Lines on NBA
January 28th NBA news ... Welcome to Lines on NBA, the site that provides the NBA enthusiast with all of the up to the minute lines and betting information.
Welcome to linesonnba.com, the site that provides the NBA enthusiast with all of the up to the minute lines and betting information.
This site was created to assist the NBA bettor in cashing in on profits during the NBA season.
In order to win over the long haul, the bettor must be privy to all of the latest information during the basketball season; you will find all of that information and more right here.
Welcome to linesonnba.com, the site that provides the NBA enthusiast with all of the up to the minute lines and betting information.
This site was created to assist the NBA bettor in cashing in on profits during the NBA season.
In order to win over the long haul, the bettor must be privy to all of the latest information during the basketball season; you will find all of that information and more right here.
Lines on NBA News
LeBron Free Agency: Other than Cleveland?
2010-07-07
In the second round of this year’s NBA Playoffs, many teams suddenly became fans of the Boston Celtics. They realized that a Celtics victory over the Cavaliers would open the doors to the greatest prize in the history of NBA free agency: LeBron James. The understanding was that if a revamped Cleveland team couldn’t even advance to the Conference Finals, James might be more receptive to leaving his hometown team. Based on Boston’s victory and James’ apparent openness to these overtures, there is a chance James may give Cleveland sports fans their latest doomsday.
As of now, the current non-Cleveland leader of the pack in the James sweepstakes appears to be the Chicago Bulls. Out of all the teams with the cap space to add James, Chicago has the most championship-ready pieces. In contrast to Cleveland, their talent is young and primed to enter their most productive years. The Bulls’ best player is undoubtedly point guard Derrick Rose, who will be entering his third year and has quickly turned into one of the game’s greatest playmakers. They also have a do-it-all center in Joakim Noah, who adds pivotal components with his unselfishness and rebounding ability and is the perfect unassuming role player to complement James. The same is true for Taj Gibson, who made a big impact in his rookie season but doesn’t have the ego to demand shots in a James-led squad. Luol Deng is a very talented and versatile player as well but might be deemed expendable if James were to sign with the team.
In addition to their playing personnel, the Bulls have other assets. Their new coach, Tom Thibodeau, is a defensive mastermind who has a proven pedigree, helping to construct the elite Boston Celtics teams of the past three years. Also, the Bulls have enough cap space to add another maximum contract player in this free agent bonanza. James is not the only prized commodity out there and the further addition of a player like Chris Bosh would make Chicago even more enticing. All these factors make it clear that out of all James’ potential suitors, Chicago is the most ready to win a championship.
This is in contrast to the New Jersey Nets, who are trying to make a splash under their new multibillionaire Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The Nets are coming off the worst record in the NBA and although Prokhorov is trying to change the losing culture, their team is still very young. Devin Harris is a good player but not nearly of Rose’s caliber. Brook Lopez shows signs of great potential but is still developing at the NBA level. Fielding a title-contending team would take significantly longer in New Jersey and hurts their chances of getting James, who wants to win right away.
The New York Knicks are a wildcard of sorts in this sweepstakes. Up until this year, any talk about James leaving Cleveland seemed to be focused on the Knicks. Are you ready to get into the NBA betting action? Head over to www.sportsbook.com the home of NBA betting action.
NBA: Are Atlanta Hawks already a bad bet?
2010-05-06
If you missed Game 1 of the second round NBA Eastern Conference playoff series between Orlando and Atlanta, you need only look at final score to realize what a disparity the game was. Orlando won by 43 points, 114-71. Making matters worse, the game was once tied at 27, meaning the Hawks are coing into Thursday’s Game 2 hoping to stop a surge of 87-44. Still, oddmakers at Sportsbook.com have kept the line similar to Tuesday’s contest, Magic by 9.
After a one game reprieve against a Milwaukee club that in all fairness isn’t in Atlanta’s world talent-wise, the Hawks reverted back to being the Hawks on the playoff road. Now 2-11 ATS (aver. loss 19.9 PPG) on postseason excursions, Atlanta showed exactly why they don’t belong with NBA elite.
After passing the ball around for a few first quarter assists and buckets, Woodson proved he really has no control of this team as Joe “iso” Johnson and Jamal “shot craver” Crawford were a combined 5 for 22 from the field, which is truly “amazing”.
The Hawks are 4-18 ATS away from home versus good teams outscoring opponents by three or more points a game after the mid-point of the season the last three years and might have to use Dictionary.com to look up the word – team.
Josh Smith was the only player that had a descent stat sheet with 7-14 shooting and three steals, but he took silly fouls and continues to play “street ball” on the NBA court. In his defense, just think what Atlanta would have shot (they were 34.6 percent) for game if Smith had not made half his shots?
Dwight Howard only played just over 28 minutes, but this time it wasn’t because of foul trouble, it was because it was a total demolition by Orlando. Howard had 21 points, 12 boards and five blocks and the only word that came to mind watching Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia trying to stop “Superman” was “helpless”. In fact, the Atlanta big men really wanted so little to do with Howard he couldn’t find enough of their players to commit his usual three or four reckless fouls.
Oddsmakers like those at Sportsbook.com can’t overreact to 43-point cave-ins and the Hawks are nine-point underdogs, with total of 189.5. Atlanta hopes to bounce back and is 8-1 ATS after a game scoring 85 or fewer points.
Coach Stan Van Gundy probably wouldn’t mind a competitive contest, since it appears the next round could be coming soon and his team is 29-12 ATS after playing a home game this season. Orlando is 30-14 UNDER after scoring 110 points or more and the unimposing Hawks are 20-7 UNDER revenging a road loss of 10 points or more.
