Hoop Trends - Monday

February 11, 2013

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Nets are 0-12 ATS (-8.8 ppg) since November 18, 2009 as a dog after a game at home in which they had more turnovers than assists.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Wizards are 0-11-1 OU (-14.6 ppg) since January 31, 1997 as a road dog with two or more days of rest when they held their opponent to fewer than 85 points in their last game.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Hawks are 12-0 OU (12.4 ppg) since March 02, 2012 after a loss at home in which Jeff Teague was not the Hawks’ high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Spurs are 11-0 ATS (12.0 ppg) since February 12, 2011 with no rest after a game in which they were whistled for fewer than 15 personal fouls.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Mavericks are 7-0 OU (12.5 ppg) since April 19, 2008 after a win at home in which Dirk Nowitzki shot worse than 33% from the field.
-- The Pacers are 9-0 ATS (10.9 ppg) since November 16, 2012 after a loss in which Paul George was not the Pacers’ high scorer.

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, February 11

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Minnesota: 3-11 ATS after having lost 4 of their last 5
Cleveland: 11-3 ATS after playing a game as a home underdog

LA Clippers at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
LA Clippers: 80-121 ATS in February
Philadelphia: 13-3 ATS in home games after playing 2 consecutive games as a home favorite

Boston at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Boston: 25-14 ATS against Southeast division opponents
Charlotte: 1-14 ATS in home games off a road loss by 10 points or more

Brooklyn at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Brooklyn: 9-19 ATS after 2 straight games with 19 or less assists
Indiana: 14-5 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses

New Orleans at Detroit, 7:35 ET
New Orleans: 14-4 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more
Detroit: 9-18 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders

Washington at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Washington: 13-0 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent
Milwaukee: 4-15 ATS in February games

San Antonio at Chicago, 8:05 ET NBATV
San Antonio: 12-3 ATS after scoring 110 points or more
Chicago: 5-13 ATS in non-conference games

Atlanta at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Atlanta: 0-8 ATS when playing with 2 days rest
Dallas: 10-2 ATS after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers

NBA

Monday, February 11

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Spurs at Bulls: What bettors need to know
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San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls (-1.5, 192)

The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a stretch where they are playing eight of nine games on the road, and the lone home game could be their toughest test when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. The Bulls are coming off a six-game road trip in which they went 3-3 and saw their typical iron-clad defense shredded in back-to-back losses to Central Division rival Indiana and Denver. The Bulls did tighten things up defensively in their last outing, holding off the Utah Jazz 93-89 on Friday night.

San Antonio is facing a trek even more difficult than that of the Bulls, playing the fourth contest on its nine-game rodeo road trip. Winners of 12 of 13, the Spurs bounced back from a loss in Detroit by annihilating the Brooklyn Nets 111-86 on Sunday night. Despite playing without Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs flexed their own defensive muscles, giving up only 29 points in the second half after permitting 35 in the first quarter. San Antonio became the first team in the league to win 40 games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio), Comcast SportsNet Chicago, NBATV

ABOUT THE SPURS (40-12, 29-21-2 ATS): Duncan has missed three straight and eight of 10 and Ginobili has sat out four in a row, but Parker has been immense at the start of the road trip. He had 29 points and 11 assists against Brooklyn and is averaging 30.3 points and nine assists in the last three. He has five double-doubles and 10 20-point games in his last 11 to insert his name into the MVP conversation. "He's carrying the whole team, especially when Tim and Manu are out," Spurs forward Boris Diaw said. "He's doing everything on the court."

ABOUT THE BULLS (30-20, 21-29-0 ATS): Chicago has also been dealing with myriad injuries. Center Joakim Noah has missed three of the last five games due to plantar fasciitis and is a game-time decision. Guard Kirk Hinrich will sit out his sixth straight game with an elbow infection. In addition, power forward Carlos Boozer was sidelined for the first three games of the recent road trip but had 19 points in the win over Utah. Boozer, who has failed to score 20 points in 10 games, has been linked to trade talks involving Toronto's Andrea Bargnani.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings.
* Spurs are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Spurs are 10-4-3 ATS in their last 17 games playing on zero days rest.
* Bulls are 6-17 ATS in their last 23 vs. Western Conference.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The fastest team to 40 wins hasn't meant much in the past seven seasons. Only the Boston Celtics (2007-08) went on to advance to the NBA Finals.

