MEET VIRGINIA: #3 DUKE BLUE DEVILS VS. THE VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

by LUCAS COMBS

When: Thursday, February 28th at 6PM PT

Where: John Paul Jones Arena, Virginia

Line: Pick Em’

Total: 129

Line Movement

The Match-Up

The Duke Blue Devils will meet Virginia Thursday in a game that will likely go down to the wire. Tony Bennett’s Virginia Cavaliers know how to play defense (4th in the nation in points allowed). Duke (8th in the nation in scoring), led by Mason Plumlee (17.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg), will have to be at the top of their game if the Blue Devils want to come out with a road victory. 

Virginia could use a win against a top 10 team to pad their NCAA Tournament resume. The Cavaliers are led by Juniors Joe Harris (16.6 ppg) and Akil Mitchell (12.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg).

Duke has won 9 of the last 10 games versus Virginia straight up.

Betting Information

Against the spread, Virginia is an impressive 12-2-1 ATS at home (16-8-1 ATS overall). Duke meanwhile, is 15-12 ATS (3-5 ATS on the road).

Virginia is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.  

Concerning the total, the Cavaliers are 5-3 Over in home games (10-7 Over overall) and the Blue Devils are 5-3 Over in road games (14-12 Over overall).

The total has gone Over in 6 of the last 7 games for Virginia.

Meet Virginia

The Cavaliers tend to go a little bit under the radar in the college basketball world. Head Coach Tony Bennett doesn’t seem to mind. The Cavaliers aren’t flashy. They like to play slow, grinding basketball that is predicated on great defense (4th in the NCAA in points allowed) and good shot selection. Thursday, the college basketball world may come to know a little bit more about Bennett’s squad when Duke meets Virginia.

Injury Report

Source: Daily Press

THE 36-22 DENVER NUGGETS TRAVEL TO 26-30 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

by ODDSFATHER STAFF

The surging Nuggets look for a rare win in Portland when they pay the Blazers a visit on Wednesday night.

Line: Denver -2.5, Total: 209.5

Track Line Changes

The Blazers are 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS at home against Denver since the start of the 2008-09 season. That includes SU wins in each of the past six games these teams have played in Portland, the most recent of which was a 101-93 victory on Dec. 23. The Nuggets could be without the services of SF Danilo Gallinari, the team’s leading scorer at 16.9 PPG, who sat out Monday’s home win over the Lakers with a bruised left thigh. While Denver’s offense has exploded in their past two games (both wins), scoring 116.0 PPG on 55% FG, the Blazers have scored just 90.0 PPG on 42% FG in their past four contests, and have lost seven of their past eight games (2-6 ATS). A trend that heavily favors Denver on Wednesday is that high-scoring favorites (102+ PPG) playing an average offense (92-98 PPG) after reaching 110+ points in three straight games are a hefty 27-6 ATS (82%) in the past five seasons. The Nuggets are coming off an 11-point victory over the Lakers, and are usually a great wager after a big win too, as they are 23-10 ATS (70%) on the road in the past three seasons after a double-digit victory, and 21-14 ATS (67%) after any SU win this season.

Injury Report

Denver’s offense moves quickly, attempting the second-most shots (85.2 FGA per game) and scoring the league’s third-most points (105.4 PPG). This frantic pace forces the Nuggets to commit the sixth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.7 TOPG), but they also dish out 24.1 APG (3rd in league) and are active defensively with 8.8 SPG (2nd in NBA). Denver can also body-up on the boards with anybody, pulling down 45.2 RPG this season (2nd in the NBA). SF Danilo Gallinari (16.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG) had just 6.0 PPG (4-for-8 FG) in his past two games before missing Monday’s contest with a thigh bruise. He is questionable to suit up on Wednesday, but his team sure wants him on the court as Gallinari scored 25 points the last time the Nuggets faced the Blazers and is averaging 19.4 PPG over his past five meetings with Portland. PG Ty Lawson (16.4 PPG, 7.1 APG) has been on a scoring tear in his past seven contests, tallying 20+ points in every game, and averaging 25.6 PPG (53% FG, 39% threes) and 8.3 APG during this stretch. In the past two seasons, Lawson has 19.2 PPG (52% FG) and 7.4 APG in five meetings with Portland, including 24 points and 12 assists when these teams last met on Jan. 15, a 115-111 Blazers victory. SG Andre Iguodala (13.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG) is finally over his neck injury, posting an outstanding 13.5 PPG on 69% FG with 11.0 APG in the past two games. He has shot horribly versus Portland this season though, making just 9-of-29 shots (31%) and 1-of-11 threes in the two meetings. PF Kenneth Faried (12.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG) also had a double-double in Monday’s win over the Lakers, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. He’s averaged 13.5 PPG (55% FG) and 9.5 RPG in two meetings with the Blazers this season. SG Wilson Chandler (10.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG) scored a team-high 23 points in Monday’s victory starting in place of Gallinari, and now has 18.7 PPG (52% FG) and 4.7 RPG in the past three games. Chandler has 16.5 PPG and 6.0 RPG in two meetings with Portland since joining the Nuggets.