Stayed tuned to ESPN at 8:00 Eastern to witness the next massacre or if Atlanta can really play with heart, for a change. The StatFox Power Line suggests more of the former, showing Orlando by 15.
NBA: Scorching Phoenix small underdogs in Houston
2009-11-18
Behind their high-scoring, up-tempo offense, the Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a hot start. The Houston Rockets are showing they have no problem speeding up their offense as well. The Suns look to become the first NBA team to 10 wins Tuesday night when they visit the Rockets. Houston is a small favorite at Sportsbook.com, but over 80% of bettors are backing the underdogs at last check of the BETTING TRENDS page.
Phoenix (9-2, 6-5 ATS), which led the league in scoring last season, is off to another impressive start offensively. The Suns are the only team in the league to score 100 points in every game this season, and though they missed the playoffs last season, they enter Tuesday with the Western Conference’s best record.
Phoenix, which is averaging 110.4 points, is coming off a 101-100 win over Toronto as 7.5-point favorite on Sunday, bouncing back after suffering a 19-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Steve Nash was fouled while making a game-tying layup with 38.9 seconds remaining, then hit his free throw for the final score.
“We struggled a little bit offensively,” Nash, who finished with 23 points and nine assists, told the Suns’ official Web site. “There were a bunch of in-and-outs on shots I normally make. I can say the same for our team, in general. We weren’t flying offensively tonight, but luckily we found the strength to make the stops down the stretch.” Phoenix is 64-39 ATS off a home non-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite.
The Suns shot 50.8 percent in their first nine games but are shooting 40.1 percent in the last two. While Sunday wasn’t their best game offensively, Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He went 2 of 15 against the Lakers to finish with a season-low eight points.
While much of the attention has been on their offense, the Suns were also pleased with their defensive effort against the Raptors. Phoenix had given up 113.3 points in the previous three games and it allowed 33 points in the opening quarter before settling down over the next three periods.
“A good win for us against a quality team,” coach Alvin Gentry said. “They present so many problems for you. I thought after the first quarter we were going to have to score 120 points to win.” It is noteworthy the Suns are 4-13 ATS in road games after allowing 100 points or more four straight games.
Gentry will need another good effort from his team Tuesday as Houston (6-4, 7-3 ATS) has averaged 105.2 points since scoring 87 in a season-opening loss at Portland.
The Rockets haven’t won as consistently as the Suns, but they beat the defending champion Lakers 101-91 on the road Sunday. Houston handed the Lakers their third loss of the season, holding them to 38.1 percent shooting and outrebounding them 60-38.
Aaron Brooks led all scorers with 33 points while Trevor Ariza, a former Laker who received his NBA championship ring before the victory, was held to nine points on 2-of-12 shooting.
“I knew tonight was going to be a tough night for me,” Ariza said. “I didn’t play as well, but my teammates played great. Aaron played big for us, and I’m just happy we got a win.”
Ariza, who has spent most of his career coming off the bench, has embraced his starting role with the Rockets, whose top scorers from last season - Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming - are both injured. Ariza is averaging 18.4 points, more than double his previous career high. With Ariza’s help, Houston has scored 100 points or more in nine straight games, the club’s longest streak since a 12-game run during the 1995-96 season. The Rockets are 3-1 at home this season and 4-0 ATS. In fact, dating back to last season, they have covered six in a row.
Sportsbook.com has the Rockets as two-point favorites with total of 220.5.Houston is 8-2 ATS in last 10 contests as a home favorite and has covered four in a row against teams with winning road record. In the past, the Rockets were looked at as a strong Under play, but with new up-tempo style are 5-0 OVER off a SU win.
Phoenix is only 16-30 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record and is 13-4 OVER in road games off a home win over the last two seasons.
Despite being one of the lower-scoring teams in the NBA with 98.4 points per game last season, Houston averaged 106.3 while winning two of three against Phoenix. The Suns scored 102.7 points per game in the series, covering the spread twice.
This Western Conference matchup is available in local markets starting at 8:30 Eastern.
The StatFox Power Line shows Houston by 6, perhaps indicating that bettors at Sportsbook are falling into a NBA oddsmakers’ trap.
CBB: ESPN Big Name Doubleheader
As part of its 24-hour marathon of college basketball on Tuesday, ESPN offers a primetime doubleheader featuring four of the biggest names in college basketball. Gonzaga squares off with Michigan State in the opener, and Memphis travels to St. Louis to take on the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. It should be an exciting twin-bill to officially tip-off a season of big games. Sportsbook.com has both the Spartans and Jayhawks favored by 11-points in their respective contests.
8:00E Gonzaga vs Michigan State (-11)
For the first time in years, Gonzaga doesn’t look like a Top 15 team with its frontcourt wiped out. Versatile guard Matt Bouldin is the one remaining stud, with Steven Gray and Demetri Goodson solid backcourt companions. The Bulldogs are 4-12 ATS against teams with winning record, though seldom as an underdog. What does second-ranked Michigan State do for encore after being national runner-up last spring? How about find ways to improve with a deep and talent-laden roster under coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans are 11-3-1 ATS off a blowout win by 20 or more.
Michigan State brings three starters back for 2009-10, but G Raymar Morgan is listed as questionable for this contest due to an ankle injury. The StatFox Power Ratings show that Michigan State should be a 6-point favorite, and the 11-point spread may be a bit overinflated. Follow the BETTING TRENDS page throughout the day to see if your colleagues agree with that assessment.