2. Chicago has won four of the past five meetings.

3. San Antonio owns the league's most road victories (18-10).

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, February 11

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MINNESOTA (18 - 29) at CLEVELAND (16 - 35) - 2/11/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (35 - 17) at PHILADELPHIA (22 - 27) - 2/11/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 79-121 ATS (-54.1 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 271-327 ATS (-88.7 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 77-53 ATS (+18.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-41 ATS (-20.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 73-109 ATS (-46.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (26 - 23) at CHARLOTTE (11 - 39) - 2/11/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
CHARLOTTE is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
CHARLOTTE is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-4 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BROOKLYN (29 - 21) at INDIANA (31 - 20) - 2/11/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 49-63 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-4 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (17 - 33) at DETROIT (20 - 32) - 2/11/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 57-39 ATS (+14.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 178-220 ATS (-64.0 Units) after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (14 - 35) at MILWAUKEE (25 - 24) - 2/11/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 110-74 ATS (+28.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-0 ATS (+13.0 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 58-85 ATS (-35.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 6-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (39 - 12) at CHICAGO (30 - 20) - 2/11/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 2-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 2-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (27 - 22) at DALLAS (22 - 28) - 2/11/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 57-84 ATS (-35.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
DALLAS is 122-97 ATS (+15.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 74-48 ATS (+21.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 2-1 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 11

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games (3-3 HF).
-- 76ers won four of last five games (5-4 HU).
-- Celtics won their last seven games (2-5 AF).
-- Pacers won five of their last six games (9-6 last 15 HF).
-- Pistons won last two games, scoring 112 ppg (1-5 last six HF).
-- Wizards won last three games, but lost last four on road (7-3 last ten AU).
-- San Antonio won 12 of last 13 games (covered three of last four road games). Bulls won last four home games (5-16 HF).
-- Mavericks won three of last four games (8-2 last ten HF).

Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost its last four games (1-6-1 last eight AU).
-- Clippers are 4-6 in their last ten games (2-8 last ten AF).
-- Bobcats lost their last seven games (4-8 last 12 HU).
-- Nets lost six of their last nine games (4-7 last 11 AU).
-- Hornets lost five of last seven games (18-9 AU).
-- Milwaukee lost five of last six games (7-9-1 HF).
-- Hawks lost three of their last four games (5-7 AU).

Totals
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Minnesota games.
-- 76ers' last five games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games stayed under total; Boston's last four games all went over.
-- Five of last seven Brooklyn games stayed under; four of Indiana's last five games went over.
-- Four of last five Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Chicago home games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Atlanta games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Minnesota is 4-6 vs spread on road if it played day before.
-- Clippers are 3-5-1 vs spread on road if they played day before.
-- Boston is 2-5-2 vs spread on road if it played day before.
-- Brooklyn is 2-7 vs spread on road if it played day before.
-- Hornets are 5-8 vs spread if they played the day before.
-- San Antonio is 4-3 vs spread on road if it played day before.

Monday, February 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

L.A. Clippers - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +4.5 500
Philadelphia - Under 185 500

Boston - 7:00 PM ET Boston -4 500
Charlotte - Over 190.5 500

Minnesota - 7:00 PM ET Cleveland -6.5 500
Cleveland - Under 205 500

Brooklyn - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -9.5 500 POD
Indiana - Under 181.5 500

New Orleans - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -5.5 500
Detroit - Over 193.5 500

San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio +1.5 500
Chicago - Over 190 500

Washington - 8:00 PM ET Washington +4.5 500 POD
Milwaukee - Under 199.5 500

Atlanta - 8:30 PM ET Dallas -5 500
Dallas - Over 204.5 500

Tuesday, February 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Denver - 7:00 PM ET Denver +2 500
Toronto - Over 206 500

Portland - 7:30 PM ET Miami -11 500
Miami - Under 199 500

Sacramento - 8:00 PM ET Sacramento +11 500
Memphis - Over 189 500

Oklahoma City - 9:00 PM ET Utah +5.5 500
Utah - Under 200.5 500

Phoenix - 10:30 PM ET Phoenix +9 500
L.A. Lakers - Over 189 500

Houston - 10:30 PM ET Houston +4 500 POD
Golden State - Over 219 500

Wednesday, February 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago 0 0th Chicago +2.5 500
Boston 0 Over 181.5 500

Denver - 7:30 PM ET Brooklyn -3 500
Brooklyn - Over 196 500

Toronto 0 0th New York -8 500
New York 0 Under 197.5 500

Washington 0 0th Washington +2 500 POD
Detroit 0 Under 190.5 500

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Milwaukee -5.5 500
Milwaukee - Under 194.5 500

Portland - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans -5 500
New Orleans - Over 195 500

Utah - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -2 500
Minnesota - Under 193 500

Sacramento - 8:30 PM ET Dallas -10 500
Dallas - Over 211 500

Houston - 10:30 PM ET Houston +10.5 500
L.A. Clippers - Over 207 500

Thursday Tips

February 13, 2013

The first half of the NBA season (even though every team has played at least 50 games) concludes on Thursday night with a top-notch doubleheader on TNT. The battle of Los Angeles takes place for the third time this season with the Clippers and Lakers matching wits at Staples Center to wrap up the night. Things begin in Oklahoma City with an NBA Finals rematch as the Thunder tries to cool off the Heat.