Portland also likes to speed up the tempo, as it takes 82.0 field goals per game, but makes just 44.2% of its shots (17th in NBA) and scores only 96.8 PPG (also 17th in league). This team also struggles to defend, allowing 99.7 PPG (21st in NBA) on a whopping 46.6% FG (3rd-worst in league). And in the past five games, the Blazers are surrendering 103.0 PPG on 49% FG. PF LaMarcus Aldridge (20.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG) is the team’s best player, but he has been slumping a bit in the past four games, scoring just 15.0 PPG (36% FG) with a paltry 4.5 RPG. But he destroyed the Nuggets when these teams met last month, scoring 30 points (11-for-22 FG, 8-for-8 FT) with eight rebounds and six assists. Rookie PG Damian Lillard (18.3 PPG, 6.5 APG) has also been misfiring in his past four games, making just 36% FG and 4-of-20 threes. He’s done a much better job running the offense though, especially in the past two games where Lillard has 13 assists and just three turnovers. He’ll have a difficult time containing Ty Lawson, and Lillard has also shot poorly in the season series, making just 8-of-28 FG (29%) in two games against Denver. SG Wesley Matthews (15.0 PPG) is starting to get back into the groove despite dealing with an ankle injury, posting 19.5 PPG on 13-of-21 FG (62%) and 9-of-15 threes in the past two conetsts, while C J.J. Hickson (13.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG) continues to provide the muscle inside with three straight double-doubles (19.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG). Hickson also has 18.5 PPG and 15.5 RPG in two meetings with Denver this season. SF Nicolas Batum (15.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.8 APG) has filled up the stat sheet in his past three contests with 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.0 APG and 1.3 SPG. He’s posted two great games versus the Nuggets this season too, putting up 22.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 5.0 APG.

Source: Statfox

SWAGGA KILLAZ: #7 GEORGETOWN VS. UCONN

by LUCAS COMBS

When: Wednesday, February 27th at 4PM PT
Where: Gampel Pavilion, Connecticut

Line:  Georgetown -3, Total: 122

Line Movement

The Match-Up
The #7 Georgetown Hoyas travel to the state of Connecticut to take on the UConn Huskies Wednesday evening. John Thompson III has done a magnificent job this season and the Hoyas have been on a tear for over a month now, winning their last 9 games in a row. UConn head coach Kevin Ollie has the Huskies playing inspired basketball as well, despite being banned from post-season play this season. UConn is led by Junior Shabazz Napier (17.2ppg, 4.6 apg) who has been on fire as of late, scoring 27.5 ppg in the last two contests. Napier has also shot a sizzling 11-18 from downtown in the last two games. The Georgetown Hoyas are led by sophomore Otto Porter Jr. (15.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg). Porter exploded in New York versus #12 Syracuse on Saturday, scoring 33 of Georgetown’s 56 points in the Georgetown victory.

Betting Information
Against the spread, the Hoyas are an impressive 14-7 ATS and an even more impressive 6-1 ATS on the road. Georgetown is also an astounding 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games.

UConn is 11-10-1 ATS (5-6 ATS at home). The Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their last five contests.

Concerning the total, UConn 6-3 Under in home games (10-9-1 Over overall). Georgetown is 5-2 Under in road games (10-9 Under overall).

The total has gone Under in 5 of the last 7 games for Georgetown on the road. The total has also gone Under in 4 of the last 6 games at home for UConn.

Swagger Assassins
How’s it going Mr. Michael Carter-Williams? Feeling all brash and bumptious now? Last week, you proclaimed eternal superiority over the Georgetown Hoyas. Let us remind everyone what you said, “We’ve always been better than them, always will be better than them,” you said. “And we just want to go out on top.”

