NBA Betting Info. 3/22

[TheGame]

StatFox Super Situations


NBA | HOUSTON at OKLAHOMA CITY
Play On - Underdogs (HOUSTON) after allowing 105 points or more 3 straight games against opponent after a win by 6 points or less
44-17 over the last 5 seasons. ( 72.1% | 25.3 units )
9-7 this year. ( 56.3% | 1.3 units )


NBA | MEMPHIS at LA LAKERS
Play Against - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (LA LAKERS) cold team - having lost 20 or more of their last 25 games, well rested team - playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
49-20 since 1997. ( 71.0% | 27.0 units )
3-3 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.3 units )

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Inconsistent Cavs could turn things around for NBA bettors this week
By BIG AL MCMORDIE


The Game of the Century Part II lived up to expectations (unlike the first meeting), as San Antonio won a thriller, 87-79, against Golden State. The Spurs hounded Stephen Curry by switching on defense, and effectively took away his biggest weapon - the 3-point shot. San Antonio also controlled the pace. The game had just 90 possessions, 12 less than the Warriors' season average.


The result was that the Warriors scored just 79 points, their lowest output in 212 games. More importantly, it moved the Spurs to within three games of the Warriors, with two more meetings to go, so the no. 1 seed is still up for grabs. The games this week won't have the stature of Spurs vs. Warriors, but there's still money to be made. Let's take a look.


Spread Watch


The maddeningly inconsistent (or consistently maddening) Cavaliers failed to cover the spread in each of their four games last week, and it was capped off by a 122-101 blowout loss in Miami as a 4-point favorite. For all of Tyronn Lue's bluster, in his first press conference as coach, about doing things "better" than David Blatt, he hasn't.


Cleveland was 30-11 SU and 19-21-1 ATS under Blatt this season. They gave up just 95.7 ppg and outscored their foes by 5.65 ppg. With Lue at the helm, the Cavs are 19-9 SU and 12-15-1 ATS. One of Lue's goals was to increase his team's pace of play. Understandably, the Cavs are now giving up more points per game (101.0). But, importantly, their defensive field-goal percentage has significantly declined. Under Blatt, the Cavs ranked in the Top 10 (44 percent), but they rank in the bottom half (46 percent) since the coaching change.


This week, Cleveland has games against four really bad teams (Denver, Milwaukee, Brooklyn and New York), each at least 10 games below .500. I like Cleveland to find success this week, as it has won nine straight games versus foes that were at least 10 games under .500 (6-3 ATS), and is 27-6 SU and 20-13 ATS the past two seasons against such cupcakes (including 11-5 ATS if the Cavs were off an ATS loss).


Total watch


When the Miami Heat signed Joe Johnson, they were 29th in points per game (96.9), ahead of just the Philadelphia 76ers (95.8 ppg), and they were 36-21-1 Under the total. Since picking up the veteran sharp shooter, the Heat's offense has taken off.


It's averaged 112.0 ppg, better than any team in the league except for Golden State (115.0). Not surprisingly, the Heat have gone Over the total in eight of 11, including each of their last six games. Can their high-scoring games continue?


Miami's first game this week will be at New Orleans Tuesday. New Orleans just decided to shut down its best defensive player, Anthony Davis, for the season and the Pelicans have also been giving up a ridiculous amount of points. Since March 5, the Pelicans have surrendered 113.2 ppg, and have gone Over the total in eight of nine games. Moreover, six of the last nine meetings between Miami and New Orleans have sailed Over the total. Tuesday's game seems to be a great candidate for a high-scoring contest.


Injury watch


Houston lost its third straight game against the spread when it fell, 109-97, to the Hawks Saturday. But more worrisome is that James Harden (28.6 ppg; 7.2 apg) injured his foot when he landed on Thabo Sefolosha in the third quarter. Harden continued to play but failed to register a point or assist the remainder of the game.


Harden is questionable to play at Oklahoma City Tuesday. Wednesday looms a huge game versus Utah which sits just one game behind Houston in the battle for the playoffs, but if there is a silver lining it's that Houston has gone 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS since November 23, 2013 without Harden in the lineup. So, even if Harden doesn't play against OKC, bettors might want to take a shot with the Rockets. More ammunition for Houston Tuesday: the Rockets are 64-36-3 ATS on the road off three pointspread losses.