10:00E Memphis vs Kansas (-11)
How quickly the mighty reload. Less than two years removed from national championship, Kansas is a nearly unanimous preseason No.1. The talent is deep and the addition of guard Xavier Henry gives coach Bill Self a wing player that can go inside or out, something missing a season ago. Kansas is on 27-9-1 ATS run overall. Senior G Doneal Mack is the only player back for Memphis with more than 10 starts, as they start a new era with Josh Pastner now as coach. A falloff is expected but how much is to be determined. The Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference clashes.
Memphis is big in name and has recruited very well in recent years, including this past spring, so don’t expect a major fall off. Most publications still expect the Tigers to compete for the Conference USA crown again. Kansas has played its best basketball of late against good teams, boasting a 19-6 ATS mark in its L25 versus teams with a winning record.
It should be a great night of college hoops on the tube. Sportsbook.com will of course house all the betting action for you, including lines and totals on both of these key clashes.
NBA: Top NBA Weekend Power Trends 2/6-2/8
2009-02-06
The continuing series of huge NBA games offers up another treat this Sunday, as Kobe & the Lakers, fresh off their win at Boston on Thursday, invade Cleveland to take on Lebron & the Cavaliers. Both MVP candidates put on one-man shows this past week at Madison Square Garden, helping to build the hype for Sunday’s showdown. That game is brought to you by ABC and is the highlight contest of another full weekend of NBA basketball. We’re back with our weekly look at the three days of action, plus the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering.
The Friday night ESPN doubleheader offers up contests between the Celtics and Knicks followed by the Warriors and Suns. Boston will look to rebound from its 1-point home loss to the Lakers on Thursday night. That setback broke a 12-game winning streak for the defending champs, and they’ll look to start anew against a New York team that may be in the midst of the toughest weekly schedule in the history of the NBA. Not only did the Knicks host the Lakers, Cleveland, and now Boston, but on Sunday they’ll turn around once again with a game against Portland at MSG. I guess the only saving grace is that the games are all at home where they’ve gone 14-11 SU & 15-10 ATS. The Celtics are just 5-4 SU & 4-5 ATS when coming off a loss this season. In the late ESPN game, the Warriors travel to Phoenix, site of next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game festivities. The Suns are floundering as the worst spread covering team in the league at 16-30 ATS, including 3-10-1 ATS in their L14. Elsewhere on Friday, there are seven other games, none involving both teams with winning records.
On Saturday night, there are seven games, highlighted by a matchup between Eastern Conference playoff-bound clubs Miami and Philadelphia. The Heat are 4-games over .500 heading into the weekend, but just 2-6 ATS vs. the Atlantic Division. The 76ers have fallen back to even at 24-24, and just found out the other day that they will be without the services of F Elton Brand for the rest of the season. Speaking of injuries, how about the situation that new head coach Scott Skiles has been left with in Milwaukee. Not only has Michael Redd been lost to injury for the season already, the Bucks learned this week that they will go it without C Andrew Bogut for the next eight weeks and PG Luke Ridnour for about four weeks. Their first game with the retooled lineup comes Saturday night at home vs. the struggling Pistons, 4-9 SU & 3-10 ATS in their L13 contests.
On Sunday, three nationally televised games highlight the schedule. In the first one, the Celtics welcome San Antonio to town. The Spurs have opened up a comfortable lead in the Southwest Division but will go into this contest with a record of just 5-11 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference. In the second of the two ABC broadcasts, Kobe & Lebron square off in Cleveland, with the Cavaliers putting their 23-0 home mark on the line. The Lakers have won five straight games and will have had three days off since beating the Celtics on Thursday. They are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS this season in spots with similar rest. The Cavs boast an 18-5 ATS mark at home to go along with the spotless won-lost record. They are also a healthy 13-5 ATS against the West in ’08-09. A bit later on ESPN, at 8:05 PM ET, the Pistons, on a back-to-back situation, host the Suns, who embark on a 3-game road trip.
That’s a whole lot of solid action to be had in the NBA. Be sure to follow the free GAME MATCHUP pages throughout the weekend to stay up with the latest key game info. For now, here’s a look at some of the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider as you build your betting card.