If you need reminding Mr. Williams, that Georgetown team just beat your Syracuse team. In your house, no less. How’s it taste Mr. Williams? Feeling all superior now? Is the whip of revenge as cold as they say it is? Your team being held to 46 points by the Hoyas kind of hurt didn’t it? You hear that sound Mr. Williams? That’s the sound of a whimper, a limping ego thrown onto a stretcher. Swagger terminated.

Injury Report

EXPECT THE BEST & WORST: #1 INDIANA VS. MINNESOTA

by LUCAS COMBS

Line: -5 Indiana

Line Movement

Last Meeting: January 12th – Minnesota fell on the road to Indiana, 88-81.

The Match-Up

The #1 Indiana Hoosiers head to the Williams Arena to take on Tubby Smith’s Minnesota Gophers Tuesday evening. After starting the season 15-1, Minnesota has been on a tail spin, losing 4 of their last 5 contests and 8 of their last 11. The Gophers could use a win versus the #1 team in the nation to improve their NCAA resume. The Gophers are led by Andre and Austin Hollins who lead Minnesota in points and assists.

The #1 team in the land has won four in a row, including a recent, big victory on the road versus #9 Michigan State. Hoosiers star Victor Oladipo had 19 points and 9 rebounds in the victory.

Minnesota and Indiana met in January when Indiana topped the Gophers in a hard-fought contest, 88-81.

Betting Information

Against the spread, the Hoosiers are a solid 15-10 ATS overall (4-3 ATS on the road); the Gophers are 13-12 ATS overall (7-7 ATS at home). Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 contests and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games versus Indiana.

Against the total, Indiana is 11-11-1 overall (4-3 Under on the road), while Minnesota is 12-8 Under overall (7-3 Under at home). The total has gone Under the last 5 games for Minnesota, 8-2 Under in their last 10, and Under in 4 of the last 6 games at home. The total has also gone Under in 5 of the last 6 home games versus the Hoosiers.

Lose Indiana, Prepare for the Worst

Much has been made the past day or so about Minnesota’s recent struggles and their inability to score points. The Gophers have scored 59 points or fewer in five straight games, coming out on top just once. Indiana Coach Tom Cream said, “We’re just focused on the games they’ve played the best in, and we’re just focused on how they’ve played against us.’’ No, Coach Cream, you’re going to focus on all the dreadful performances Minnesota has had as of late. You’re going to tell your team to expect the Gophers to lay another egg. Prepare for the worst, but not in a ‘there’s a category 5 hurricane coming’ prepare for the worst kind of way. That strategy will go over well against a Gophers team desperate for a win. Why on Earth would you tell your team anything different Coach Cream?

Source: ESPN, Indianapolis Star

NBA DISS: BULLS (32-23) VS. THUNDER (40-15)

by LUCAS COMBS

When: Sunday, February 24th, 2013 at 630PM PT
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
Line: -8.5 Thunder
Total: 196

Line Movement

Last Meeting: November 8th – The Thunder defeated the Bulls in Chicago, 97-91.

The Match-Up

The Chicago Bulls travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder Sunday evening. Both teams got much needed victories Friday after stretches of poor play. The Bulls routed the Charlotte Bobcats, 105-75, after losing 3 of 4 and the Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-111 after losing 3 straight. Chicago moved the ball astoundingly well in the victory over the Bobcats, amassing 37 assists on 42 made baskets. The Thunder received 35 points and 9 dimes from Russel Westbrook in the victory over Minnesota.

Betting Information

Despite not having a stellar record overall against the spread, the Chicago Bulls have been a good road team to bet on, going 17-9 ATS in road games (24-30 ATS overall). The Oklahoma City Thunder are 32-21 ATS overall (19-9 ATS at home).

Chicago is just 6-14 ATS versus non-conference opponents and 1-4 ATS versus Northwest Division opponents.

Concerning the total, Chicago has a tendency to play in lower scoring games than anticipated (32-23 Under), but on the road, the Bulls are 15-12 Over in road games. Oklahoma City tends to play in higher scoring games than anticipated and are 29-24 Over overall (17-10 Over at home).

The Thunder are 7-2 Over in their last 9 contests.

Brotherly Diss

Derrick Rose’s brother isn’t happy about Chicago not making any moves before the trade deadline. Reggie Rose told ESPN Chicago that he doesn’t think the Bulls’ organization has done enough to ensure Chicago will be a contender.

