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Former All-Star Baron Davis was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday as the Cavs used the one-time amnesty clause in the new CBA. The Cavs remain responsible for paying him $13.9 million this season and a $14.8 million player option in 2012-13 but the money doesn’t count against Cleveland’s salary cap.
The 32-year-old Davis wasn’t a Cavalier for long. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, along with a first-round draft choice, in exchange for guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon on Feb. 24. That first-round pick turned out to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 draft, which was Duke point guard Kyrie Irving. And the irony is that adding Irving made Davis expendable.
Davis appeared in 15 games, starting nine, last season for the Cavaliers. The two-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 assists.
There is almost no chance that a team claims Davis on waivers so he would be free to sign anywhere. And reports are that Davis wants to be a New York Knick, which needs a point guard after dumping Chauncey Billups under the same amnesty clause. As of now, the Knicks are going with Toney Douglas as their starter. The Knicks were hoping to add Jamal Crawford, but he told the team yesterday that the Knicks were no longer an option.
However, Davis could miss up to 10 weeks with a back injury. Davis has a herniated disc in his back and will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks, his agent said, adding that the injury is legitimate and Davis isn’t trying to circumvent the amnesty waiver process. However, the New York Post reports that Davis only needs rest and could play in a few weeks and hints that this injury is a ploy to scare off teams from claiming Davis.
The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers also would likely try to lure Davis, who reported to training camp with the Cavaliers, but didn’t practice because of the injury.
The 32-year-old Davis wasn’t a Cavalier for long. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, along with a first-round draft choice, in exchange for guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon on Feb. 24. That first-round pick turned out to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 draft, which was Duke point guard Kyrie Irving. And the irony is that adding Irving made Davis expendable.
Davis appeared in 15 games, starting nine, last season for the Cavaliers. The two-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 assists.
There is almost no chance that a team claims Davis on waivers so he would be free to sign anywhere. And reports are that Davis wants to be a New York Knick, which needs a point guard after dumping Chauncey Billups under the same amnesty clause. As of now, the Knicks are going with Toney Douglas as their starter. The Knicks were hoping to add Jamal Crawford, but he told the team yesterday that the Knicks were no longer an option.
However, Davis could miss up to 10 weeks with a back injury. Davis has a herniated disc in his back and will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks, his agent said, adding that the injury is legitimate and Davis isn’t trying to circumvent the amnesty waiver process. However, the New York Post reports that Davis only needs rest and could play in a few weeks and hints that this injury is a ploy to scare off teams from claiming Davis.
The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers also would likely try to lure Davis, who reported to training camp with the Cavaliers, but didn’t practice because of the injury.
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Make no mistake about it: The Chicago Bulls entered this season believing they could beat any team in the NBA thanks to Derrick Rose and their depth. After all, the Bulls did finish with the NBA’s best overall record last season.
Well, make that one team the Bulls didn’t think they could beat: the Miami Heat.
It was LeBron James and Co. who knocked the Bulls out of the Eastern Conference Finals last season, largely because the Heat focused entirely on stopping Rose come the fourth quarter. The Bulls’ one weakness was obvious: another guard who could create his own shot or at least hit a consistent jumper when Rose was double-teamed. Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver couldn’t do that.
But now Chicago thinks it has an answer to all those inevitable Rose double-teams in former Pistons guard Richard Hamilton. The Bulls were hoping to add Rip last season but the Pistons never waived him. But Detroit did recently buy out the former All-Star and he agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with Chicago. He will practice with the team for the first time today.
Hamilton, who turns 34 in February, likely won’t play Friday's exhibition in Indianapolis and should make his debut in the lone home exhibition Dec. 20 for Chicago against the Pacers. Hamilton owns a career scoring average of 17.7. He averaged 14.1 points in just 39 starts last season, incurring disciplinary issues as he feuded with then-coach John Kuester. Some say he quit on the team, but the Pistons were a mess a season ago. Hamilton still has a very reliable mid-range jumper and can get himself shots and those are exactly what Chicago needed most. He’s also a solid defender at 6-foot-6.
Well, make that one team the Bulls didn’t think they could beat: the Miami Heat.
It was LeBron James and Co. who knocked the Bulls out of the Eastern Conference Finals last season, largely because the Heat focused entirely on stopping Rose come the fourth quarter. The Bulls’ one weakness was obvious: another guard who could create his own shot or at least hit a consistent jumper when Rose was double-teamed. Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver couldn’t do that.
But now Chicago thinks it has an answer to all those inevitable Rose double-teams in former Pistons guard Richard Hamilton. The Bulls were hoping to add Rip last season but the Pistons never waived him. But Detroit did recently buy out the former All-Star and he agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with Chicago. He will practice with the team for the first time today.
Hamilton, who turns 34 in February, likely won’t play Friday's exhibition in Indianapolis and should make his debut in the lone home exhibition Dec. 20 for Chicago against the Pacers. Hamilton owns a career scoring average of 17.7. He averaged 14.1 points in just 39 starts last season, incurring disciplinary issues as he feuded with then-coach John Kuester. Some say he quit on the team, but the Pistons were a mess a season ago. Hamilton still has a very reliable mid-range jumper and can get himself shots and those are exactly what Chicago needed most. He’s also a solid defender at 6-foot-6.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves finished dead last in the NBA last season with just 17 victories, making their fans lethargic and disappointing any backers they had on the NBA betting lines.
Get all your NBA odds at Bodog.
On the most recent NBA futures board, though, the Timberwolves aren't at the bottom of the list. Progress by the team, or an indictment of how bad the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons look heading into the season?
Well, the Raptors, Cavaliers, and Pistons do all look like they could use some time in the D-League, but the Timberwolves have some interesting new pieces this season that should at least help them be a more entertaining team.