Heat at Thunder – 8:00 PM EST

Miami overcame a series opening loss to Oklahoma City in last summer’s Finals to win four straight games and the franchise’s second championship. The Heat kept up that momentum on Christmas night by silencing the Thunder at the American Airlines Arena, 103-97 as 2 ½-point favorites. The game barely finished ‘under’ the total of 203 due to a 44-point third quarter, while OKC hung around thanks to 32-of-38 shooting from the foul line.

Miami is scorching right now with six consecutive victories, including a 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS homestand. The Heat rallied for a miracle cover in Tuesday's 117-104 triumph over the Blazers as 11-point favorites, while using a 16-2 run in the final four minutes to pick up their straight ATS win. The road has been tough sledding for Erik Spoelstra's team at 12-11, but Miami has posted a 5-3 SU/ATS record the last eight away contests. In two road underdog opportunities this season, the Heat won outright over the Lakers (1/17) and Nuggets (11/15).

The Thunder saw a four-game winning streak go by the boards in Tuesday's 15-point defeat at Utah. Oklahoma City was held to under 100 points in consecutive games for the first time since Christmas, when the Thunder scored 93 at Minnesota and 97 at Miami. Scott Brooks' club has won seven straight games at Chesapeake Energy Arena, while covering all seven times in this stretch. The 'over' is 7-3 in the last 10 home contests for the Thunder, as OKC has broken the 100-point mark in 11 of the past 12 home games.

Clippers at Lakers - 10:35 PM EST

Los Angeles is still a Lakers' town, but the Clippers are no longer the little brother that can be pushed around. The Clips are leading the Pacific Division at 37-17, while playing their second game off the long Grammy road trip. The Lakers were also kicked out of Staples Center for a few weeks, as L.A. rallied past Phoenix on Wednesday night to move within three games of .500.

Following a 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS road swing, the Lakers knocked off the Suns in a revenge spot, 91-85, but failed to cover as 8 ½-point 'chalk.' Mike D'Antoni's club tallied just nine points in the third quarter, while Kobe Bryant converted only field goal en route to four points in the victory. The Lakers are playing with double-revenge, including a 107-102 setback to the Clippers in early January as 4 ½-point 'dogs. Bryant scored 38 points in that defeat, but the Lakers allowed 50% shooting to the Clips.

Vinny Del Negro's squad has split the last 10 games, while winning three of the last four road contests. Granted, this isn't a real away game (except for the purple and gold court), as the Clippers have covered just three of their last nine matchups on the highway. The Clips are playing with no rest after Wednesday's game against the Rockets, as L.A. has cashed the 'over' in nine of 13 games on the second of a back-to-back.

Fact or Fiction

February 12, 2013

NBA betting fans have a short week to work with this week, as there are just a few days' worth of games before the All-Star Break. Check out some of the most important bits of fact and fiction that you should be aware of going into the final week of games before the league's intermission.

FACT

Rudy Gay Will Take the Raptors to the Playoffs: Part of the reason that we believe in the Raps is because we think they are going to make another big move at some point before the deadline. However, Gay is averaging over 23 points per game since joining the club, and he really has helped turned the tide of this franchise. It's still a long climb back into the race for the second season, but the seven games isn't the end of the world in the lousy Eastern Conference.

The Nuggets' Home ATS Record: The Nuggs are just out of this world when they're playing in the Pepsi Center. They went a whopping 6-0 straight up and 5-1 against the spread on this most recent home stand that just wrapped up on Thursday night, and they are now an out-of-this-world 17-8 ATS at home for the season.

The Golden State Warriors Being Legitimate NBA Finals Contenders: Keep a very close eye on the Warriors as we enter the All-Star Break. This team has 30 wins and is in sixth place in the Western Conference right now. However, Golden State is starting to get healthy, and it has already played 29 road games this year, as opposed to 22 home games. The stats don't lie. The Warriors are 13-9 ATS at home and 14-14-1 ATS on the road. This is a team to watch out for as a potentially legitimate contender to win it all this year.

FICTION

Boston's Winning Streak: We just don't see this continuing. Sure, the C's have won and covered seven of eight games without G Rajon Rondo in the fold. However, is this team really legitimate? Remember that the club was just 14-26-3 ATS, the worst mark in the league before this winning streak, and we still can't imagine that this team is better off without Rondo than with him.

The Wizards' SU Victories: We love the Wizards as a great ATS team, especially as big time underdogs. However, we think that the oddsmakers are starting to catch on, and there is reason to believe that this team is going to start to hit the skids in the second-half. Washington still averages just 91.2 points per game, and it is saving a lot of points on the other end of the court. Teams are shooting just 72.6 percent from the charity stripe against this outfit. Once that improves, the ATS defeats are probably coming right behind it, especially knowing that the team has won three in a row SU.