“What have you pieced together? Have you made any moves? Have you made any trades to get better? You know all roads to the championship lead through Miami,” he told ESPN Chicago. “What pieces have you put together for the physical playoffs? Joakim Noah is a great player. Luol Deng is a great player. But you need more than that. You have to put together pieces to your main piece. The players can only do so much. It’s up to the organization to make them better.”

So, let’s get this straight. The Chicago Bulls, who are 9 games above .500 and fifth in the Eastern Conference without their best player haven’t done enough to become a contender? Right. Does Mr. Derrick Rose’s brother realize what Chicago has accomplished without his brother?

Perhaps, we should wait until his brother returns from injury to pass judgement. Who knows, the Bulls might just be that much better.

Injury Report

Source: USA TODAY

CINCINNATI BEARCATS (19-7) AT CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (17-7)

by ODDSFATHER STAFF

Big East Foes coming off losses as home favorites will meet on Thursday night in Hartford when Connecticut hosts Cincinnati.

Line: Cincinnati -1, Total: 127

NCAA Basketball Matchup

The Bearcats lost their third game in four tries (SU and ATS) on Friday, with all three defeats coming against underdogs (Providence, Pittsburgh and Georgetown). The Huskies had won five of six (4-2 ATS) before its 70-61 home loss to Villanova on Saturday. Although UConn is 6-3 (SU and ATS) against Cincinnati since 2006, the Bearcats have won outright as underdogs in each of their past two trips to Connecticut, by 3 as a 6.5-point underdog last season and by 12 when they were getting 7 points in 2010. Despite their struggles at home this season (2-10 ATS), the Bearcats are 19-9 SU and 21-7 ATS (75%) in road/neutral court games over the past two seasons, including 8-2 (SU and ATS) this season. Plus, they’re 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in non-home games after failing to cover the spread in their previous game over the past two seasons, and 11-1 ATS in non home-games when playing only their second games in 8 days in this same timeframe.

Cincinnati doesn’t quite score 70 points per game (69.8 PPG), but has outscored opponents by 11.3 PPG thanks to a defense that allows just 58.5 PPG on 38.1% FG (29.9% threes). The Bearcats have a lot more muscle down low in this game than UConn does, as they boast a stellar +7.4 RPG margin and block 6.42 shots per game, the seventh-most in the nation. But like the Huskies, Cincy’s top three scorers are all guards — Sean Kilpatrick (18.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Cashmere Wright (13.3 PPG, 3.4 APG) and JaQuon Parker (11.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG). Kilpatrick has been misfiring all season (42% FG, 33% threes), and has been especially cold in the team’s past three losses, making just 13-of-42 shots (31%) and 4-of-24 threes. In last year’s win at then-No. 11 UConn, Kilpatrick scored 16 points including the game-winning three with 2.7 seconds left, but made just 5-of-15 FG that day. Wright was much more efficient in that win with 13 points on 5-of-6 FG (3-of-4 threes) plus five assists, while Parker came off the bench to tally 12 points and four rebounds in just 20 minutes of action. Wright shoots a strong 37% from three-point range, but has been downright horrible over his past six games, making just 19-of-81 FG (23%) and 10-of-49 threes (20%). Parker has come on strong though, with 17.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG in the past two contests. Junior PF Titus Rubles (6.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG) leads the team in rebounding, but he needs to take better shots, and he’s made just 32% FG this season, including 4-for-37 (11%) from downtown.

Injuries

Connecticut’s offense revolves around its three-guard set, scoring 70.6 PPG with a stellar 75% clip from the free-throw line. The Huskies outshoot their opponents 45% FG to 40% FG on the season, and don’t commit many turnovers (12.0 TOPG). They are a horrible rebounding team though (minus-4.5 RPG margin), and don’t shoot particularly well from downtown either (34.3% threes). Guards Shabazz Napier (16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) and Ryan Boatright (15.4 PPG, 4.2 APG) were both outstanding in last Wednesday’s upset win over then-No. 6 Syracuse, combining for 27 points (9-of-16 FG), 11 assists and five steals. But in Saturday’s loss to Villanova, the duo scored a combined six points on 3-of-15 FG (0-for-7 threes) and committed 10 turnovers (five each). Boatright did not play against Cincinnati last season, but Napier kept his team in that meeting with 27 points (10-of-19 FG), seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Napier has been playing tenacious defense lately with 13 steals over his past five games (2.6 per game), putting him at 2.04 SPG for the season. Freshman SG Omar Calhoun (11.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has really stepped up his offense in the past four contests with 15.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG. He has also made 78% of his free throws this season, including 9-of-9 in Saturday’s loss. Sophomore SF DeAndre Daniels (10.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG) provides the bulk of scoring in the frontcourt, and is coming off a strong game against ‘Nova with 13 points on 6-of-8 FG while pulling down four rebounds.

