NBA: Celtics Favored to start Western Swing
2010-02-17

In the first game after the 2009 All-Star break, the Boston Celtics lost Kevin Garnett to a knee injury. A year later, they may still be feeling the effects. After an injury-plagued first half of the season and quiet All-Star game, Garnett and the sputtering Celtics still hope to reestablish themselves as title contenders during the season’s second half, which begins with Tuesday night’s visit to the Sacramento Kings. The road team is a hefty 5.5-point favorite at Sportsbook.com. Get more on this contest on the GAME MATCHUP page.

It was during a 90-85 loss at Utah last Feb. 19 that Garnett was initially injured, causing the 2004 MVP to miss all but four remaining games and the playoffs. Garnett missed nine contests from Dec. 30-Jan. 20 with another knee problem, and he’s been held without a double-double in 10 games since returning, averaging 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds.

He started but played just 13 minutes in the All-Star game, totaling four points and three rebounds, and seemed miffed by questions about his health before Sunday’s game. “I’ll speak one time about my health. It’s great,” Garnett said.

The Celtics (32-18, 19-30-1 ATS) are 5-5 since his return and 9-13 since Christmas as their lead in the Atlantic Division has slipped to four games over Toronto. They’re already two losses shy of their total from last season and two over the total from their 2007-08 championship campaign. Since Dec. 27, Boston is burying backers with 6-15-1 ATS mark.

“Our expectations are to try to win a championship and be consistent, and that’s something we haven’t been able to do over the last month or so,” Paul Pierce said. “But we’re a veteran team, we stick together, and we’ll turn this thing around.”
Boston will start by trying to avoid a third straight defeat. After a 96-89 home loss to Orlando on Feb. 7, the Celtics went into the break with a 93-85 defeat at New Orleans on Wednesday, with Garnett totaling seven points and shooting 2 of 9 from the field. “Our starters struggled,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “Kevin struggled in the second half and Paul forced too much due to the struggling of the team.” This is the first of four games west of the Mississippi River and the C’s are 10-7 against Western Conference clubs with a repulsive 4-12-1 ATS record.

While Pierce won the 3-point shooting contest on Saturday night, he’d love to share some of his outside touch with teammate Ray Allen, who missed the loss at New Orleans due to back spasms after shooting 38.9 percent from the field and 26.8 percent from 3-point range in his previous 10 games. Allen has been mentioned in trade rumors ahead of Thursday’s deadline. If traded, he would have played his last home game with the Celtics, who also face the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Denver on this trip.

Sacramento (18-34, 25-25-2 ATS) is the weakest opponent on the trip after it lost 18 of 22 (7-14-1 ATS) going into the break to effectively end its playoff chances. But the young Kings won their last two games (both as road underdogs) and will be trying for their first three-game winning streak since they won four straight from Nov. 25-Dec. 2. Kevin Martin scored 26 points and Beno Udrih added 22 off the bench as Sacramento won 103-97 at Detroit on Wednesday, prompting coach Paul Westphal to lament the timing of All-Star weekend.

“We’re learning and getting good performances from different people,” Westphal said. “I hate to see the break coming right now.” The Kings are 19-34 ATS in home games after playing a game as an underdog.

The Kings have also been involved in some trade rumors, mostly involving Martin as rookie guard Tyreke Evans continues to emerge. Evans leads all rookies with 20.3 points per game. He’s never faced the Celtics, who’ve held Sacramento to an average of 77.5 points in four straight wins (3-1 ATS) since they acquired Garnett and Allen. Boston’s last visit to Arco Arena resulted in the biggest home loss in Kings history, a 108-63 defeat on Dec. 28, 2008.

Sportsbook.com opened with Boston as six-point favorites with total of 199.5, but they are 2-10 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite and 8-0 UNDER after leading their last two games by 10 or more points at the half. Sacramento returns to action 17-35 ATS in non-conference clashes, losing by more than nine points per game and is 16-7 OVER after they’ve covered the spread this season.

This contest is viewable in local markets starting at 10 Eastern and the Celtics are 17-9 on the road with .500 spread record. The StatFox Power Line shows Boston by 1, well shy of Sportsbook.com’s betting line.