Schedule watch


The Spurs and Warriors are a combined 67-0 SU at home this season (39-27-1 ATS). This week, the Spurs will try to stretch their season record to 37-0 with home games versus Miami and Memphis. Meanwhile, the Warriors can move to 35-0 at home by besting the Clippers, Mavericks and Sixers.


The oddsmakers have certainly made adjustments so it hasn't been profitable to play on these two juggernauts at home since February 1 (combined 10-10 ATS), but the one spot which has been lining bettors' pockets all season has been to play on these two teams at home off an ATS defeat. They're 22-7 ATS in this situation.


Of the five Spurs or Warriors home games this week, the one which stands out is Golden State's game versus the Clippers Wednesday. If the Warriors happen to lose ATS at Minnesota Monday then they would be a solid play against the Clippers, especially since L.A. is an awful 12-33-1 ATS since December 13, 2005 versus foes with an .857 (or better) home win percentage.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Hornets (40-30) at Nets (19-50)


Date: March 22, 2016 7:30 PM EDT


The Charlotte Hornets pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season despite Kemba Walker being mostly off target.


The Bronx native had his shares of struggles in Brooklyn until he finally broke out the last time he visited the borough.


Walker and the Hornets begin a four-game trip Tuesday night against a Nets team expected to have leading scorer Brook Lopez back in the lineup.


Charlotte (40-30) trailed 30-7 early in the second quarter Monday before rallying for a stunning 91-88 victory over a powerhouse San Antonio team seeking its 60th win. It came even though Walker made 2 of 11 shots for six points for his second-lowest output.


The Hornets overcame his woes because Jeremy Lin was spectacular with 15 of his 29 points in a fourth quarter in which Charlotte outscored San Antonio 24-16.


'We just turned it up,' Lin said. 'We just played hard. I'm so thankful to God because I've been struggling so much. We lost one the other night we felt like we shouldn't have lost. So to come out here and get this win is a huge boost for us.'


Lin was referring to Saturday's 101-93 home defeat to Denver that came two days after a huge 109-106 win in Miami. The Hornets are trying to avoid a similar outcome versus the lowly Nets.


"Last time we beat Miami, we had a great game against Miami, we had a letdown against Denver so gotta learn from it," guard Nicolas Batum said. "So tomorrow we've gotta be ready right from the start and beat this team."


Charlotte, which trails the Heat and Atlanta by one-half game in the Southeast Division, has won seven of nine on the road. Its 10-2 record this month matches Golden State for the NBA's best.


The Hornets, who play nine of their final 12 away from Charlotte, had been 0-6 in road games against the Nets (19-50) that Walker played in, including a 0-4 mark in Brooklyn before he scored 28 on 11-of-18 shooting in a 104-96 victory Feb. 21. Walker averaged 8.8 points on 29.5 percent shooting in his first four games at Barclays Center.


Brooklyn has dropped six of seven, but should receive a boost since Lopez is expected back after he sat out Saturday's 115-103 loss at Detroit with a virus.


The Nets have received some solid recent performances from unheralded guards Bojan Bogdanovic and Sean Kilpatrick. Bogdanovic is averaging 29.7 points on 56.7 percent shooting in his last three games and Kilpatrick is averaging 16.3 and shooting 59.5 in his last four.


"They're both in a great place as far as reading things, when to shoot, when not to and moving the basketball and being able to drive it when that presents itself," interim coach Tony Brown said. "Both guys are in a great comfort zone right now and that's why you see the production that they're giving."


Charlotte has drilled 21 3-pointers in two wins over Brooklyn this season. The Hornets average 29.3 attempts to top the Eastern Conference while the Nets have the league's third-lowest mark at 17.8.


The Hornets' 8-4 record in the second half of back-to-backs is the East's best winning percentage.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Rockets (35-35) at Thunder (48-22)


Date: March 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


With a chance to move up in the playoff race, the Houston Rockets face a steep climb on the road with their star's status uncertain against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder.


Things could get worse depending how a sticky situation plays out involving Dwight Howard.


James Harden will likely do all he can to avoid missing his first game due to injury in two seasons Tuesday night when Houston tries to snap Oklahoma City's four-game winning streak.


Harden, second in the NBA with 28.6 points per game, twisted his ankle Saturday when he stepped on a teammate's foot in the third quarter of a 109-97 loss at Atlanta. He struggled through only about seven minutes of playing time in the fourth and wasn't able to practice Monday.


While the All-Star guard is questionable to face his former team, he hasn't been one to sit often. The only game he's missed over the past two seasons was because of a suspension last March.