Huge Names Will Shake Up the NBA at the Deadline: Since we're talking about the All-Star Break, we may as well discuss the trade deadline, too since that's right around the corner as well. Names like F Carlos Boozer, F Andrea Bargnani, F Josh Smith, and so many others have been dangled around like pawns. Will some get traded? Sure. It's very possible. However, we don't think that there is another move out there that is going to have the same sort of impact that the Gay-to-Toronto deal had for both the Raptors (positively) and the Grizzlies (negatively).

Thursday, February 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -5.5 500 POD
Oklahoma City - Over 205 500

L.A. Clippers - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Lakers +3.5 500
L.A. Lakers - Over 200.5 500

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

February 19, 2013

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Jazz are 11-0-1 ATS (10.7 ppg) since November 19, 2002 at home off a win of four points or fewer on the road in which they held a double digit lead.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Trailblazers are 0-10 OU (-13.1 ppg) since November 24, 2008 at home with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Magic are 11-0 OU (17.9 ppg) since December 07, 2005 with at least a day of rest after a loss at home in which Ja- meer Nelson was the Magic’s high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Raptors are 0-11 OU (-15.5 ppg) since January 09, 2009 with at least a day of rest after a win on the road in which Andrea Bargnani had more turnovers than assists.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (10.5 ppg) since April 06, 2012 at home after a loss in which Ty Lawson was the Nuggets’ high scorer.

-- The Trailblazers are 9-0 ATS (9.3 ppg) since March 01, 2007 at home after a road loss in which their DPS was minus 15 points or less.

Inside the Paint - Tuesday

February 19, 2013

Even though the NBA playoffs are still two months away, you can argue that the 14 of the 16 playoff spots are locked up.
In the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee currently holds a 4 ½-game lead over Philadelphia for the eighth and final playoff spot. When you consider the Bucks already own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the 76ers, you might want to pencil in Milwaukee already.

The Western Conference should have a little more drama and that’s expected when you have the Los Angeles Lakers looking to make a move. The “Purple and Gold” trail the Rockets by 3 ½-games for the 8th seed in the West. Houston has already defeated Los Angeles in two of their three matchups this season. The final meeting takes place at the Staples Center on Apr. 17, which is the last regular season game for both teams.

We’re still going to get teams jockeying for playoff seeds but barring any key injuries, you can already forecast possible conference semifinal and championship matchups.

Sportsbook.ag still has Miami listed as the favorite (3/2) to win the NBA Finals and based on their numbers, Oklahoma City (9/2), the Los Angeles Clippers (7/1) and San Antonio (8/1) are the only legit contenders to unseat the defending champions.

In case you’re wondering, the Heat are 4-1 against those Western Conference clubs with a battle at San Antonio looming on Mar. 31.

Below is a quick handicap for tonight’s slate.

Toronto at Washington: The Raptors have won five of seven and four straight games since they acquired Rudy Gay from Memphis. Two of those wins came on the road, which included a 92-88 victory over New York on Feb. 13. Washington closed the first-half of the season with an 11-point (85-96) loss at Detroit. Prior to that setback, the Wizards had won four and covered four straight games. This will be the first meeting between the pair this season. Make a note that the home team has won nine in a row in this series.

Charlotte at Orlando: This contest has “Pass” written all over it. Charlotte has gone 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 while Orlando closed the first-half with a 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS record. This will be the third meeting of the season between the pair and for what it’s worth, the visitor has won and covered each of the first two affairs. The ‘over’ went 2-0 in those games.

Milwaukee at Brooklyn: Bettors have another tough game to gauge here. The Bucks have failed to cover in eight straight games (2-6 SU) yet they’ve been a solid investment on the road (14-11 ATS) this season. Brooklyn is a tad banged up but it did win and cover its last two games of the first-half and the wins came against quality opponents in Indiana (89-84) and Denver (119-108). Milwaukee has already defeated Brooklyn twice this season and these teams will conclude the series on Wednesday when they finish up a home-and-home at the Bradley Center.

Memphis at Detroit: You could play the emotional angle here as Tayshuan Prince will face his former team at The Palace. Since the Grizzlies acquired Prince and Austin Daye from Detroit, they’ve gone 4-2 with them in the lineup. The Pistons received Toronto point guard Jose Calderon as part of the three-way trade. With the Spanish product in the lineup, Detroit has gone 3-3 and if you watch the team, you can tell that the chemistry is off and it’s hard to see Calderon in the long-term picture. Total players could be scratching their heads here too. Memphis, who likes to grind, has watched the ‘over’ go 8-2 in its last 10. Meanwhile, Detroit’s fast-paced tempo hasn’t been flourishing lately, which has produced a 6-1 record to the ‘under’ in the last seven games. The Grizzlies have won and covered six straight games against the Pistons, which includes a 90-78 home win on Nov. 30 this season.