Friday, 2/6/2009
(853) ORLANDO vs. (854) INDIANA
ORLANDO is 12-0 ATS (+12 Units) vs. up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season. The average score was ORLANDO 110, OPPONENT 96.3 - (Rating = 5*)
(855) BOSTON vs. (856) NEW YORK
Mike D'Antoni is 21-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) vs. excellent 3PT shooting teams (>=39%) as a Head Coach. The average score was D'Antoni 103.6, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 3*)
(857) LA CLIPPERS vs. (858) MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS is 25-9 OVER (+15.1 Units) as a home favorite of 6 points or less over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 107.1, OPPONENT 107.8 - (Rating = 2*)
(857) LA CLIPPERS vs. (858) MEMPHIS
LA CLIPPERS are 6-23 ATS (-19.3 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons. The average score was LA CLIPPERS 89.5, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 3*)
(859) PORTLAND vs. (860) OKLAHOMA CITY
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) vs. teams who make 6 or more 3PT shots/game on the season in '08-09. The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 97.7, OPPONENT 103.5 - (Rating = 2*)
Saturday, 2/7/2009
(507) TORONTO vs. (508) MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) at home vs. good shooting teams (>=46% FG%) in 2nd half of last 2 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 94.5, OPPONENT 113.1 - (Rating = 4*)
(511) CHICAGO vs. (512) DALLAS
CHICAGO is 17-40 ATS (-27 Units) vs. teams who attempt 18 or more 3PT shots/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO 95.8, OPPONENT 103.2 - (Rating = 3*)
(511) CHICAGO vs. (512) DALLAS
DALLAS is 18-6 UNDER (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The average score was DALLAS 98.3, OPPONENT 94.3 - (Rating = 2*)
Sunday, 2/8/2009
(801) SAN ANTONIO vs. (802) BOSTON
BOSTON is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) vs. poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game this season. The average score was BOSTON 103.8, OPPONENT 88.9 - (Rating = 3*)
(803) LA LAKERS vs. (804) CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 40-17 ATS (+21.3 Units) at home vs. very good teams outscoring opponents by 6+ PPG since 1996. The average score was CLEVELAND 92.8, OPPONENT 91.9 - (Rating = 2*)
(807) NEW JERSEY vs. (808) ORLANDO
NEW JERSEY is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) in road games vs. good 3PT shooting teams (>=36%) in 2nd half of L2 seasons. The average score was NEW JERSEY 90.1, OPPONENT 105 - (Rating = 4*)
(813) MINNESOTA vs. (814) NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS is 39-16 UNDER (+21.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 96.1, OPPONENT 92.1 - (Rating = 3*)
NBA Top Weekend Power Trends
2008-11-14
About 2-1/2 weeks into the 2008-09 NBA season, things aren’t looking a whole lot different from where we left off in June. Once again it is the Celtics and Lakers stealing all the headlines, heading into this weekend’s action atop their respective conferences. That’s not to say there hasn’t been any other noteworthy stories to break thus far, but, at this point it seems we could be spending the next seven months simply preparing for a finals’ series rematch. As part of the action over the next three days, Boston will play twice and Los Angeles once. Here’s a closer look at those games as well as the rest of the key weekend action, plus the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering.
The Friday betting board in the NBA boasts 12 games, with the highlight games being Boston hosting Denver and Los Angeles welcoming Detroit to LA-LA land. Ironically, it was the Pistons and Nuggets who manufactured one of the league’s biggest stories this season, exchanging Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson. Both teams have struggled in getting acclimated to their new lineups and could be in for long nights on Friday. Elsewhere, the surprising Atlanta Hawks, off to a 6-1 start, head to New Jersey to take on the struggling Nets. Atlanta finds itself in a rare position as a 2-point road favorite. Besides the big trade and the fast start by the Hawks, the other story that has caught fans’ attention has been the slow start by the Spurs. Plagued by injuries to Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker, San Antonio has won just twice in seven games. On Friday, they’ll host Hosuton as a 5-1/2 point dog.
On Saturday, there will be eight games to choose from, including a matinee between the Clippers and Warriors. The best game on paper figures to be Utah visiting Cleveland. Both teams headed into the weekend with two losses, while leading their respective divisions. The Cavs beat Denver on Thursday night for their fifth straight season opening home victory. The Jazz play at Charlotte on Friday so will be going to Cleveland on a back-to-back situation.
On Sunday, six games grace the betting board, starting in conjunction with the early kickoffs in the NFL. At 1:05 PM ET, the Raptors tip-off the NBA festivities against Miami. A bit later on in the day, the Knicks will host Dallas and Detroit continues its west coast trip at Phoenix. Finally, the Spurs and Kings wrap up the day with a 9:05 PM ET start.
It should be another great weekend of NBA action, with plenty of money-making opportunities to choose from. Speaking of money making, take a look at some of these top profitable trends that are in play for the weekend games:
Friday, 11/14/2008
(703) UTAH at (704) CHARLOTTE, 7:05 PM
UTAH is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games vs. poor teams outscored by 3+ PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was UTAH 101.6, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 1*)
(705) ATLANTA at (706) NEW JERSEY, 7:35 PM
NEW JERSEY is 0-10 ATS (-11.0 Units) vs. good defensive teams - allowing <=91 PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was NEW JERSEY 82.1, OPPONENT 96.7 - (Rating = 2*)
(713) DENVER at (714) BOSTON, 8:05 PM
BOSTON is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) vs. poor 3 point shooting teams (<=33% of their attempts) over L2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 101.9, OPPONENT 86.1 - (Rating = 3*)
(719) ORLANDO at (720) DALLAS, 8:35 PM
Carlisle is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) at home vs. very good teams - outscoring foes by 6+ PPG as a Head Coach. The average score was Carlisle 95.9, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 1*)
Saturday, 11/15/2008
(505) OKLAHOMA CITY at (506) PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA is 37-63 ATS (-32.3 Units) at home vs. poor shooting teams making <=43% of their shots since '96. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 96.0, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 1*)
(507) UTAH at (508) CLEVELAND, 7:35 PM
CLEVELAND is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) vs. good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots over L2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 93.6, OPPONENT 92.3 - (Rating = 2*)
(509) PORTLAND at (510) MINNESOTA, 8:05 PM
McMillan is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games vs. poor defensive teams (FG%Def >=46%) as coach of PORTLAND. The average score was PORTLAND 95.1, OPPONENT 98.5 - (Rating = 1*)
Sunday, 11/16/2008
(701) MIAMI at (702) TORONTO, 1:05 PM
MIAMI is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games vs. excellent free throw shooting teams (>=80%) since 1996.