Harden has averaged 35.5 points over his last four meetings with Oklahoma City, and the Rockets (35-35) don't have much room for error with 12 games remaining. They have an opportunity to move into a tie for sixth in the Western Conference with a win or fall to eighth with a loss.


"We've got to win some games - it's that simple," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Obviously, winning them all is the objective and is the goal. (This) will be a big game."


Bickerstaff said he hasn't been notified of any disciplinary action after Howard was caught using a sticky substance on his hands Saturday. The NBA is reviewing the matter after Atlanta's Paul Millsap complained about the ball while shooting free throws in the first quarter.


'I just think that it's getting overblown, like I'm doing something crazy,' said Howard, who admits he's used a sticky spray the past five years. 'I've never been a cheater, never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It's upsetting, but I can't control it now.'


The Thunder (48-22) had their own problems during a recent 4-8 stretch, but they've come together to win their last four to solidify their hold on the West's third seed. Kevin Durant led the way with 33 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Saturday's 115-111 win at Indiana.


'It feels like we're getting into a good groove,' the All-Star forward said.


Durant, third in the league with 28.0 points per game, has been doing it all by averaging 29.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists over his past 13. He's certainly played well against Houston, averaging 32.1 points while hitting 23 for 47 from 3-point range in his last seven meetings.


Russell Westbrook had his second straight triple-double Saturday with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 boards despite missing 13 of 17 shots. His 14 triple-doubles are the most in one season since Magic Johnson had 17 in 1988-89.


The star guard had 26, 14 and 10 against the Rockets on Jan. 29 when Durant scored 33 in a 116-108 home win that snapped a five-game slide in the series.


Oklahoma City has averaged 121.0 points on 52.6 percent shooting during its run. That doesn't bode well for Houston, which has allowed 114.0 points per game and a 52.2 field-goal percentage in its last three.


Michael Beasley has provided a spark for the Rockets, averaging 17.8 points on 57.5 percent shooting in his last six games. He finished with 30 points and nine rebounds against Atlanta.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Heat (40-29) at Pelicans (26-43)


Date: March 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT


Anthony Davis and Chris Bosh turned in big performances as the Miami Heat downed the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime on Christmas Day.


Neither will take the court in a rematch that will look far different as the Heat continue to push for a division title when they visit the all-but-eliminated Pelicans on Tuesday night.


While Bosh is sidelined without a timetable to return for Miami (40-29) after blood clots in his leg were discovered at the All-Star break, New Orleans (26-43) just decided to shut Davis down for the season as it's faded from contention.


Sitting 8 1/2 games out of the eighth seed and with four teams to leapfrog, the Pelicans announced Monday that their All-Star forward will undergo procedures to repair a recent knee injury along with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.


Davis had been burdened by his ailing shoulder most of the season, and he left Friday's 117-112 loss to Portland before halftime with an unspecified knee problem after a collision while setting a screen.


The fourth-year pro averaged 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 61 games, and his availability to play for the U.S. Olympic team this summer is in question.


Although the most prominent, it's just the most recent in a long list of injuries for the Pelicans. Key contributors Tyreke Evans (knee), Eric Gordon (broken finger), Quincy Pondexter (knee), Omer Asik (various) and Norris Cole (various) have missed extended time.


'This is the most frustrating season I've ever been through,' said first-year coach Alvin Gentry, a top assistant for Golden State's championship team in 2014-15. 'When I left Golden State to come here, I thought it was the best job available."


New Orleans beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 on Sunday in its first game without Davis while also resting second-leading scorer Ryan Anderson. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points while Asik set a season high with 15 and matched another with 14 rebounds.


Dante Cunningham and Tim Frazier added season highs with 19 and 17 points, respectively.


Davis had 29 points, 15 boards and three blocks against the Heat in December, but the rest of the team shot 37.7 percent in a 94-88 overtime loss that snapped the Pelicans' three-game win streak in the series.


Bosh finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds, but his teammates shot 38 percent. The Heat, however, are 11-5 without Bosh and have shot better than 50 percent in seven of those games to challenge Atlanta in the Southeast Division.


They made 55.9 percent from the field on a 2-1 homestand, hitting 54.8 in Saturday's 122-101 win over Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland. Miami made 11 of 19 3-pointers and have hit 47.2 percent from behind the arc over the last seven games.


It was the Heat's 10th straight 100-point effort, their longest such run since 1994.