Chicago at New Orleans: The Bulls are listed as short road favorites (-2) and they could be in trouble here. The Hornets closed the first-half by winning and covering four of their last five games and all of the victories came by nine points or more. Even though New Orleans has played better, its home record (9-15) isn’t impressive at all. Meanwhile, Chicago has gone 15-10 on the road and it will be looking to avenge an 89-82 home loss to the Hornets on Nov. 3. Prior to this setback, the Bulls had won eight straight (6-2 ATS) against the Hornets. Chicago will meet Miami on Thursday in a nationally televised battle, which could set up the look-ahead angle.

Boston at Denver: Quick rematch here as the Nuggets look to avenge a 118-114 triple-overtime loss to the Celtics at TD Garden on Feb. 10. Boston kept forcing the extra sessions and eventually pulled away for the home win and miraculous cover as a two-point favorite thanks to Jason Terry’s meaningless layup as the game ended. Prior to this loss, Denver had won nine straight (8-1 ATS) games but it closed the first-half with three losses in a row. The Nuggets didn’t have Dainilo Gallinari or Andre Iguodala in the lineup the last two setbacks but both are expected to play Tuesday. At home, Denver has produced an eye opening 22-3 SU and 17-8 ATS mark. Boston has dealt with the injury bug too, in particular the loss of point guard Rajon Rondo. However, the team has rallied to an 8-1 record (7-2 ATS) without the All-Star. Including the aforementioned outcome between the two, the home team has now won and covered six consecutive games in this series.

Golden State at Utah: The Warriors were the biggest surprise of the first-half but they’ll start the second-half with a five-game losing streak intact. The defense has been awful during this stretch, along 118 points per game. Golden State beat Utah 94-83 in Salt Lake City on Dec. 26 as a 4 ½-point underdog. Despite that loss, the Jazz have been a great team to back at home (20-6 SU, 16-10 ATS). High total (203) for this game but bettors should be aware that the ‘under’ has cashed in nine of the last 10 encounters between these teams.

Phoenix at Portland: Similar to the Bobcats-Magic matchup above, this game could go either way. The Suns are 2-8 in their last 10 while the Trail Blazers are 3-7. Normally, I would fade Portland in its first game at home after the long road trip but the All-Star break has to be taken into play. If you base your bet on numbers, the Blazers are the look at home (17-8) and the Suns haven’t been good on the road (5-23). The home team has won six straight and eight of nine in this series.

San Antonio at Sacramento: It’s definitely tempting to back the Kings at home (14-12 SU) tonight, considering they’re rested and they start a five-game road trip after this matchup. However, it’s hard to bet against the team with the best record in the NBA. San Antonio has gone 42-12 and that includes a league-best 20-10 road record. Plus this is a team that has sat out starters often and most would believe that a couple regulars might sit here, especially with road games versus the Clippers and Warriors on deck. The best look in this matchup could be the total. The Kings have seen the ‘over’ go 17-8 (68%) at home this season and San Antonio has watched the ‘over’ go 17-12 in its road games.

NBA
Dunkel

Boston at Denver
The Nuggets look to take advantage of a Boston team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games in Denver. Denver is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Game 501-502: Toronto at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 120.007; Washington 120.778
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3); Over

Game 503-504: Charlotte at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.272; Orlando 113.231
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-4 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Milwaukee at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 113.937; Brooklyn 121.843
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 8; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 4 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-4 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Memphis at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 117.949; Detroit 113.640
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2); Over

Game 509-510: Chicago at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.434; New Orleans 124.970
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 7 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 181
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+2); Over

Game 511-512: Boston at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 117.832; Denver 130.332
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 12 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8; 203
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8); Under

Game 513-514: Golden State at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 113.408; Utah 121.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 3; 203
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3); Under

Game 515-516: Phoenix at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.677; Portland 120.625
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 5 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-5 1/2); Over

Game 517-518: San Antonio at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.225; Sacramento 110.985
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 14; 205
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

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TORONTO (21 - 32) at WASHINGTON (15 - 36) - 2/19/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a division game this season.
WASHINGTON is 295-357 ATS (-97.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 73-107 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (12 - 40) at ORLANDO (15 - 37) - 2/19/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 17-28 ATS (-13.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games this season.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 6-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (26 - 25) at BROOKLYN (31 - 22) - 2/19/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in February games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 41-63 ATS (-28.3 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 8-0 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 8-0 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (33 - 18) at DETROIT (21 - 33) - 2/19/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 183-145 ATS (+23.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (30 - 22) at NEW ORLEANS (19 - 34) - 2/19/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
CHICAGO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHICAGO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 58-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (28 - 24) at DENVER (33 - 21) - 2/19/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 2-2 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (30 - 22) at UTAH (30 - 24) - 2/19/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 7-2 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (17 - 36) at PORTLAND (25 - 28) - 2/19/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 21-30 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PORTLAND is 54-87 ATS (-41.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
PORTLAND is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PORTLAND is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (42 - 12) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 35) - 2/19/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-49 ATS (+26.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 66-38 ATS (+24.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 65-47 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-12 ATS (+22.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 122-83 ATS (+30.7 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 265-203 ATS (+41.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-19 ATS (+18.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 51-67 ATS (-22.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 39-52 ATS (-18.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 19