The average score was MIAMI 87.9, OPPONENT 93.8 - (Rating = 1*)
(705) DALLAS at (706) NEW YORK, 6:05 PM
DALLAS is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games vs. terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was DALLAS 98.4, OPPONENT 102.0 - (Rating = 1*)
(711) SAN ANTONIO at (712) SACRAMENTO, 9:05 PM
SAN ANTONIO is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games vs. good shooting teams (>=46%) over L3 seasons. The average score was SAN ANTONIO 91.3, OPPONENT 95.9 - (Rating = 1*)
2010-07-07
In the second round of this year’s NBA Playoffs, many teams suddenly became fans of the Boston Celtics. They realized that a Celtics victory over the Cavaliers would open the doors to the greatest prize in the history of NBA free agency: LeBron James. The understanding was that if a revamped Cleveland team couldn’t even advance to the Conference Finals, James might be more receptive to leaving his hometown team. Based on Boston’s victory and James’ apparent openness to these overtures, there is a chance James may give Cleveland sports fans their latest doomsday.
As of now, the current non-Cleveland leader of the pack in the James sweepstakes appears to be the Chicago Bulls. Out of all the teams with the cap space to add James, Chicago has the most championship-ready pieces. In contrast to Cleveland, their talent is young and primed to enter their most productive years. The Bulls’ best player is undoubtedly point guard Derrick Rose, who will be entering his third year and has quickly turned into one of the game’s greatest playmakers. They also have a do-it-all center in Joakim Noah, who adds pivotal components with his unselfishness and rebounding ability and is the perfect unassuming role player to complement James. The same is true for Taj Gibson, who made a big impact in his rookie season but doesn’t have the ego to demand shots in a James-led squad. Luol Deng is a very talented and versatile player as well but might be deemed expendable if James were to sign with the team.
In addition to their playing personnel, the Bulls have other assets. Their new coach, Tom Thibodeau, is a defensive mastermind who has a proven pedigree, helping to construct the elite Boston Celtics teams of the past three years. Also, the Bulls have enough cap space to add another maximum contract player in this free agent bonanza. James is not the only prized commodity out there and the further addition of a player like Chris Bosh would make Chicago even more enticing. All these factors make it clear that out of all James’ potential suitors, Chicago is the most ready to win a championship.
This is in contrast to the New Jersey Nets, who are trying to make a splash under their new multibillionaire Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The Nets are coming off the worst record in the NBA and although Prokhorov is trying to change the losing culture, their team is still very young. Devin Harris is a good player but not nearly of Rose’s caliber. Brook Lopez shows signs of great potential but is still developing at the NBA level. Fielding a title-contending team would take significantly longer in New Jersey and hurts their chances of getting James, who wants to win right away.
The New York Knicks are a wildcard of sorts in this sweepstakes. Up until this year, any talk about James leaving Cleveland seemed to be focused on the Knicks. Are you ready to get into the NBA betting action? Head over to www.sportsbook.com the home of NBA betting action.
NBA: Are Atlanta Hawks already a bad bet?
2010-05-06
If you missed Game 1 of the second round NBA Eastern Conference playoff series between Orlando and Atlanta, you need only look at final score to realize what a disparity the game was. Orlando won by 43 points, 114-71. Making matters worse, the game was once tied at 27, meaning the Hawks are coing into Thursday’s Game 2 hoping to stop a surge of 87-44. Still, oddmakers at Sportsbook.com have kept the line similar to Tuesday’s contest, Magic by 9.
After a one game reprieve against a Milwaukee club that in all fairness isn’t in Atlanta’s world talent-wise, the Hawks reverted back to being the Hawks on the playoff road. Now 2-11 ATS (aver. loss 19.9 PPG) on postseason excursions, Atlanta showed exactly why they don’t belong with NBA elite.
After passing the ball around for a few first quarter assists and buckets, Woodson proved he really has no control of this team as Joe “iso” Johnson and Jamal “shot craver” Crawford were a combined 5 for 22 from the field, which is truly “amazing”.
The Hawks are 4-18 ATS away from home versus good teams outscoring opponents by three or more points a game after the mid-point of the season the last three years and might have to use Dictionary.com to look up the word – team.
Josh Smith was the only player that had a descent stat sheet with 7-14 shooting and three steals, but he took silly fouls and continues to play “street ball” on the NBA court. In his defense, just think what Atlanta would have shot (they were 34.6 percent) for game if Smith had not made half his shots?
Dwight Howard only played just over 28 minutes, but this time it wasn’t because of foul trouble, it was because it was a total demolition by Orlando. Howard had 21 points, 12 boards and five blocks and the only word that came to mind watching Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia trying to stop “Superman” was “helpless”. In fact, the Atlanta big men really wanted so little to do with Howard he couldn’t find enough of their players to commit his usual three or four reckless fouls.
Oddsmakers like those at Sportsbook.com can’t overreact to 43-point cave-ins and the Hawks are nine-point underdogs, with total of 189.5. Atlanta hopes to bounce back and is 8-1 ATS after a game scoring 85 or fewer points.
Coach Stan Van Gundy probably wouldn’t mind a competitive contest, since it appears the next round could be coming soon and his team is 29-12 ATS after playing a home game this season. Orlando is 30-14 UNDER after scoring 110 points or more and the unimposing Hawks are 20-7 UNDER revenging a road loss of 10 points or more.
Stayed tuned to ESPN at 8:00 Eastern to witness the next massacre or if Atlanta can really play with heart, for a change. The StatFox Power Line suggests more of the former, showing Orlando by 15.