Source: Statfox

THE GHOST OF MAKAVELI CAN’T SAVE EM’ – CELTICS VS. LAKERS

When: Wednesday, February 20th at 730PM PT

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Line: -7.5 Lakers

Total: 196.5

Line Movement 

Last Meeting: The Celtics easily defeated the Lakers in Boston on February 7th, 116-95.

The Match-Up

The injury plagued Boston Celtics dropped their second in three games, falling to the Denver Nuggets at home Tuesday night, 97-90. The Los Angeles Lakers have also lost two out of their last three games. Boston will travel to the Staples Center Wednesday to play their second game in as many days to face a Lakers squad that hasn’t played since before the All-Star break.

Betting Information

Against the spread, the home team Los Angeles Lakers are a lowly 21-33 ATS overall (12-15 ATS in home games), 17-18 ATS as a favorite, and 7-14 ATS in non-conference games. The Celtics are 22-28 ATS overall (7-14 ATS in road games) and 8-10 ATS as an underdog. Boston is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.

Concerning the total, the Lakers are 27-26 Over (14-12 Under in home games) and 14-7 Under in non-conference games. The Celtics are 27-25 Under overall (12-11 Under on the road).

The total has gone Under in 7 of the last 10 contests between the Lakers and the Celtics.

Will the Death of Jerry Buss’ inspire the Lakers?

God bless the dead and all, but come on. The LA Lakers, a team made up of individuals not even half the age of Jerry Buss, are going to grieve for a day or two more, then go on collectin’ those paychecks. Not even the second-coming of Tupac Amaru Shakur will get these Lakers to come together and play with heart. Could the Lakers make the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed? Sure. With that line-up, anything short of a Finals appearance would be a bust. The showtime Lakers, however, still have plenty of uncomfortable questions with equally uncomfortable answers. Two things that are about as certain as not being able to see through the LA smog: The Lakers ain’t making the Finals. The Lakers ain’t winning a playoff series.

Injury Report

Source: ESPN, LA Times

A COIN FLIP: NBA ALL-STAR GAME

by LUCAS COMBS

When: Sunday, February 17th at 530PM PT

Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

Line: -3 WEST

Total: 295.5

ALL-STAR OFFENSIVE

The NBA All Star game is Sunday, so be prepared for another defensive showdown… Really? No, not really. Counting on defense in the NBA all star game is like counting on Congress to be civil and reach an agreement on anything. Neither the East or West squad have scored below 100 points since 1967, and the last time the winning team scored below the century mark was 1954. Defense ain’t happening, like a nun putting out.

The West squad has won 3 out of the last 4 games, scoring at least 142 points in the three victories. The Eastern Conference All-Stars, however, lead the all-time series 36-25. The last 3 games of the series have all been decided by 5 points or less.

Coin Flippin’

Setting the line in the NBA All-Star game has a lot to do with public opinion, rather than historical tendencies or talent disparities notes Rob Gillespie, president of Bodog, “Typically (the NBA All-Star Game) is a coin flip game and guys who are sharp bettors look for better odds than that… Setting the line has a lot to do with public opinion.” With pubic opinion being the main berometer of a betting line, the NBA All Star Game can be a bit of a conundrum for bettors. That doesn’t necessarily mean one shouldn’t bet on the game, but a bettor won’t have as many compelling tendencies to work in comparison with betting on a regular season contest, for instance.

About as Much Betting Info As All-Star Defense

In 2011, the Eastern All-Stars were favored (-1), but fell to the West 148-143. The total went Over.

In last year’s NBA All-Star game, the East were favored by -4 but ended up falling again 152-149 to the West. The total went Over in that game as well.

Rosters and MVP’s

The Eastern roster is filled with 1st time selections, including James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Joakim Noah. The Western roster, on the other hand, doesn’t contain one first time selection, and is instead compiled of veterans, such as 15 time All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant. One has to wonder if a team of veterans might play with less exuberance than a young team of first-timers eager to play well under the bright All-Star lights.

Lebron James is favored to be the MVP in the game with Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant a close second and third, respectively. The winner of the MVP rarely goes to a traditional big man. Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan are the only big men that have won the award since Karl Malone won the All-Star MVP in 1993.