Late February acquisition Joe Johnson continued to pay dividends in filling the void left by Bosh - who has been working out with the Heat coaching staff but isn't close to a return. Johnson went 4 of 6 on 3s and scored 18 to raise his average to 15.7 in 11 games with Miami. He has gone 23 of 39 from beyond the arc since arriving from Brooklyn.


Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 24 points and rookie Josh Richardson added 19. Wade became the 41st player to reach 20,000 points and the ninth active one.


'It was great to see,' coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'Dwyane's the face of the franchise.'

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Grizzlies (41-30) at Lakers (14-55)


Date: March 22, 2016 10:30 PM EDT


It's become a guessing game whether Kobe Bryant will play on a given night for the Los Angeles Lakers, and there are signs pointing to him sitting out again Tuesday night.


The Memphis Grizzlies probably wouldn't mind seeing the NBA's worst shooter on the court since Tony Allen has been tough on Bryant in the past.


The Grizzlies have beaten the Lakers nine straight times and have shredded their defense in three victories this season heading into this matchup at Staples Center.


Bryant has sat out the last two games due to his ongoing shoulder problems and coach Byron Scott continues to say that the retiring superstar is 50-50 for each contest.


"I don't mind it, I just don't have answers for you guys," Scott told the media at Monday's practice. "I wish I did. I don't know sometimes until game day. Or game time, really."


Bryant has sat out six of the last nine home games while playing in the Lakers' last eight on the road. Los Angeles (14-55) is starting a back-to-back set with Wednesday's game in Phoenix representing Bryant's last game in the desert.


The guard is shooting 35.6 percent - the worst mark in a single season by a qualifying player since Hot Rod Hundley shot 35.1 percent in 1960-61.


Bryant said earlier this season that Allen was the toughest defender he has faced so it would make even more sense to sit this one out.


"I'd love for him to play in all the games, just like you guys would and just like I know the fans would, but sometimes I don't think that's possible," Scott said.


The Grizzlies have shot 54.4 percent against the Lakers this season for their best mark against anyone. They've outscored Los Angeles by an average of 14.0 points and posted 67-point first halves in two February wins.


Memphis (41-30) is getting healthier with consecutive victories since veterans Zach Randolph and Vince Carter returned Saturday after a four-game slide. Point guard Mike Conley is expected to miss his 10th consecutive game with tendinitis.


The Grizzlies trailed by as many as 13 in Monday's 103-97 victory over Phoenix. Lance Stephenson scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead basket with 31 seconds left as part of an 8-0 closing run.


'It was defense,' Stephenson said. 'Tony Allen came in and we got incredible stops. We were playing together defensively. We were aware."


Randolph had 14 points and 13 boards while former Lakers guard Jordan Farmar scored 12 off the bench in his club debut after signing a 10-day contract earlier in the day.


Farmar played the entire fourth quarter over Ray McCallum, who has started the last two games at point guard.


They will match up with struggling Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell, averaging 9.0 points on 26.9 percent shooting in his last three games while sitting out the entire fourth quarter twice.


"In this league, a lot goes on with no explanation," Russell said. "And there will probably never be any explanation, especially for a rookie. When things like that go on, you've just gotta stick to your craft and trust the process."


Memphis has lost four of its last five in the second half of a back-to-back set.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Game of the Day: Rockets at Thunder


Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (OFF)


The Houston Rockets are clinging to a playoff spot in the Western Conference as four teams battle for the final three slots. The Rockets aren’t getting much help from the schedule in their quest to move up the standings and will visit Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.


Houston fell at the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and is one game ahead of the ninth-place Utah Jazz, who visit the Rockets on Wednesday. Starting with the loss to Atlanta on Saturday, Houston is playing a stretch of nine straight games against teams currently in the top eight of their respective conferences. The Thunder sit comfortably in third place in the West thanks to the heroics of Kevin Durant and Westbrook, who would likely be the leading MVP candidate if Golden State’s Stephen Curry weren’t enjoying a historic season. Westbrook picked up his 14th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-111 win at Indiana on Saturday and has recorded five triple-doubles in the last eight games to help Oklahoma City gain some separation from the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers in the standings.


TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT


LINE HISTORY: n/a


INJURY REPORT:


Rockets - SG J. Harden (Questionable Tuesday, ankle)


Thunder - SF K. Durant (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
C S. Adams (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
SF K. Singler (Questionable Tuesday, back)


POWER RANKINGS: Rockets (-2) - Thunder (-9.8) + home court (-3) = Thunder -10.8


ABOUT THE ROCKETS (35-35): Houston is tied with the Dallas Mavericks for seventh place in the West, one game ahead of the Jazz and a half-game behind the sixth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets not only suffered a 109-97 loss to the Hawks on Saturday but also got involved in some controversy when center Dwight Howard was caught putting stickum on the basketball, and they were dealt a blow when James Harden sprained his ankle in the third quarter. Harden, who averages 28.6 points, reportedly could sit out practice on Monday and is day-to-day.


ABOUT THE THUNDER (48-22): Oklahoma City already clinched its playoff spot and is in tune-up mode with a 4 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the No. 3 spot. Westbrook is in a bit of a shooting slump and went 4-of-17 from the field on Saturday, but keeps finding ways to help the team win. “I’m just trying to insert myself into the game,” Westbrook told reporters. “I know some nights shots won’t fall for me. I’m one of the only guys who can do different things on the floor - rebound, pass or defend – on a night-in, night-out basis. That’s what I try to do.”


TRENDS:


* Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Over is 7-0 in Rockets last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
* Under is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.


CONSENSUS: n/a

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

NBA Odds: Tuesday, March 22 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews


Smart move, I think, of the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday to make the decision to shut down young superstar Anthony Davis for the rest of the season. With the playoffs a pipe dream and Davis needing surgery on his left knee and let shoulder, the Pelicans decided to do it now rather than him play the final 14 games. Davis, who now will miss the Olympics, is one of my favorite players in the NBA, but I'm starting to worry he's too brittle to go down as an all-time great. This is his fourth season in the league, and he has yet to play more than 68 games. New Orleans, which has been more injury-ravaged than any club this season, is 2-6 without Davis this year and I'm certainly planning on betting against it most of the rest of the way. This decision also could cost Davis $24 million on his new contract, which kicks in next season. It had the potential to be a five-year $145 million extension but now likely will total $121 million.


The "Derrick Rose" rule for extensions states a player with zero to six years of experience (eligible for a maximum salary worth 25 percent of the cap) such as Davis can earn the salary of a player with seven to nine years of experience (30 percent of the cap) by meeting any one of these criteria ahead of the extension: the player is designated once as NBA MVP; the player is voted twice as an All-Star starter; the player is named twice to the All-NBA first, second or third team. Davis obviously isn't going to win MVP. He was an All-Star starter last year but not this. He was All-NBA last year, but I doubt he's named even third team this season by playing in only 61 games. Sitting Davis now also helps the Pelicans' draft lottery chances. They currently have the sixth-worst record. They likely won't slide down any lower, but with no Davis teams like the Knicks and Kings should stay ahead of them.


Hornets at Nets (TBA)


Charlotte hosted the Spurs on Monday, so the Hornets seem poised for a major letdown here regardless of what happens in that game. Brooklyn lost a second in a row Saturday, 115-103 in Detroit. Center Brook Lopez was a late scratch due to an illness but is likely back here. Willie Reed presumably would start again if Lopez isn't up to it. Charlotte is 2-0 against the Nets this season, winning the most recent 104-96 in Brooklyn on Feb. 21.


Key trends: The road team is 5-0 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" is 6-2-2 in the past 10.


Early lean: If Lopez plays, I'd take whatever points the Nets will get.


Heat at Pelicans (TBA)


Miami played one of its best games of the year Saturday in crushing visiting Cleveland 122-101. Dwyane Wade had 24 points and became the 41st player in league history with at least 20,000. He did it in his 844th game, the 21st quickest to the mark. Wade's career average of 23.7 points is fifth best among active players. The Heat led by as many as 33 points, their biggest margin against anyone this season. Miami has scored at least 100 points in 10 consecutive games, its longest such streak since 1994. New Orleans won its first game Sunday without Davis, 109-105 over the visiting Clippers. Jrue Holiday had 22 points. He'll be the main man now. Ryan Anderson got the game off with groin strains. New Orleans lost in Miami 94-88 in overtime on Christmas. Davis had 29 points and 15 rebounds. Chris Bosh led the heat with 30 points; he remains out with his blood clot problem.


Key trends: The home team is 9-2 ATS in the past 11 meetings. The over is 6-2 in the previous eight.


Early lean: Heat win comfortably.