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NBA: NBA Top Weekend Power Trends 12/4-12/6
2009-12-04

The NBA season rolls into its first full December weekend and after anxious starts for some teams, the standings are beginning to look as expected. Orlando, Boston, and Cleveland have moved into the Top 3 spots in the Eastern Conference Playoff pecking order, while the Lakers and Denver rank #1 & #2 in the West. All of those teams will be in action in what looks to be a weekend full of big matchups. Let’s take a look at some of the feature games plus reveal some of the weekend’s top StatFox Power Trends for you to consider in your wagering action. Visit Sportsbook.com’s LIVE ODDS page for the latest lines.

On Friday night, there are 10 games to choose from highlighted as always by the ESPN doubleheader. In the opening game, division rivals Chicago and Cleveland get together. The Bulls are off to a disappointing start, already 5.5-games back in the standings. Much of that is due to their abysmal road efforts so far, as they are just 2-8 away. However, one of those two wins came in Cleveland in a shocking 86-85 upset in the season’s first week. The Cavaliers are playing much better since then however, and have gone on to win 10 of 12 games since that setback. This is the third and final game of a homestand that has already seen impressive wins over Phoenix and Dallas. In the ESPN nightcap, the Heat and Lakers go head-to-head. These teams played two very tight games last year as it seems that Dwyane Wade really gets up for these showdowns with Kobe. Miami is coming off an ugly 17-point loss on Thursday night and faces a difficult back-to-back scenario here. Los Angeles is playing its best basketball of the season and comes in with a 9-game winning streak. In other Friday action, New Jersey will be looking for its first win of the season when it hosts Charlotte, and Boston, off a nice win at San Antonio, treks to Oklahoma City.

The Saturday betting board is one of the busiest of the year for the NBA, as nine games are on tap. Eight of the league’s teams will be playing their second game in as many nights. Among the highlight games is Denver visiting San Antonio and Atlanta taking on Dallas on the road. The Suns are also in action, back at home off a 4-game road trip that started well but ended with two humbling losses out East. They will host Sacramento. As far as the Spurs-Nuggets game is concerned, recall Denver’s historical struggles in San Antonio before hitting the confirm button on any wagers for that contest. Also, be sure to note that the Spurs are 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS this season when playing with a day of rest. They lost to Boston on Thursday but should be refreshed for this Saturday tilt. The Hawks have lost three of their last five games as they head into the weekend. After hosting New York on Friday, they travel to Dallas for a short one-game road trip. They have actually played well in the back end of consecutive game nights thus far, going 4-1 SU & ATS in ’09.

On Sunday, the weekend will wrap up with five games. If the Nets were unable to beat Charlotte on Friday night, they’ll be looking for that elusive first win at New York in an early afternoon affair. On the road in ’09 New Jersey is 0-11 SU & 3-8 ATS. However, the Knicks had won just twice in 10 home games leading up to the Friday game vs. Atlanta. Elsewhere, the top two teams in the Central Division will hook up when Cleveland visits Milwaukee. The Bucks held the lead in the standings for a few days two weeks ago but have already been battling serious injury woes. Still, they boast an impressive 7-2 SU & 6-3 ATS mark at home in the early going and will be jacked up for this chance to upset the Cavs on the home court. Finally, on Sunday night, the Suns visit the Lakers for the second time in ’09. In the first outing, L.A. flexed its muscles to the tune of a 19-point win.

It figures to be a great weekend of sports, not the least of which is an exciting NBA card. Here’s a look at some of the top StatFox Power Trends you’ll want to consider as you build your betting tickets:

Friday, 12/4/2009
(501) TORONTO vs. (502) WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON is 3-18 ATS (-16.8 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 99.8, OPPONENT 105.6 - (Rating = 4*)

(503) NEW YORK vs. (504) ATLANTA
NEW YORK is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) on the road revenging a loss where opponent >=100 points over L2 seasons. The average score was NEW YORK 104.4, OPPONENT 107.4 - (Rating = 2*)

(513) MINNESOTA vs. (514) NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) vs. terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ PPG over the last 2 seasons. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 101.2, OPPONENT 102.2 - (Rating = 2*)

