 29-25-0 ATS): Portland had little trouble with the Jazz in the first two meetings, taking both by a combined 43 points. The Blazers put on a shooting display in the home meeting on Dec. 6, connecting on 17-of-23 3-point attempts while going off at 55.4 percent overall in the 130-98 triumph. Things have not come quite as easy of late, as sharpshooters Damian Lillard (5-of-15) and Wesley Matthews (5-of-18) have struggled from beyond the arc during the losing streak.
•PREGAME NOTES: Favors sat out Wednesday with a hip strain and will not play on Friday.... Portland C Robin Lopez has recorded a double-double in three of the last five games.... Utah F Marvin Williams has scored in double figures in five of the last six contests.... The Trail Blazers are 11-23 against the spread in home games after one or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons.... The Jazz are 8-1 versus the spread in road games after one or more consecutive overs this season, and 8-0 ATS in road games after two or more consecutive overs over the last two seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, UTAH covered the spread 516 times, while PORTLAND covered the spread 457 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, PORTLAND won the game straight up 679 times, while UTAH won 293 times. In 1000 simulated games, 601 games went over the total, while 370 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.
--In 1000 simulated games, UTAH covered the first half line 548 times, while PORTLAND covered the first half line 429 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 547 games went over first half total, while 420 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--PORTLAND is 41-37 against the spread versus UTAH since 1996.
--UTAH is 41-39 straight up against PORTLAND since 1996.
--41 of 78 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--PORTLAND is 44-35 versus the first half line when playing against UTAH since 1996.
--47 of 79 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Jazz are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Portland.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games.
--Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
--Under is 4-0-1 in Jazz last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more.
--Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
--Trail Blazers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
--Under is 4-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
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#819 BOSTON @ #820 LA LAKERS
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, CSN New England (Boston), TWC SportsNet (Los Angeles) - Line: Lakers -1.5, Total: 205) - The Los Angeles Lakers have lost a franchise-record eight consecutive home games and attempt to halt the dismal skid when they host the Boston Celtics on Friday. Los Angeles is 0-4 on a six-game homestand and was drilled 134-108 by the Dwight Howard-led Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Boston has lost two straight games and three of four and fell 100-94 to the Phoenix Suns in Wednesday’s opener of a four-game road trip.
Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo had 18 points and 10 assists in the loss to Phoenix for his third double-double in his last five games. Rondo is averaging 10.5 points and 7.4 assists in 11 games since returning from major knee surgery. Los Angeles center Pau Gasol has missed the last seven games with a groin injury and he could possibly return against the Celtics. Gasol was discussed in trade rumors but nothing came to fruition prior to Thursday’s deadline.
•ABOUT THE CELTICS (19-36 SU, 26-28-1 ATS): Trade speculation circulated around Rondo and forwards Jeff Green and Brandon Bass but nothing materialized. Coach Brad Stevens downplayed the chatter leading up to the deadline and told reporters after it passed that he never expected anything to happen and was up front with his players. “If there’s something that needs to be talked about, if there’s a big elephant in the room that needs to be addressed, you address it and move forward,” Stevens told reporters. “I don’t know if they sat there and believed me or not. I can’t tell. But I told them what I knew and it ended up being true that nothing happened.”
•ABOUT THE LAKERS (18-36 SU, 28-25-1 ATS): Veteran Kobe Bryant expressed his displeasure with Wednesday’s trade of guard Steve Blake to the Golden State Warriors for guards MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore and general manager Mitch Kupchak explained the rationale on Thursday. “It really got to the point where we needed to free up some time in the backcourt to look at Jordan (Farmar) and give Kendall (Marshall) the time that he’s earned and let’s review and evaluate where we are with those two players,” Kupchak said. “And the other part of it is, we got back two young players that are developing.” Marshall is averaging 10.7 points and 9.8 assists in 26 games since being picked up off the scrap heap.
•PREGAME NOTES: Los Angeles has won eight of the last 11 meetings, including a 107-104 win in Boston on Jan. 17.... Celtics G Avery Bradley (ankle) will miss his fourth consecutive game.... The Lakers are 8-17 at home and are allowing an average of 112.5 points during the eight-game home skid.... Boston is 9-1 against the spread in road games versus good passing teams, averaging more than 23 assists/game this season.... Los Angeles is 2-15 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season over the last three seasons.
StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA LAKERS covered the spread 557 times, while BOSTON covered the spread 443 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, LA LAKERS won the game straight up 580 times, while BOSTON won 398 times. In 1000 simulated games, 651 games went under the total, while 329 games went over the total. *EDGE against the total =UNDER.
--In 1000 simulated games, LA LAKERS covered the first half line 496 times, while BOSTON covered the first half line 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, 643 games went under first half total, while 357 games went over first half total. *EDGE against first half total =UNDER.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--BOSTON is 24-19 against the spread versus LA LAKERS since 1996.
--LA LAKERS is 27-19 straight up against BOSTON since 1996.
--27 of 45 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1996.
--BOSTON is 27-19 versus the first half line when playing against LA LAKERS since 1996.
--23 of 46 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1996.
--Celtics are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Los Angeles.
--Over is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
--Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
•RECENT TRENDS
--Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
--Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
--Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
--Over is 8-1 in Lakers last 9 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
--Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points.
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