Rockets at Thunder (TBA)


First of a TNT doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. Houston lost 109-97 in Atlanta on Saturday. Michael Beasley, who was playing in China last month, had 30 points in the defeat. James Harden twisted his left ankle in the third quarter but kept playing. Still, monitor that. There's an outside chance Dwight Howard could be suspended here as he admitted after Saturday's game that he was using Stickum spray. The NBA's rule regarding something like that is: "All equipment used must be appropriate for basketball. Equipment that is unnatural and designed to increase a player's height or reach, or to gain an advantage, shall not be used." Oklahoma City won a fourth straight Saturday, 115-111 in Indiana. Russell Westbrook had his 14th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. That's the most triple-doubles by any player in a season since Magic Johnson had 17 in 1988-89. Kevin Durant added 33 points, his 55th straight game with at least 20. His personal record is 56 in a row. The Rockets and Thunder have split two meetings, each winning at home.


Key trends: The home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven. The under is 6-2 in the previous eight in OKC.


Early lean: TBA for Harden, who didn't practice Tuesday and maybe Kevin Durant, who has a minor elbow problem but expected to go. So clearly wait on those guys.


Grizzlies at Lakers (TBA)


Second TNT game with live betting. Memphis was in Phoenix on Monday. The Lakers dropped a fourth in a row Friday, 95-90 to Phoenix. That was one of those good losses from a ping-pong ball perspective. Kobe Bryant sat out again with a sore shoulder and is 50/50 to play Tuesday. The Lakers are 4-12 when he's out of the lineup this season. Memphis is 3-0 against the Lakers in 2015-16 and has nine straight overall in the series.


Key trends: The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their past four at home. The under is 5-1 in the past six meetings in L.A.


Early lean: Like the Lakers whether Kobe plays or not.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

NBA


Tuesday's hot teams
-- Hornets won 10 of last 12 games; they upset the Spurs last nite at home (4-0 last 4AF).
-- Thunder won six of their last eight games (10-3 last 13HF).
-- Miami won seven of its last ten games (7-3 last 10AF).


Cold teams
-- Brooklyn lost six of its last seven games (6-12 last 18HU).
-- Rockets lost three of their last five games (8-12AU).
-- Pelicans lost five of last seven games; star Davis is now out for year (6-3 last 9HU).
-- Lakers lost six of their last eight games (3-2HF). Grizzlies lost four of their last six games (8-8AU).


Series records
-- Nets lost three of last four games with Charlotte.
-- Thunder lost five of last six games with Houston.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Lakers lost their last nine games with Memphis.


Totals
-- Five of last seven Charlotte-Brooklyn games went over.
-- Six of last eight Houston games went over the total.
-- Last six Miami games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Laker games stayed under the total.


Back/backs
-- Charlotte covered three of last four if it played night before.
-- Grizzlies are 10-4 vs spread if they played night before.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

CHARLOTTE (40 - 30) at BROOKLYN (19 - 50) - 3/22/2016, 7:35 PM


There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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HOUSTON (35 - 35) at OKLAHOMA CITY (48 - 22) - 3/22/2016, 8:05 PM


There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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MIAMI (40 - 29) at NEW ORLEANS (26 - 43) - 3/22/2016, 8:05 PM


There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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


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MEMPHIS (41 - 30) at LA LAKERS (14 - 55) - 3/22/2016, 10:35 PM


There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 10-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

CHARLOTTE vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Brooklyn's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games


MIAMI vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing New Orleans
Miami is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Orleans's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New Orleans's last 12 games when playing at home against Miami


HOUSTON vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston


MEMPHIS vs. LA LAKERS
Memphis is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Memphis

