February 2012 NBA Events
Calendar of NBA Events for February 2012 brought to you by linesonnba.com
February 2012 NBA Events 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: Florida NBA Teams in Trouble
2009-04-22
We’re just four days into the 2009 NBA postseason and already some significant stories have developed. One of them is focused right on the state of Florida, where the Magic and Heat find themselves looking for answers after puzzling Game One performances. Both teams look to rebound tonight in Game Two of their respective series’. Get the latest key betting information for these games on the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.
The Orlando Magic had built an 18-point lead on Philadelphia in the series opener and looked as relaxed and comfortable as riding “It’s a Small World” at nearby Disney World. Evidently, Orlando must have visions of Tomorrowland and started thinking about Game Two instead of finishing off the first four quarters. Well, quicker then the 13-story fall from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Orlando was completely discombobulated and were upset by the 76ers 100-98 as 10-point home favorites.
Coming into the playoffs, whispers were being passed around like candy that the Magic had gone soft when they had a chance to take second seed in the East and lost four of last six games. Orlando’s collapse was virtually unforeseen since they were 48-4 this season when leading after three quarters. They also were 52-1 this season when leading with five minutes remaining and held a four point lead Sunday with that much time on the clock.
The Magic will have every reason to believe they should rebound and win next contest, since they are 13-2 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points and 18-6 against the spread if the defeat was six or less points. However, history and numbers crunching are cause from concern.
Start with Orlando might win this conflict, but it is bad omen to lose opening game, as they are 0-9 in series after falling in first contest. The Sixers were able to comeback because of a combination of getting hot from long range and hapless perimeter defense by Magic players.
Philly was the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA at 31.8 percent, however, faulty coverage late in the game saw the Sixers end up draining seven of 12 for the game. As poise-less coach Stan Van Gundy was pleading with his team to cover up in transition in the fourth quarter, it was too late and the black-clad 76er’s were brimming with confidence.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com are not buying what Philly did and made them 10-point underdogs again with total of 193.5. You can’t argue, the Sixers are 4-12 ATS when playing against club with 70 percent or higher win percentage this season and the likelihood of Andre Iguodala and his teammates making that many three’s again and holding the Magic to 5-18 beyond the arc is foolish, right?
Further north in Georgia, Miami thought they were primed for big effort against division rival Atlanta. If South Beach is the haven for beautiful people to stroll along the beach, than the Heat looked like a couple of 300-pounders in thongs the way they played.
A friend of yours truly said Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson shouldn’t be in the same conversation talking about elite guards in the NBA, and while this may be true over the long term, it wasn’t Sunday. Atlanta showed a complete disregard for the other Heat players and attacked Wade from every angle and he turned the ball over eight times, while making just over a third (8-21) of his attempts. Johnson looked much more comfortable in converting seven of 16 shots.
Miami scored 43 points the last three quarters on the way to 64 total and looked every bit as young a team as they are. “There is an element of unknown with this group," coach Erik Spoelstra said before the game. "None of us knows what to expect."
Basketball is a team game and most post-game comments by Miami players centered on “we didn’t do this” or “we didn’t do that”, yet the fact is each player has to accept accountability for dreadful individual performances. The Pendulum Theory is custom-made for Game Two; nonetheless, the Heat is 4-13 ATS revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more.
It’s not wise to presume Atlanta will letdown either. The Hawks were well-schooled to switch under on screens, leaving Wade few opportunities to burst to the rim. This was followed up by boxing D-Wade into areas, leaving few passing lanes open for him to find open teammates.
"I just thought tonight our focus was there from beginning all the way to the end. The defensive schemes were right on the money," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. "I said from day one in training camp, the Boston Celtics taught us how to play Playoff basketball last year."
Atlanta raised their record at Phillips Arena to 32-10 (24-18 ATS) and they are 8-1 ATS in home games after allowing 85 points or less this season. The Hawks are five point favorites to extend series lead to 2-0 and have won five in a row at home against Miami (3-2 ATS).