(513) MINNESOTA vs. (514) NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS is 17-4 UNDER (+12.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 93.6, OPPONENT 93.4 - (Rating = 2*)

Saturday, 12/5/2009
(701) PHILADELPHIA vs. (702) CHARLOTTE
CHARLOTTE is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) vs. poor teams - outscored by 3+ PPG over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHARLOTTE 96.9, OPPONENT 90.2 - (Rating = 1*)

(703) TORONTO vs. (704) CHICAGO
CHICAGO is 20-6 UNDER (+13.4 Units) vs. poor defensive teams (FG pct defense of >=46%) over the L2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO 100.1, OPPONENT 101.1 - (Rating = 2*)

(705) UTAH vs. (706) MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 4-21 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games versus teams with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 92.3, OPPONENT 103.9 - (Rating = 4*)

(717) ORLANDO vs. (718) GOLDEN STATE
ORLANDO is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) vs. good shooting teams - making >=46% FG Atts over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ORLANDO 98.7, OPPONENT 93.8 - (Rating = 2*)

Sunday, 12/6/2009
(503) CLEVELAND vs. (504) MILWAUKEE
CLEVELAND is 13-1 UNDER (+11.9 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 95.1, OPPONENT 85.1 - (Rating = 3*)

(505) WASHINGTON vs. (506) DETROIT
WASHINGTON is 22-44 ATS (-26.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 95.3, OPPONENT 102.6 - (Rating = 2*)

(507) MIAMI vs. (508) SACRAMENTO
Erik Spoelstra is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) vs. teams who attempt 18 or more 3PT shots/game as coach of MIAMI. The average score was Spoelstra 94.1, OPPONENT 97.6 - (Rating = 1*)

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NBA’s Best on Display for Wagering Action
2009-02-26

Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers are slowly but surely pulling away from conference competitors as the season rolls along. The Cavaliers have won five in a row and will face a Houston team on their home court which has also won five straight. With the number five being so popular, the Lakers have joined in, knocking five opponents off in succession and will host division rival Phoenix, who comes in just short of measuring up, having won four of five since changing head coaches. Tonight’s TNT doubleheader is certainly worthy of your betting dollar. Take a look at a quick preview for these games before hitting the CONFIRM button on your wagers.
Cleveland (44-11, 36-19 ATS) flies into hornet’s nest, as the Rockets look to closeout a six game home stand 6-0. Houston, has in fact won eight games in a row at the Toyota Center (5-2-1 ATS), with Ron Artest leading the charge. Artest is averaging 20.2 points per game since Tracy McGrady went down again and the Rockets have flown to 16-6 record without the former All-Star, including seven of eight since it was announced his season was over. Houston (36-21, 26-30-1 ATS) is 15-5 ATS after five or more consecutive wins over the last two seasons.

Cleveland is 26-1 at home and has been steadily improving on the road. On the year, the Cavs are 18-10 and 16-12 ATS and have won seven of last nine in road uniforms (6-3 ATS). In order to keep the best record in the East, they will have put up a good number on the road, since eight of the next 10 will be away from the shores of Lake Erie. Cleveland is 21-9 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.

Cleveland is a 2.5-point favorite, with a total of 185.5 at Sportsbook.com. At first glance, the situation is pretty favorable for the Cavs, who are 31-15 ATS as a favorite this season and 17-6 ATS when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points. Everything is not as it appears however; as Cleveland has lost 17 of 20 in Houston, with their lone win in the LeBron James era exactly 35 months ago, 104-102 in overtime. In the last dozen years, the Rockets are 8-2-2 ATS playing host to Cleveland.

The Lakers are NBA best 47-10, but are not known for going full tilt when they don’t need to as 29-27-1 ATS record shows. The idea of playing racehorse basketball for 94 feet would seem appealing enough for L.A., especially since the Phoenix Suns are a playoff contender.

The fly in the ointment to seeing motivated Lakers team is Steve Nash’s ankle, which has him listed as game time decision. Phoenix (32-24, 22-33-1 ATS) has returned to fast-paced style, more suitable to the players on roster under coach Alvin Gentry. The Suns are averaging 128.4 points and shooting 56.7 percent from the field, with defense an afterthought in allowing 115.4 PPG in the same period. The Suns are just 4-10 ATS off a win and 1-4 against the spread if team has winning record.