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Game of the Day
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9, 222.5)
The Houston Rockets are clinging to a playoff spot in the Western Conference as four teams battle for the final three slots. The Rockets aren’t getting much help from the schedule in their quest to move up the standings and will visit Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
Houston fell at the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and is one game ahead of the ninth-place Utah Jazz, who visit the Rockets on Wednesday. Starting with the loss to Atlanta on Saturday, Houston is playing a stretch of nine straight games against teams currently in the top eight of their respective conferences. The Thunder sit comfortably in third place in the West thanks to the heroics of Kevin Durant and Westbrook, who would likely be the leading MVP candidate if Golden State’s Stephen Curry weren’t enjoying a historic season. Westbrook picked up his 14th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-111 win at Indiana on Saturday and has recorded five triple-doubles in the last eight games to help Oklahoma City gain some separation from the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers in the standings.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY:
The line was very late to be released as the books waited as long as they could on the status of James Harden. The Thunder opened at -9 and the total opened at a massive 222.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Rockets – SG J. Harden (Questionable Tuesday, ankle)
Thunder – SF K. Durant (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
C S. Adams (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
SF K. Singler (Questionable Tuesday, back)
POWER RANKINGS:
Rockets (-2) – Thunder (-9.8) + home court (-3) = Thunder -10.8
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (35-35):
Houston is tied with the Dallas Mavericks for seventh place in the West, one game ahead of the Jazz and a half-game behind the sixth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets not only suffered a 109-97 loss to the Hawks on Saturday but also got involved in some controversy when center Dwight Howard was caught putting stickum on the basketball, and they were dealt a blow when James Harden sprained his ankle in the third quarter. Harden, who averages 28.6 points, reportedly could sit out practice on Monday and is day-to-day.
ABOUT THE THUNDER (48-22):
Oklahoma City already clinched its playoff spot and is in tune-up mode with a 4 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the No. 3 spot. Westbrook is in a bit of a shooting slump and went 4-of-17 from the field on Saturday, but keeps finding ways to help the team win. “I’m just trying to insert myself into the game,” Westbrook told reporters. “I know some nights shots won’t fall for me. I’m one of the only guys who can do different things on the floor – rebound, pass or defend – on a night-in, night-out basis. That’s what I try to do.”
TRENDS:
* Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Over is 7-0 in Rockets last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
* Under is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Thunder reserve C Enes Kanter recorded a double-double in four of the last six games.
2. Rockets F Michael Beasley is averaging 17.8 points over the last six games, capped by a season-high 30 points on Saturday.
3. Westbrook finished with 26 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in Oklahoma City’s 116-108 home win over Houston on Jan. 29.
PREDICTION: Thunder 116, Rockets 109

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Charlotte At Brooklyn
When: 7:30 PM ET, Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
The Charlotte Hornets recovered from a brutal start to record an epic victory and attempt to follow up the performance when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Charlotte scored only seven first-quarter points and trailed by as many as 23 points Monday before rallying for an unlikely 91-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Hornets were 3-of-21 shooting and committed five turnovers in the opening quarter against San Antonio before rebounding to win for the 16th time in the past 20 games. Charlotte is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference but just a half-game behind the three teams tied for third — the Miami Heat, the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics. The Nets have lost six of their last seven games and are closing out a dismal season. Shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic is averaging 29.7 points during the past three games while taking advantage of increased playing time created by the contract buyout of Joe Johnson in late February.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Charlotte), YES (Brooklyn)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (40-30): Charlotte is beginning a pivotal four-game road trip in terms of playoff positioning and will start it with momentum after the stunning comeback against the Spurs. Backup guard Jeremy Lin scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead jumper with 48 seconds remaining. “We just turned it up,” Lin told reporters. “We just played hard. I’m so thankful to God because I’ve been struggling so much. We lost one the other night (to Denver) we felt like we shouldn’t have lost, so to come out here and get this win is a huge boost for us.”
ABOUT THE NETS (19-50): Rookie swingman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could return Tuesday after missing 50 games because of a fractured right ankle. Hollis-Jefferson earned a starting job with his strong early-season play and was averaging 5.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 19 games (14 starts) prior to suffering the ankle injury during a practice Dec. 5. “I mean, for any basketball player who loves the game, who is passionate about it, it’s frustrating,” Hollis-Jefferson told reporters Monday. “They can lie and say it’s not. Not being out there for anyone is tough, but you’ve got to understand it’s a process. A lot of players go through it, but you’ve got to understand to reach greatness you’ve got to go through a struggle sometimes.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Hornets have won in their last two visits to Brooklyn after dropping their previous six.
2. Nets PF Thaddeus Young had 24 points and nine rebounds in Sunday’s loss to Detroit to narrowly miss his fourth straight double-double.
3. Charlotte backup C Al Jefferson was just 1-of-9 shooting against the Spurs and has scored 10 or fewer points in five of the past six games.
PREDICTION: Hornets 110, Nets 101