Source: CBS Sports

HATE NOT LOVE: CLIPPERS (38-17) VS. LAKERS (25-28)

by LUCAS COMBS

Previous Meeting (s): The Clippers have defeated the Lakers twice this season – on November 2^nd as the road team, 105-95 and on January 4^th as the home team 107-102.

When: Thurs, February 13^th at 730 PM PT

Where: Staples Center, LA, California

Line: -3 Clippers, Total: 200

Line Movement

Rivalry Match-Up

Home is where the heart is will be the theme in Thursday’s Valentine’s Day rivalry at the Staples Center between the Clippers and Lakers of Los Angeles. The Clippers scored 46 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 106-96 victory over the Houston Rockets late Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups, who is being eased back into the starting line-up after recovering from an ACL injury had his best game of the season with 19 points in just 20 minutes of action. The Clippers will need to get a good night’s sleep for the next day Valentine showdown with the hated Lakers.

The Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns Tuesday despite getting just 4 points from Kobe Bryant. If Bryant doesn’t score more than 4 points Thursday night, the Lakers will not only get knifed like a South Side Crip, but Kobe might start blaming Paul Gasol for being a wuss and not playing through injury.

Betting Information

Against the spread, the Lakers are just 1-3 ATS in their last 4 contests and a dismal 21-32 ATS overall (12-14 ATS in home games). The Lakers are also a porous 4-11 ATS as an underdog and 12-16 ATS versus teams with winning records. The Clippers, meanwhile, are 30-25 ATS overall (14-15 ATS in road games). Concerning the total, the Lakers are 10-4 Over as an underdog (26-26 overall, 14-11 Under in home games). The Clippers are 23-20 ATS as a favorite (28-25 Over overall, 15-14 Under on the road).

Glit and Glamor

The less glamorous Clippers have owned the glittery prima donna Lakers as of late, defeating the Lakers both times the teams faced off this season. The outcomes of the two games between the Clippers and the Lakers are microcosms of how the season has gone for each team. The Clippers have proven they are one of the league’s best, and are now looking to win the division and secure a #1 seed. The Lakers, on the other hand, continue to be inconsistent. Many blame the Lakers’ problems on injuries, but what about the Clippers’ injury problems? The Clippers had to go the first half of the season without Chauncey Billups. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Jamal Crawford have all missed time with injuries. Boo-hoo Lakers. The Lakers do have one semi-objective believer, recently fired coach Mike Brown, who thinks the Lakers turnaround is “just a matter of time.” Dream big.

Injury Report

Source: ESPN

BADLY BRUISED: BULLS FACE CELTICS IN MATCHUP OF INJURED TEAMS

by TYLER WOGALTER

Last Meeting: The Bulls defeated the Celtics 100-99 (OT) at Boston on 1/18/13

Line: Celtics -2, Total: 182

Matchup

With injured lists that have more names than a petition, the banged-up Chicago Bulls travel to Boston on Wednesday to take on the wounded Celtics at 7:30 ET. Both the Celtics and Bulls have been struck with the injury bug this season, suffering long term injuries to each team’s respective All-Star point guards, as well as a number of other playmakers. The Bulls have been without 2011 MVP Derrick Rose all season, and have certainly missed his production recently. Chicago has lost three of their last four contests, giving up an average of 108.8 PPG to opponents over that stretch. The Celtics on the other hand, have played solid basketball since the season-ending injury of Rajon Rondo. Aside from an embarrassing loss at Charlotte on Monday, the Celtics have won seven of their last eight and have done surprisingly well without the former Kentucky star bringing up the ball.

In prior seasons, Chicago and Boston would be neck and neck with the Heat for the East’s best record, but injuries have derailed those plans for now. This matchup, one of the Eastern Conference’s finest rivalries, does not hold the same weight as it previously would have if both teams were healthy and vying for the top spot in the playoffs. Acting as the final game for each team before All-Star Weekend, both the Bulls and Celtics will need to amplify their play after the break if they want to contend for the Finals. Currently, the Bulls hold the 4^th seed in the East and have a half game cushion over the Nets. The Celtics possess the 7^th seed, but are only a game and a half above the Bucks for the final spot in the playoffs.

Betting Information

The Bulls are 30-21 straight up and 21-29 against the spread on the year. While playing on the road, Chicago is 15-9 SU and 14-9 ATS. The Bulls have a record of 29-22 Under against the overall point total, shooting an average of 93.6 PPG. Not too bad for a team without their best player.