Hot Teams
-- Wizards won four of last five games (3-1 last four HF). Toronto won its last four games (6-1-1 last eight AU).
-- Nets won last two games, after losing six of previous nine (6-4-1 HF with Carlesimo as HC).
-- Grizzlies won last three games (5-2 last seven AF). Detroit won three of its last four games (5-1 last six HU).
-- Hornets won four of last five games (5-9-1 HU).
-- Celtics won eight of their last nine games (6-7-2 AU).
-- Jazz won five of last six home games (6-4 last ten HF).
-- Spurs won 14 of their last 15 games (5-7 last 12 AF).

Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost 13 of its last 14 games (0-8 last eight HF). Bobcats lost eight of last nine games (11-14 AU).
-- Bucks lost six of last eight games (1-5 last six AU).
-- Bulls lost four of last five games (0-3 last three AF).
-- Nuggets lost last three games of road trip, but won last seven home games (5-1 last six HF).
-- Golden State lost its last five games (0-6 last six AU).
-- Portland lost its last five games (1-5 last six HF). Suns lost six of their last seven games (4-7-1 last 12 AU).
-- Kings lost six of their last eight games (6-8 HU).

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Memphis games went over the total; six of last seven Detroit games stayed under.
-- Four of last five New Orleans games stayed under total.
-- 16 of last 19 Denver games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Golden State games went over total.
-- Six of last seven Portland games went over the total.
-- Last four Sacramento games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- None.

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Toronto's last 24 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Washington's last 24 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Toronto

7:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. ORLANDO
Charlotte is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Charlotte's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Orlando is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Charlotte

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. DETROIT
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Brooklyn is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New Orleans's last 19 games at home

9:00 PM
BOSTON vs. DENVER
Boston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
Boston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 10 games
Denver is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. UTAH
Golden State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing Utah
Utah is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah's last 12 games when playing Golden State

10:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 11 games when playing San Antonio

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Celtics at Nuggets: What bettors need to know
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Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets (-8.5, 203)

Most teams enjoyed a fairly quiet All-Star weekend, but the Boston Celtics managed to make news when center Kevin Garnett said he will not waive his no-trade clause with Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching. As a result, Garnett is fully expected to accompany the Celtics on Tuesday when they visit the Denver Nuggets, who entered the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak.

Boston is 8-1 since losing point guard Rajon Rondo with a season-ending knee injury and stands a season-high four games above. 500. Despite its recent skid, Denver is fifth in the Western Conference standings and boasts an impressive 22-3 home record. The teams combined for one of the most memorable games of the season at TD Garden on Feb. 10, when Paul Pierce recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the Celtics’ 118-114 triple overtime win.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston), Altitude (Denver), NBATV

ABOUT THE CELTICS (28-24, 21-28-3 ATS): In addition to losing Rondo, the Celtics have also been hit with season-ending injuries to rookie Jared Sullinger and veteran Leandro Barbosa over the past three weeks. The team has responded by focusing on its defense in recent weeks, including the Celtics’ 71-69 win over Chicago in the final game before the All-Star break. Boston forced 22 turnovers and held the Bulls to 36.5 percent shooting in the win. Forward Jeff Green has stepped up his play with Rondo out, and he's averaging 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in the last nine games. Garnett should be rested after playing only six minutes in the All-Star game on Sunday.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (33-21, 32-22-0 ATS): Denver, which has won three straight at home against the Celtics, appears content to stand pat at the trade deadline with one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. Forward Kenneth Faried was selected the MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday after scoring a game-high 40 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Faried also competed Saturday in the dunk contest, where he scored a perfect score on his second dunk before falling to eventual winner Terrence Ross of Toronto. The second-year forward is averaging 12.3 points and 9.7 rebounds while starting all 54 games. Point guard Ty Lawson, averaging 15.8 points and 7.1 assists, had 29 points and nine rebounds against Boston two weeks ago.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
* Home team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
* Celtics are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Denver.
* Over is 16-5 in Nuggets last 21 overall.
* Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
* Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Boston is beginning a five-game road trip and won’t return to the TD Center until March 1 against Golden State.

2. Andre Iguodala (neck) and Gallinari (sinus infection) each missed Denver’s final game before the All-Star break, but both are expected to return against Boston.

3. Denver is 241-81 (74.8 percent) at the Pepsi Center under coach George Karl.

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Best and worst NBA ATS trends at the break
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With the NBA taking a timeout for the All-Star break, there is no better time than the present to examine the condition of each team in the league at this stage of the season. From the surprise teams to the disappointments, the run to the 2013 playoffs is about to take off.