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Miami At New Orleans
When: 8:00 PM ET, Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
The New Orleans Pelicans acquiesced to the reality of their situation on Sunday and elected to sit injury-riddled star Anthony Davis for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old star will watch from the bench when the Pelicans host the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Davis is battling knee and shoulder injuries and, with the team out of contention in the West despite high preseason expectations, New Orleans will not take any chances with its cornerstone over the final 13 games. “He’s disappointed. He’s very disappointed,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters of Davis. “You know good and well that he loves playing and wants to be good. He feels a huge obligation to try to make this team better, try to get them back to where they were last year – making the playoffs and stuff like that.” The Heat are trying to avoid going back to where they were last year – on the outside looking in when the postseason started. Miami has a much better outlook right now and is engaged in a four-way battle for the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference with Atlanta, Boston and Charlotte.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Miami), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE HEAT (40-29): Miami has its own injury concerns with Chris Bosh (calf) still out indefinitely, but the team is moving forward and is coming off one of its most impressive wins. Dwyane Wade went over 20,000 points in his career on Saturday as the Heat crushed the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 122-101 to win for the 11th time in 16 games since the All-Star break – all without Bosh – and bounce back from a loss to Charlotte. “We’re obviously happy we were able to get this win after the (Charlotte loss the) other night,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. “The next three to four weeks are going to be harrowing,”
ABOUT THE PELICANS (26-43): Davis was a preseason MVP favorite and New Orleans was thought to be a team on the rise after sneaking into the No. 8 spot last season and bringing in Gentry from the Golden State Warriors to speed up the offense. Instead, Davis and the rest of the team has been plagued by injuries since training camp, and Davis will ultimately undergo surgeries to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and issues with his left knee. “It’s been awful,” Gentry told reporters before his team pulled out a 109-105 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. “This is the most frustrating season I’ve ever been through. It’s frustrating for the players, for the owners, for the management, and everybody else. We did not anticipate the season going this way.”
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pelicans F Ryan Anderson (groin) and G Norris Cole (back) both sat out Sunday and are day-to-day.
2. Heat G Josh Richardson is averaging 16.8 points on 66 percent shooting, including 16-of-23 from 3-point range, in the last five games.
3. Davis went for 29 points and 15 rebounds but Bosh countered with 30 and 10 as Miami won 94-88 at home over New Orleans on Dec. 25.
PREDICTION: Heat 103, Pelicans 95

[Satch]

Re: NBA Betting Info. 3/22

Preview: Memphis At L.A. Lakers

When: 10:30 PM ET, Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
The Memphis Grizzlies attempt to stretch their winning streak over Los Angeles to 10 when they visit the Lakers on Tuesday. Memphis is 3-0 against Los Angeles this season and is averaging 117.3 points, well above its season average of 99.1 per game.
The Grizzlies have rebounded from a four-game losing streak with back-to-back victories as they continue to play through a heavy dose of injuries. Point guard Mike Conley (Achilles) missed his ninth consecutive game and Memphis won’t see star center Marc Gasol (foot) back on the court until next season. The Lakers have lost four consecutive contests and coach Byron Scott is miffed that the reserves are being more productive than the starting five. “Our first unit is just not playing well, period,” Scott told reporters. “I think I said this last game, but they’re going to have to figure it out. Lack of trust between one another is evident. They don’t cover for each other. It’s night and day when you watch our first unit compared to our second unit.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, TWC SportsNet (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (41-30): Memphis scored the last eight points while holding Phoenix scoreless for the final 2:12 to pull out a 103-97 road victory over the Suns on Monday. The Grizzlies trailed by 11 points at halftime and scored 64 second-half points but the players were all crediting the defense for the victory. “It was defense,” forward Lance Stephenson told reporters. “(Guard) Tony Allen came in and we got incredible stops. We were playing together defensively. We were aware. … We’re a defensive team. When we’re playing great defense, the offensive end comes easy for us.”
ABOUT THE LAKERS (14-55): Shooting guard Jordan Clarkson is just 15-of-57 shooting during the previous four games and was involved in an off-court incident Sunday night as he and veteran swingman Nick Young were accused of sexually harassing two women. Activist Alexis Jones, who is trying to halt athletes from committing sexual abuse and domestic violence, identified the two players as making “vulgar, sexual” gestures toward her and her 68-year-old mother at a Hollywood intersection. Scott said he has addressed the situation with the two players and the organization is investigating the incident.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Lakers have lost five consecutive home games against the Grizzlies.
2. Memphis signed G Jordan Farmer on Monday and he scored 12 points in 23 minutes against the Suns.
3. Scott said he is hopeful that Kobe Bryant (shoulder) will return Tuesday after missing the previous two games.
PREDICTION: Grizzlies 122, Lakers 109