The Celtics have a season record of 27-24 SU and 22-26 ATS, and are 19-9 SU and 15-12 ATS when playing at the TD Garden. Boston is 25-25 against the point total, and is putting up 96.3 PPG. Both teams have gone Over against the total in three of their last four games.

Injuries

As if losing Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger weren’t enough, the Celtics were dealt another season-ending injury on Monday in the form of a torn ACL to Leandro Barbosa. In the last month, the Celtics have lost three key contributors for the year, making the climb to the top of the East even harder. Barbosa was averaging 12.5 minutes, 5.2 PPG and 1.4 APG on the year.

What to watch for

Their last few games might not prove it, but the Bulls have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. Allowing only 91.9 PPG (3^rd in the league) and grabbing 43.6 RPG (6^th in the league), look for the Bulls to continue their defensive dominance as Joakim Noah clocks more minutes and fully returns from injury.

Veteran leadership is what Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett bring to the table and have been vital to their recent success. Combined, the two are averaging 36.0 PPG and 19.5 RPG throughout the month of February. If the Celtics hope to do anything against the Bulls, watch for these two future Hall of Famers to make their imprint on the game.

The pick

It’s tough to pick a team when it isn’t at full strength, which makes this game so difficult to pick. These two damaged clubs are in desperate need of the upcoming All-Star break, bringing up the question: “how hard will they play?” I think both teams will show up to play in Boston, but I feel as though the home team has the advantage in this one. I like the Celtics to knock off the Bulls and go eight for their last nine, bringing a positive vibe into the second half of the season for a team that desperately needs it. Take the home favorite giving points, but not the over, 89-84.

Source: ESPN

THE BANGED UP SPURS TAKE ON THE BULLS

by ODDSFATHER STAFF

The Bulls play their first home game in two weeks when the Spurs continue their long road trip Monday in Chicago.

Line: Chicago -2, Total: 190

San Antonio is 2-1 (SU and ATS) so far on its annual rodeo road trip, crushing Brooklyn 111-86 on Sunday thanks to a 59% FG clip and just five turnovers. The Bulls are in the midst of a brutal stretch of schedule that has them playing 10 road games in a 12-game stretch, with the only two tilts at United Center coming against the No. 1 seeds in each conference, San Antonio and Miami. The Bulls are just 4-4 (SU and ATS) in their past eight games, but they did upset Utah 93-89 on Friday to finish off their road trip. And they are also 4-1 (SU and ATS) in the past five meetings with the Spurs, winning two straight home meetings by 8.5 PPG. Both teams have multiple key injuries, as San Antonio PF Tim Duncan (knee) and SG Manu Ginobili (hamstring) are both doubtful, while Chicago will definitely be without PG Kirk Hinrich (arm), with SG Marco Belinelli (foot) questionable for this game.

The Bulls have been horrible on their home floor this season with an NBA-worst 7-19 ATS mark (27%). The Spurs have been the league’s fifth-best road wager at 16-12 ATS (57%). And even if Duncan and Ginobili don’t play, this team has won 12 of its past 13 games thanks mostly to PG Tony Parker who should dominate the Derrick Rose-less Bulls. San Antonio is 25-10 ATS (71%) in the past two seasons when facing teams with a win pct. between 51% and 60%, including 14-4 ATS (78%) in the second half of the season. And in the past three seasons, the Spurs are 19-4 ATS (83%) on the road where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points.

San Antonio’s offense has been extremely efficient all season with 104.4 PPG (4th in NBA), 48.8% FG (2nd in league) and an NBA-leading 25.1 APG. The Spurs also pace the league with 103.7 PPG on 47.6% FG away from home. So far on this road trip, the team is averaging 108.0 PPG on 50% FG in the three games. Star PG Tony Parker (20.7 PPG, 7.7 APG) is having a phenomenal season, and is averaging 25.3 PPG on 58% FG with 9.5 APG in the past 11 contests, scoring at least 19 points in every game. And despite the Bulls being a great defensive franchise, Parker has posted 17.8 PPG on 52% FG with 6.4 APG in 20 career meetings with Chicago. With Duncan (17.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.7 BPG) and Ginobili (12.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.7 RPG) both out, C Tiago Splitter (10.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) is the next highest scorer for the Spurs. He has 15 straight games of 10+ points, averaging 13.5 PPG on a whopping 63% FG, plus 8.0 RPG during this stretch. SG Danny Green (10.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG) has caught fire, scoring 17.8 PPG on 62% FG (63% threes) in the past five games. SF Kawhi Leonard (9.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG) is also starting to find a groove in his past nine contests, averaging 13.2 PPG (17-of-36 threes) and 6.7 RPG during this stretch. But PG Gary Neal (9.6 PPG) has shot terribly in his past 11 games, averaging 6.8 PPG on 33% FG and 10-of-37 threes (27%).