Here’s a quick look at the very best and the very worst pointspread records to date on every team in games played this season through the All-Star break. In addition, I also present a noteworthy most recent trend on each team. All results are SU (Straight Up), ATS (Against The Spread) or O/U (Over Under in exact sequence), unless stated otherwise.

ATLANTA

Best: 3-0 ATS when dogs of seven or more points.

Worst: 0-8 ATS off an ATS win of 13 or more points.

Trending: Hawks are struggling with good teams off a spread loss, going 0-7 SU/ATS.

BOSTON

Best: 4-0-1 ATS in double no-rest games.

Worst: 0-7 SU/ATS when coming off a loss of 13 or more points.

Trending: Celtics are playing down to the level of their opponents, going 1-7 ATS versus sub .250 opposition.

BROOKLYN

Best: 7-1-1 ATS as favorites off back-to-back wins.

Worst: 0-5 ATS at home versus foes coming off a double-digit win.

Trending: Nets are having trouble in games off one loss-exact, going 2-9 ATS

CHARLOTTE

Best: 3-0 ATS when coming off SU favorite loss.

Worst: 1-9 ATS away from home versus foes coming off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Bobcats have played under in all 10 games as dogs of 11 or more points.

CHICAGO

Best: 5-1 ATS away in division games.

Worst: 0-11 ATS with no rest off a SU/ATS win.

Trending: Bulls have struggled laying more than eight points, going 0-7 ATS.

CLEVELAND

Best: 5-0 ATS as dogs of more than 10 points.

Worst: 0-5 ATS as favorites versus non-rested opponents.

Trending: Cavs struggle at home off road games, going 4-12 SU/ATS, including 0-5 SU/ATS as favorites.

DALLAS

Best: 5-0 ATS versus conference opponent off a SU dog win.

Worst: 0-4 ATS off back-to-back losses, the last as a favorite.

Trending: Mavs are 17-8 ATS since the return of Dirk Nowitzki to the lineup, including 14-3 ATS the last 17 games.

DENVER

Best: 6-0 ATS at home off back-to-back wins.

Worst: 0-4 ATS with revenge versus non-conference opponents.

Trending: Nuggets have struck gold at home against conference foes, going 14-1 SU and 13-2 ATS.

DETROIT

Best: 8-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 1-5 ATS at home off a win versus an opponent off a loss.

Trending: Pistons are misfiring as dogs of more than eight points, going 1-6 ATS.

GOLDEN STATE

Best: 4-0 SU/ATS at home versus opponent off double-digit loss.

Worst: 0-6 ATS on the road off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Warriors are cleaning up against foes off SU dog wins, going 4-0 ATS as dogs and 4-0 ATS away.

HOUSTON

Best: 13-1 ATS at home versus opponent coming off a loss.

Worst: 1-10 ATS off a loss versus opponent off SU/ATS win

Trending: After hitting a 1-8 SU and 0-9 ATS wall in mid-January, Rockets closed 7-4 SU and 9-2 ATS in last 11 games into the break.

INDIANA

Best: 7-0 ATS at home coming off a division game.

Worst: 0-4 ATS away versus greater than .666 opponents.

Trending: Indiana has trouble keeping pace as dogs in games off back-to-back wins, going 1-7 ATS.

LA CLIPPERS

Best: 5-1 ATS off a SU dog win.

Worst: 0-5 ATS as favorites of 13 or more points.

Trending: One is not enough for the Clippers, who are 7-1 SU/ATS in games off one win-exact.

LA LAKERS

Best: 5-1 ATS as favorites in games off a double-digit loss.

Worst: 0-5 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Once great Lakers dog log is howling at 0-9 SU and 1-8 ATS when taking points in games off a loss.

MEMPHIS

Best: 5-0-1 ATS off SU dog win.

Worst: 0-3 SU/ATS off ATS loss 20 or more points.

Trending: Sleepy Grizzles are dangerous, going 6-1-1 ATS with no rest.

MIAMI

Best: 5-0 ATS off back-to- back SU/ATS wins versus foe off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 1-7 ATS off division game.

Trending: The defending champs shine at home, going 8-1 SU/ATS as favorites of less than seven points and 7-1 SU/ATS versus greater than .667 opponents.

MILWAUKEE

Best: 4-0 ATS as favorites off a loss of 15 or more points.

Worst: 0-9 ATS versus conference opponent off a win.

Trending: Bucks are gracious hosts, going 1-8-1 ATS versus foes coming off a win.

MINNESOTA

Best: 5-0 ATS versus opponent coming off back-to-back SU/ATS losses

Worst: 2-11 SU and 1-12 ATS home versus opponent off a win.

Trending: Wolves waltz in games with O/U total 196 or more, going 3-13 under, including 0-6 under if total 201 or more.