NBA: Scorching Phoenix small underdogs in Houston
2009-11-18
Behind their high-scoring, up-tempo offense, the Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a hot start. The Houston Rockets are showing they have no problem speeding up their offense as well. The Suns look to become the first NBA team to 10 wins Tuesday night when they visit the Rockets. Houston is a small favorite at Sportsbook.com, but over 80% of bettors are backing the underdogs at last check of the BETTING TRENDS page.
Phoenix (9-2, 6-5 ATS), which led the league in scoring last season, is off to another impressive start offensively. The Suns are the only team in the league to score 100 points in every game this season, and though they missed the playoffs last season, they enter Tuesday with the Western Conference’s best record.
Phoenix, which is averaging 110.4 points, is coming off a 101-100 win over Toronto as 7.5-point favorite on Sunday, bouncing back after suffering a 19-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Steve Nash was fouled while making a game-tying layup with 38.9 seconds remaining, then hit his free throw for the final score.
“We struggled a little bit offensively,” Nash, who finished with 23 points and nine assists, told the Suns’ official Web site. “There were a bunch of in-and-outs on shots I normally make. I can say the same for our team, in general. We weren’t flying offensively tonight, but luckily we found the strength to make the stops down the stretch.” Phoenix is 64-39 ATS off a home non-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite.
The Suns shot 50.8 percent in their first nine games but are shooting 40.1 percent in the last two. While Sunday wasn’t their best game offensively, Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He went 2 of 15 against the Lakers to finish with a season-low eight points.
While much of the attention has been on their offense, the Suns were also pleased with their defensive effort against the Raptors. Phoenix had given up 113.3 points in the previous three games and it allowed 33 points in the opening quarter before settling down over the next three periods.
“A good win for us against a quality team,” coach Alvin Gentry said. “They present so many problems for you. I thought after the first quarter we were going to have to score 120 points to win.” It is noteworthy the Suns are 4-13 ATS in road games after allowing 100 points or more four straight games.
Gentry will need another good effort from his team Tuesday as Houston (6-4, 7-3 ATS) has averaged 105.2 points since scoring 87 in a season-opening loss at Portland.
The Rockets haven’t won as consistently as the Suns, but they beat the defending champion Lakers 101-91 on the road Sunday. Houston handed the Lakers their third loss of the season, holding them to 38.1 percent shooting and outrebounding them 60-38.
Aaron Brooks led all scorers with 33 points while Trevor Ariza, a former Laker who received his NBA championship ring before the victory, was held to nine points on 2-of-12 shooting.
“I knew tonight was going to be a tough night for me,” Ariza said. “I didn’t play as well, but my teammates played great. Aaron played big for us, and I’m just happy we got a win.”
Ariza, who has spent most of his career coming off the bench, has embraced his starting role with the Rockets, whose top scorers from last season - Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming - are both injured. Ariza is averaging 18.4 points, more than double his previous career high. With Ariza’s help, Houston has scored 100 points or more in nine straight games, the club’s longest streak since a 12-game run during the 1995-96 season. The Rockets are 3-1 at home this season and 4-0 ATS. In fact, dating back to last season, they have covered six in a row.
Sportsbook.com has the Rockets as two-point favorites with total of 220.5.Houston is 8-2 ATS in last 10 contests as a home favorite and has covered four in a row against teams with winning road record. In the past, the Rockets were looked at as a strong Under play, but with new up-tempo style are 5-0 OVER off a SU win.
Phoenix is only 16-30 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record and is 13-4 OVER in road games off a home win over the last two seasons.
Despite being one of the lower-scoring teams in the NBA with 98.4 points per game last season, Houston averaged 106.3 while winning two of three against Phoenix. The Suns scored 102.7 points per game in the series, covering the spread twice.
This Western Conference matchup is available in local markets starting at 8:30 Eastern.
The StatFox Power Line shows Houston by 6, perhaps indicating that bettors at Sportsbook are falling into a NBA oddsmakers’ trap.
CBB: ESPN Big Name Doubleheader
As part of its 24-hour marathon of college basketball on Tuesday, ESPN offers a primetime doubleheader featuring four of the biggest names in college basketball. Gonzaga squares off with Michigan State in the opener, and Memphis travels to St. Louis to take on the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. It should be an exciting twin-bill to officially tip-off a season of big games. Sportsbook.com has both the Spartans and Jayhawks favored by 11-points in their respective contests.
8:00E Gonzaga vs Michigan State (-11)
For the first time in years, Gonzaga doesn’t look like a Top 15 team with its frontcourt wiped out. Versatile guard Matt Bouldin is the one remaining stud, with Steven Gray and Demetri Goodson solid backcourt companions. The Bulldogs are 4-12 ATS against teams with winning record, though seldom as an underdog. What does second-ranked Michigan State do for encore after being national runner-up last spring? How about find ways to improve with a deep and talent-laden roster under coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans are 11-3-1 ATS off a blowout win by 20 or more.
Michigan State brings three starters back for 2009-10, but G Raymar Morgan is listed as questionable for this contest due to an ankle injury. The StatFox Power Ratings show that Michigan State should be a 6-point favorite, and the 11-point spread may be a bit overinflated. Follow the BETTING TRENDS page throughout the day to see if your colleagues agree with that assessment.
10:00E Memphis vs Kansas (-11)
How quickly the mighty reload. Less than two years removed from national championship, Kansas is a nearly unanimous preseason No.1. The talent is deep and the addition of guard Xavier Henry gives coach Bill Self a wing player that can go inside or out, something missing a season ago. Kansas is on 27-9-1 ATS run overall. Senior G Doneal Mack is the only player back for Memphis with more than 10 starts, as they start a new era with Josh Pastner now as coach. A falloff is expected but how much is to be determined. The Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference clashes.