Chicago boasts the third-best scoring defense in the NBA (91.7 PPG) and also ranks third in FG Pct. defense (43.3% FG). However, these numbers have risen to 109.3 PPG and 53% FG in the past three games. But the offense has been decent during this road trip with 96.0 PPG, which is considerably higher than its 93.3 PPG before the long journey. The scoring is led by SF Luol Deng (17.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.1 APG), but he’s been underperforming since returning from a hamstring injury, averaging a mere 15.1 PPG on 36% FG in the past seven games. He’s also shot a low percentage (41%) when facing the Spurs since 2010. PF Carlos Boozer (15.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG) missed the first three games of this road trip due to a hamstring injury, but after playing sparingly (22.5 MPG) in his first two games back, Boozer logged 32 minutes in Friday’s win at Utah, scoring 19 points. With PG Kirk Hinrich (7.0 PPG, 5.2 APG) out indefinitely with an arm injury, PG Nate Robinson (11.9 PPG, 4.0 APG) has stepped up his game in the starting role, averaging 16.6 PPG (14-of-26 threes) and 8.6 APG in the past five games, logging 38.8 MPG in these contests. With SG Marco Belinelli (9.7 PPG) bothered by an ankle injury, Chicago is impatiently waiting for SG Richard Hamilton (10.7 PPG) to heat up. Hamilton has not surpassed 10 points in any of his past nine games, averaging a paltry 6.6 PPG on 36% FG.

Source: Statfox

NBA BETTING FOR SUNDAY: SPURS (39-12) VS. NETS (29-21)

by LUCAS COMBS

Last Meeting: 12/31 – The Spurs crushed the Nets in San Antonio, 104-73.

When: Sunday, February 10^th at 5PM PT

Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

The Match-Up

The San Antonio Spurs head to Brooklyn to face the Nets Sunday and Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli could be sitting out for the second straight game. Duncan and Ginobli sat out Friday’s game versus the Pistons, and subsequently, the Spurs fell 119-109, snapping an 11 game winning streak. It’s questionable if either Duncan or Ginobli will be able to go versus the Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets have had a rough schedule recently and are just 2-3 straight up in their last 5 contests. Brooke Lopez struggled in Friday’s road loss to the Wizards, tallying 13 points on just 3/11 shooting from the field.

Betting Information

The Nets have also struggled against the spread lately, going 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Brooklyn is a meager 22-26 ATS overall this season (11-14 ATS at home) and just 8-15 ATS against teams with winning records.

The Spurs have won 11 out of their last 12 games straight up and are 6-5-1 ATS during that stretch. San Antonio is 28-21 ATS this season (15-12 ATS on the road). The Spurs are also an impressive 15-6 ATS versus non-conference opponents.

Concerning the total, Brooklyn is 28-22 Under (14-13 Under at home) and San Antonio is 28-23 Under (15-12 Over in road games). The Nets are 5-1 Under in Sunday games this season and 13-4 Under versus teams that score 99 points or more per game (which San Antonio does).

Subway Two-Way

ESPN published an article (OK, “blogged”) about play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico calling two games in the same day. Tirico will call the Knicks-Clippers game at 1PM and then hop on a subway to Brooklyn and call the Nets-Spurs game at 8PM (Eastern times). Poor Tirico. You mean, he’s actually going to have to work more than a few hours in a single day? Oh no, that’s not the issue.

The issue is over whether or not he gets seen on the subway. What is Tirico? Some secret agent for the President? Tirico is calling NBA games, but what he’s really doing is delivering sophisticated codes in his play-by-play diction to keep the country safe from those terrorist 5 year old floor wipers. Really!? He’s a play-by-play announcer. No one is going to attack him on the subway or crowd around for his autograph. Lets pray, however, Tirico doesn’t get curb stomped because then ESPN might have to call on… Bill Walton. Oh dear god.

Injury Report

Source: ESPN, NBC SPORTS