NEW ORLEANS

Best: 5-0 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 0-3 ATS at home versus opponent off SU favorite loss.

Trending: Hornets stirred things up in final 21 games, going 12-9 SU and 15-6 ATS.

NEW YORK

Best: 4-0 ATS as conference dogs.

Worst: 1-5-1 ATS as road favorites versus opponent off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Knicks raise their level of play depending on opposition, going 6-1 SU/ATS versus .750 or greater foes, including 4-0 ATS at home.

OKLAHOMA CITY

Best: 9-1 ATS off a non-division loss.

Worst: 1-6 ATS versus .333 or less opponent off back-to-back losses.

Trending: Thunder playing up and down to the level of opposition, going 4-1-1 ATS versus greater than .750 foes and 0-6 ATS versus less than .285 opponents.

ORLANDO

Best: 6-1 ATS as double-digits dogs.

Worst: 1-9 ATS as favorites.

Trending: Magic act disappeared after 12-13 start, going 3-24 SU and 9-18 ATS over their last 27 games.

PHILADELPHIA

Best: 4-0 ATS away with three or more days of rest.

Worst: 0-6 ATS with no rest versus opponent off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Sixers play according to the level of their opposition, going 8-3 SU/ATS versus sub .333 opponents and 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS versus greater than .666 foes.

PHOENIX

Best: 3-0-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Worst: 0-9 SU and 1-8 ATS versus opponents coming off a double-digit loss.

Trending: Suns set against non-conference foes off a SU/ATS loss, going 1-8 ATS, including 0-6 ATS at home.

PORTLAND

Best: 6-1 ATS versus opponents coming off a SU favorite loss.

Worst: 0-6 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Over/under total dictates Blazers success, going 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in games in which the total is less than 192, and 2-6 SU and 2-5-1 ATS in games in which the total is 202 or higher.

SACRAMENTO

Best: 4-0 ATS coming off a division game versus an opponent coming off a win.

Worst: 1-7 ATS versus opponent coming off a SU favorite loss.

Trending: Kings get crowned in matchups of both teams playing off SU/ATS losses, going 0-6 ATS at home.

SAN ANTONIO

Best: 5-0 ATS versus opponents coming off a loss of 20 or more points.

Worst: 1-6 ATS versus an opponent coming off a double-digit win.

Trending: Spurs have struggled at both ends of the spectrum, going 1-5-1 ATS versus .250 or less opponents and 1-6 ATS versus greater than .666 opponents.

TORONTO

Best: 8-1 ATS when coming off a divisional game.

Worst: 0-3 ATS at home when coming off a SU favorite loss.

Trending: Raptors run well without rest, going 11-2 ATS, including 4-0 ATS at home.

UTAH

Best: 5-0 ATS as home dogs.

Worst: 1-7-1 ATS away off back-to-back wins.

Trending: Flip sides to Jazz records, going 5-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses and 0-6 ATS versus foes coming off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

WASHINGTON

Best: 8-1-1 ATS when coming off a win versus an opponent also coming off a win.

Worst: 1-4 ATS at home versus non-division opponens coming off a double-digit loss.

Trending: Wizards work magic in games against foes coming off an ATS win, going 14-4-1 ATS, including 11-0 ATS the last eleven.

FYI: Teams that have responded exceptionally well in same season revenge affairs this season include the Thunder (5-1 SU/ATS) and the Heat (5-2 SU/ATS, including 4-1 ATS home), while the teams that have struggled mightily in these same payback situations include the Timberwolves (3-9 SU and 3-8-1 ATS, including 0-7 ATS versus an opponent off a win), the Magic (2-15 SU and 5-12 ATS).

I’ve done my homework. Now, you do yours and we’ll both enjoy the second half of the season.

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

Toronto at Washington, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 8-1 ATS off a division game
Washington: 4-15 ATS after being outrebounded by 20+

Charlotte at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Charlotte: 9-21 ATS off BB Unders
Orlando: 13-3 Over off a home loss

Milwaukee at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 13-2 ATS away with a total of 190 to 199.5 points
Brooklyn: 4-15 ATS at home revenging a road loss

Memphis at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Memphis: 18-7 Under vs. Central Division opponents
Detroit: 16-6 ATS in February

Chicago at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 5-14 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
New Orleans: 12-1 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Boston at Denver, 9:05 ET NBATV
Boston: 10-22 ATS away off an ATS loss
Denver: 11-2 ATS off 4+ road games

Golden State at Utah, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 18-2 ATS away off BB losses
Utah: 13-4 Under at home with a total of 200+ points

Phoenix at Portland, 10:05 ET
Phoenix: 4-12 ATS revenging a road loss
Portland: 13-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or less

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
San Antonio: 13-4 ATS off a SU win / ATS loss
Sacramento: 3-14 ATS at home off 4+ games allowing 100+ points