Memphis is big in name and has recruited very well in recent years, including this past spring, so don’t expect a major fall off. Most publications still expect the Tigers to compete for the Conference USA crown again. Kansas has played its best basketball of late against good teams, boasting a 19-6 ATS mark in its L25 versus teams with a winning record.
It should be a great night of college hoops on the tube. Sportsbook.com will of course house all the betting action for you, including lines and totals on both of these key clashes.
NBA: Top NBA Weekend Power Trends 2/6-2/8
2009-02-06
The continuing series of huge NBA games offers up another treat this Sunday, as Kobe & the Lakers, fresh off their win at Boston on Thursday, invade Cleveland to take on Lebron & the Cavaliers. Both MVP candidates put on one-man shows this past week at Madison Square Garden, helping to build the hype for Sunday’s showdown. That game is brought to you by ABC and is the highlight contest of another full weekend of NBA basketball. We’re back with our weekly look at the three days of action, plus the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering.
The Friday night ESPN doubleheader offers up contests between the Celtics and Knicks followed by the Warriors and Suns. Boston will look to rebound from its 1-point home loss to the Lakers on Thursday night. That setback broke a 12-game winning streak for the defending champs, and they’ll look to start anew against a New York team that may be in the midst of the toughest weekly schedule in the history of the NBA. Not only did the Knicks host the Lakers, Cleveland, and now Boston, but on Sunday they’ll turn around once again with a game against Portland at MSG. I guess the only saving grace is that the games are all at home where they’ve gone 14-11 SU & 15-10 ATS. The Celtics are just 5-4 SU & 4-5 ATS when coming off a loss this season. In the late ESPN game, the Warriors travel to Phoenix, site of next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game festivities. The Suns are floundering as the worst spread covering team in the league at 16-30 ATS, including 3-10-1 ATS in their L14. Elsewhere on Friday, there are seven other games, none involving both teams with winning records.
On Saturday night, there are seven games, highlighted by a matchup between Eastern Conference playoff-bound clubs Miami and Philadelphia. The Heat are 4-games over .500 heading into the weekend, but just 2-6 ATS vs. the Atlantic Division. The 76ers have fallen back to even at 24-24, and just found out the other day that they will be without the services of F Elton Brand for the rest of the season. Speaking of injuries, how about the situation that new head coach Scott Skiles has been left with in Milwaukee. Not only has Michael Redd been lost to injury for the season already, the Bucks learned this week that they will go it without C Andrew Bogut for the next eight weeks and PG Luke Ridnour for about four weeks. Their first game with the retooled lineup comes Saturday night at home vs. the struggling Pistons, 4-9 SU & 3-10 ATS in their L13 contests.
On Sunday, three nationally televised games highlight the schedule. In the first one, the Celtics welcome San Antonio to town. The Spurs have opened up a comfortable lead in the Southwest Division but will go into this contest with a record of just 5-11 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference. In the second of the two ABC broadcasts, Kobe & Lebron square off in Cleveland, with the Cavaliers putting their 23-0 home mark on the line. The Lakers have won five straight games and will have had three days off since beating the Celtics on Thursday. They are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS this season in spots with similar rest. The Cavs boast an 18-5 ATS mark at home to go along with the spotless won-lost record. They are also a healthy 13-5 ATS against the West in ’08-09. A bit later on ESPN, at 8:05 PM ET, the Pistons, on a back-to-back situation, host the Suns, who embark on a 3-game road trip.
That’s a whole lot of solid action to be had in the NBA. Be sure to follow the free GAME MATCHUP pages throughout the weekend to stay up with the latest key game info. For now, here’s a look at some of the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider as you build your betting card.
Friday, 2/6/2009
(853) ORLANDO vs. (854) INDIANA
ORLANDO is 12-0 ATS (+12 Units) vs. up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season. The average score was ORLANDO 110, OPPONENT 96.3 - (Rating = 5*)
(855) BOSTON vs. (856) NEW YORK
Mike D'Antoni is 21-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) vs. excellent 3PT shooting teams (>=39%) as a Head Coach. The average score was D'Antoni 103.6, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 3*)
(857) LA CLIPPERS vs. (858) MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS is 25-9 OVER (+15.1 Units) as a home favorite of 6 points or less over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 107.1, OPPONENT 107.8 - (Rating = 2*)
(857) LA CLIPPERS vs. (858) MEMPHIS
LA CLIPPERS are 6-23 ATS (-19.3 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons. The average score was LA CLIPPERS 89.5, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 3*)
(859) PORTLAND vs. (860) OKLAHOMA CITY
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) vs. teams who make 6 or more 3PT shots/game on the season in '08-09. The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 97.7, OPPONENT 103.5 - (Rating = 2*)
Saturday, 2/7/2009
(507) TORONTO vs. (508) MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) at home vs. good shooting teams (>=46% FG%) in 2nd half of last 2 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 94.5, OPPONENT 113.1 - (Rating = 4*)
(511) CHICAGO vs. (512) DALLAS
CHICAGO is 17-40 ATS (-27 Units) vs. teams who attempt 18 or more 3PT shots/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO 95.8, OPPONENT 103.2 - (Rating = 3*)
(511) CHICAGO vs. (512) DALLAS
DALLAS is 18-6 UNDER (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The average score was DALLAS 98.3, OPPONENT 94.3 - (Rating = 2*)
Sunday, 2/8/2009
(801) SAN ANTONIO vs. (802) BOSTON
BOSTON is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) vs. poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game this season. The average score was BOSTON 103.8, OPPONENT 88.9 - (Rating = 3*)
(803) LA LAKERS vs. (804) CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 40-17 ATS (+21.3 Units) at home vs. very good teams outscoring opponents by 6+ PPG since 1996. The average score was CLEVELAND 92.8, OPPONENT 91.9 - (Rating = 2*)
(807) NEW JERSEY vs. (808) ORLANDO
NEW JERSEY is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) in road games vs. good 3PT shooting teams (>=36%) in 2nd half of L2 seasons. The average score was NEW JERSEY 90.1, OPPONENT 105 - (Rating = 4*)
(813) MINNESOTA vs. (814) NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS is 39-16 UNDER (+21.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 96.1, OPPONENT 92.1 - (Rating = 3*)
NBA Top Weekend Power Trends
2008-11-14
About 2-1/2 weeks into the 2008-09 NBA season, things aren’t looking a whole lot different from where we left off in June. Once again it is the Celtics and Lakers stealing all the headlines, heading into this weekend’s action atop their respective conferences. That’s not to say there hasn’t been any other noteworthy stories to break thus far, but, at this point it seems we could be spending the next seven months simply preparing for a finals’ series rematch. As part of the action over the next three days, Boston will play twice and Los Angeles once. Here’s a closer look at those games as well as the rest of the key weekend action, plus the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering.