The teams from the Sunshine State better shine or vacation will start early for these two NBA squads.
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*)
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: Florida NBA Teams in Trouble
2009-04-22
We’re just four days into the 2009 NBA postseason and already some significant stories have developed. One of them is focused right on the state of Florida, where the Magic and Heat find themselves looking for answers after puzzling Game One performances. Both teams look to rebound tonight in Game Two of their respective series’. Get the latest key betting information for these games on the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.
The Orlando Magic had built an 18-point lead on Philadelphia in the series opener and looked as relaxed and comfortable as riding “It’s a Small World” at nearby Disney World. Evidently, Orlando must have visions of Tomorrowland and started thinking about Game Two instead of finishing off the first four quarters. Well, quicker then the 13-story fall from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Orlando was completely discombobulated and were upset by the 76ers 100-98 as 10-point home favorites.
Coming into the playoffs, whispers were being passed around like candy that the Magic had gone soft when they had a chance to take second seed in the East and lost four of last six games. Orlando’s collapse was virtually unforeseen since they were 48-4 this season when leading after three quarters. They also were 52-1 this season when leading with five minutes remaining and held a four point lead Sunday with that much time on the clock.
The Magic will have every reason to believe they should rebound and win next contest, since they are 13-2 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points and 18-6 against the spread if the defeat was six or less points. However, history and numbers crunching are cause from concern.
Start with Orlando might win this conflict, but it is bad omen to lose opening game, as they are 0-9 in series after falling in first contest. The Sixers were able to comeback because of a combination of getting hot from long range and hapless perimeter defense by Magic players.
Philly was the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA at 31.8 percent, however, faulty coverage late in the game saw the Sixers end up draining seven of 12 for the game. As poise-less coach Stan Van Gundy was pleading with his team to cover up in transition in the fourth quarter, it was too late and the black-clad 76er’s were brimming with confidence.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com are not buying what Philly did and made them 10-point underdogs again with total of 193.5. You can’t argue, the Sixers are 4-12 ATS when playing against club with 70 percent or higher win percentage this season and the likelihood of Andre Iguodala and his teammates making that many three’s again and holding the Magic to 5-18 beyond the arc is foolish, right?
Further north in Georgia, Miami thought they were primed for big effort against division rival Atlanta. If South Beach is the haven for beautiful people to stroll along the beach, than the Heat looked like a couple of 300-pounders in thongs the way they played.
A friend of yours truly said Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson shouldn’t be in the same conversation talking about elite guards in the NBA, and while this may be true over the long term, it wasn’t Sunday. Atlanta showed a complete disregard for the other Heat players and attacked Wade from every angle and he turned the ball over eight times, while making just over a third (8-21) of his attempts. Johnson looked much more comfortable in converting seven of 16 shots.
Miami scored 43 points the last three quarters on the way to 64 total and looked every bit as young a team as they are. “There is an element of unknown with this group," coach Erik Spoelstra said before the game. "None of us knows what to expect."
Basketball is a team game and most post-game comments by Miami players centered on “we didn’t do this” or “we didn’t do that”, yet the fact is each player has to accept accountability for dreadful individual performances. The Pendulum Theory is custom-made for Game Two; nonetheless, the Heat is 4-13 ATS revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more.
It’s not wise to presume Atlanta will letdown either. The Hawks were well-schooled to switch under on screens, leaving Wade few opportunities to burst to the rim. This was followed up by boxing D-Wade into areas, leaving few passing lanes open for him to find open teammates.
"I just thought tonight our focus was there from beginning all the way to the end. The defensive schemes were right on the money," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. "I said from day one in training camp, the Boston Celtics taught us how to play Playoff basketball last year."
Atlanta raised their record at Phillips Arena to 32-10 (24-18 ATS) and they are 8-1 ATS in home games after allowing 85 points or less this season. The Hawks are five point favorites to extend series lead to 2-0 and have won five in a row at home against Miami (3-2 ATS).
The teams from the Sunshine State better shine or vacation will start early for these two NBA squads.
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*)