The Andrew Bynum injury has brought out one very pleasant development, the emergence of Lamar Odom as domineering player and clutch scorer. Odom is averaging better than 17 points a game and snaring 14 rebounds per outing in last eight tries. The Lakers are 10-5-1 ATS in last 16 contests.

This will be the late game on TNT starting immediately after Cleveland and Houston, with the Lakers having won five of last six over Phoenix (4-2 ATS) and are listed as 9.5-point favorite with total of 237 at Sportsbook.

StatFox Power Line – Cleveland by 2, Lakers by 7

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NBA: Betting Southwest Division Battle (9:30 PM ET, ESPN)
2008-12-18

The New Orleans Hornets had their breakthrough season cut short by the San Antonio Spurs last spring. Though both teams could have deep playoff runs ahead of them this season, neither looked ready for that kind of success recently. The Hornets and Spurs look to bounce back from shaky performances in wins over last-place teams as the Southwest Division rivals square off for the first time since last season’s playoffs on Wednesday night in New Orleans.

After three straight trips to the lottery, New Orleans won a franchise-record 56 games last season and got their first playoff series win since 2002 by beating Dallas in the first round. The Hornets’ stunning success ended when they lost a seven-game series against the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals. Both teams expect to be back in the postseason this spring, but that’ll likely take better performances than they put together in their last games.

San Antonio (15-8, 12-11 ATS) nearly blew a 26-point lead as 16.5-point home favorite in a tight 109-104 win over NBA-worst Oklahoma City on Sunday, and New Orleans (14-7, 10-10-1 ATS) needed a late surge on Tuesday to pull out a 91-84 win to earn a “push” over Memphis, the last-place team in the Southwest.

Spurs guard Tony Parker scored six straight points in the final minutes on Sunday to help San Antonio escape with its sixth straight win and 13th in 16 games after a 2-5 start. The Spurs are 11-5 ATS during this surge. “You never want to (have a big lead early in a game), because it’s always dangerous,” said Parker, who finished with 22 points and seven assists and went 9-for-18 from the field. “At the end it was kind of ugly, but we got the win and that’s the most important thing.” The San Antonio defense, though solid, has not forced many miscues by the opposition and is 23-8 ATS after three straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers.

The Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul echoed similar sentiments to Parker’s Tuesday night after scoring five points with three assists in the final five minutes to help New Orleans pull out its ninth win in 11 games. The victory pulled the Hornets into a virtual tie with San Antonio and Houston atop the division.

“We feel like we’ve been through a lot of things, and we were able to pull it together in the fourth,” said Paul, who had 18 points, nine assists and five steals. Paul recorded a steal in his 105th straight contest, tying Alvin Robertson’s NBA record. New Orleans is 18-8 ATS after playing a game as a road favorite over the last two seasons.

Sportsbook.com has the Hornets as three-point home favorites with a total of 185.5. New Orleans is 43-24 ATS at home after playing two consecutive road games, while San Antonio is 3-13 ATS after having won 15 or more of their last 20 games. The total has been a mixed bag during the regular season for these two squads, favoring the Under. Based on current stated number, this could be the case again. The Spurs are 17-6 UNDER in a road game where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points over the last two seasons and the Hornets are 25-10 UNDER in the same point range and timeframe.

Now, Paul will try to claim sole possession of that mark against a San Antonio team he averaged 23.1 points, 10.4 assists and 2.3 steals against last season, including the playoffs. He also shot 51.5 percent from the field as New Orleans went 5-6 in those 11 overall games. Despite Paul’s consistent success, the Spurs overcame 0-2 deficit in the playoffs by winning four of the clubs’ last five games, including a series-clinching 91-82 road win on May 19.

San Antonio was 2-4 SU and ATS overall in New Orleans in 2007-08.
The Hornets are averaging 106.0 points and shooting 50.0 percent during their four-game home winning streak, during which they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 15.0 points, with three covers in a row. The Spurs, meanwhile, have won six of seven (6-1 ATS) on the road.

This is the last game on the ESPN NBA doubleheader Wednesday, starting at 9:30 Eastern.
StatFox Power Line-Pick

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