The Friday betting board in the NBA boasts 12 games, with the highlight games being Boston hosting Denver and Los Angeles welcoming Detroit to LA-LA land. Ironically, it was the Pistons and Nuggets who manufactured one of the league’s biggest stories this season, exchanging Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson. Both teams have struggled in getting acclimated to their new lineups and could be in for long nights on Friday. Elsewhere, the surprising Atlanta Hawks, off to a 6-1 start, head to New Jersey to take on the struggling Nets. Atlanta finds itself in a rare position as a 2-point road favorite. Besides the big trade and the fast start by the Hawks, the other story that has caught fans’ attention has been the slow start by the Spurs. Plagued by injuries to Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker, San Antonio has won just twice in seven games. On Friday, they’ll host Hosuton as a 5-1/2 point dog.
On Saturday, there will be eight games to choose from, including a matinee between the Clippers and Warriors. The best game on paper figures to be Utah visiting Cleveland. Both teams headed into the weekend with two losses, while leading their respective divisions. The Cavs beat Denver on Thursday night for their fifth straight season opening home victory. The Jazz play at Charlotte on Friday so will be going to Cleveland on a back-to-back situation.
On Sunday, six games grace the betting board, starting in conjunction with the early kickoffs in the NFL. At 1:05 PM ET, the Raptors tip-off the NBA festivities against Miami. A bit later on in the day, the Knicks will host Dallas and Detroit continues its west coast trip at Phoenix. Finally, the Spurs and Kings wrap up the day with a 9:05 PM ET start.
It should be another great weekend of NBA action, with plenty of money-making opportunities to choose from. Speaking of money making, take a look at some of these top profitable trends that are in play for the weekend games:
Friday, 11/14/2008
(703) UTAH at (704) CHARLOTTE, 7:05 PM
UTAH is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games vs. poor teams outscored by 3+ PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was UTAH 101.6, OPPONENT 101.7 - (Rating = 1*)
(705) ATLANTA at (706) NEW JERSEY, 7:35 PM
NEW JERSEY is 0-10 ATS (-11.0 Units) vs. good defensive teams - allowing <=91 PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was NEW JERSEY 82.1, OPPONENT 96.7 - (Rating = 2*)
(713) DENVER at (714) BOSTON, 8:05 PM
BOSTON is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) vs. poor 3 point shooting teams (<=33% of their attempts) over L2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 101.9, OPPONENT 86.1 - (Rating = 3*)
(719) ORLANDO at (720) DALLAS, 8:35 PM
Carlisle is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) at home vs. very good teams - outscoring foes by 6+ PPG as a Head Coach. The average score was Carlisle 95.9, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 1*)
Saturday, 11/15/2008
(505) OKLAHOMA CITY at (506) PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA is 37-63 ATS (-32.3 Units) at home vs. poor shooting teams making <=43% of their shots since '96. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 96.0, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 1*)
(507) UTAH at (508) CLEVELAND, 7:35 PM
CLEVELAND is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) vs. good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots over L2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 93.6, OPPONENT 92.3 - (Rating = 2*)
(509) PORTLAND at (510) MINNESOTA, 8:05 PM
McMillan is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games vs. poor defensive teams (FG%Def >=46%) as coach of PORTLAND. The average score was PORTLAND 95.1, OPPONENT 98.5 - (Rating = 1*)
Sunday, 11/16/2008
(701) MIAMI at (702) TORONTO, 1:05 PM
MIAMI is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games vs. excellent free throw shooting teams (>=80%) since 1996.
The average score was MIAMI 87.9, OPPONENT 93.8 - (Rating = 1*)
(705) DALLAS at (706) NEW YORK, 6:05 PM
DALLAS is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games vs. terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ PPG over L3 seasons. The average score was DALLAS 98.4, OPPONENT 102.0 - (Rating = 1*)
(711) SAN ANTONIO at (712) SACRAMENTO, 9:05 PM
SAN ANTONIO is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games vs. good shooting teams (>=46%) over L3 seasons. The average score was SAN ANTONIO 91.3, OPPONENT 95.9 - (Rating = 1*)