Rebounding machine Kevin Love, of course, is back, and he averaged 20.2 points and 15.2 boards per game last season. Michael Beasley, who put up 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 2010-11, returns as Love's running mate in the frontcourt.
However, the T-Wolves also have a new option up front, with the team selecting Derrick Williams from Arizona with the second pick in the NBA Draft in June. Beasley is still expected to start over Williams, but that could change if the rookie impresses.
We'll also get to see Ricky Rubio in action this season, as the point guard will make his league debut after finally being coaxed over from Europe. Rubio should start right away over Luke Ridnour and the newly-signed Jose Juan Barea in the backcourt.
The T-Wolves, though, are still a team that gives minutes to Darko Milicic, so despite the overall upgrade in talent hoops fans in Minnesota will need to keep their optimism to minimum – after all, they're back at 150/1 odds on the NBA futures list.
Get all your NBA odds at Bodog.
On the most recent NBA futures board, though, the Timberwolves aren't at the bottom of the list. Progress by the team, or an indictment of how bad the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons look heading into the season?
Well, the Raptors, Cavaliers, and Pistons do all look like they could use some time in the D-League, but the Timberwolves have some interesting new pieces this season that should at least help them be a more entertaining team.
Rebounding machine Kevin Love, of course, is back, and he averaged 20.2 points and 15.2 boards per game last season. Michael Beasley, who put up 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 2010-11, returns as Love's running mate in the frontcourt.
However, the T-Wolves also have a new option up front, with the team selecting Derrick Williams from Arizona with the second pick in the NBA Draft in June. Beasley is still expected to start over Williams, but that could change if the rookie impresses.
We'll also get to see Ricky Rubio in action this season, as the point guard will make his league debut after finally being coaxed over from Europe. Rubio should start right away over Luke Ridnour and the newly-signed Jose Juan Barea in the backcourt.
The T-Wolves, though, are still a team that gives minutes to Darko Milicic, so despite the overall upgrade in talent hoops fans in Minnesota will need to keep their optimism to minimum – after all, they're back at 150/1 odds on the NBA futures list.
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The Dallas Mavericks will raise the franchise’s first NBA championship banner on Christmas Day and get to do so right in front of the team they upset in last year’s Finals: the Miami Heat. That matchup highlights the five Christmas games as the NBA opens its 2011-12 season. Miami opened as a 4-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
The Heat didn’t undergo much change from last year as they are snug up against the cap after getting LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade in South Beach a season ago. The main addition was swingman Shane Battier, a terrific perimeter defender and good 3-point shooter. But he is doubtful for the opener because of a left quad strain that forced him to miss both exhibition games. Also expected out is new center Eddy Curry. For sure sidelined are swingman Mike Miller, who missed nearly all of last season, and fellow sharpshooter Eddie House. So that’s four rotation players who could sit, meaning more minutes for the Big 3.
Dallas, which beat the Heat in six games in the Finals, lost two key pieces of that team in center Tyson Chandler and guard J.J. Barea. But the Mavs stole Lamar Odom from the Lakers for next-to-nothing and also signed guards Vince Carter and Delonte West. Thus Dallas could be better offensively than a year ago but certainly worse off on the defensive end.
The Mavs are going to need a lot more from Brendan Haywood, who becomes the starting center. Haywood did not a score a point. He did not get to the free-throw line. In two preseason games, the 7-foot, 263-pounder averaged 2.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 22.0 minutes. Dallas was beaten in both preseason games by Oklahoma City, but Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd didn’t play in the first and Jason Terry and West didn’t play in the second. Miami went 1-1 in the preseason vs. Orlando.
The Mavs swept both regular-season games with Miami last year, winning 106-95 at home and 98-96 in South Florida. Nowitzki averaged 24.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in those games. LeBron averaged just 21.0 points in the two games but 9.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
The Heat didn’t undergo much change from last year as they are snug up against the cap after getting LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade in South Beach a season ago. The main addition was swingman Shane Battier, a terrific perimeter defender and good 3-point shooter. But he is doubtful for the opener because of a left quad strain that forced him to miss both exhibition games. Also expected out is new center Eddy Curry. For sure sidelined are swingman Mike Miller, who missed nearly all of last season, and fellow sharpshooter Eddie House. So that’s four rotation players who could sit, meaning more minutes for the Big 3.
Dallas, which beat the Heat in six games in the Finals, lost two key pieces of that team in center Tyson Chandler and guard J.J. Barea. But the Mavs stole Lamar Odom from the Lakers for next-to-nothing and also signed guards Vince Carter and Delonte West. Thus Dallas could be better offensively than a year ago but certainly worse off on the defensive end.
The Mavs are going to need a lot more from Brendan Haywood, who becomes the starting center. Haywood did not a score a point. He did not get to the free-throw line. In two preseason games, the 7-foot, 263-pounder averaged 2.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 22.0 minutes. Dallas was beaten in both preseason games by Oklahoma City, but Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd didn’t play in the first and Jason Terry and West didn’t play in the second. Miami went 1-1 in the preseason vs. Orlando.
The Mavs swept both regular-season games with Miami last year, winning 106-95 at home and 98-96 in South Florida. Nowitzki averaged 24.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in those games. LeBron averaged just 21.0 points in the two games but 9.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
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The Houston Rockets finished four games over the .500 mark last season but missed the playoffs in the Western Conference by three games. They'll get their 2011-12 campaign underway on Monday night as they play in Orlando in an NBA betting matchup.
Get these and all your NBA odds at Bovada.
The Rockets tried to bring in some serious reinforcements this season to try and squeeze into the West's top eight, but they were rebuffed when their proposed three-way 'Chris Paul' deal with the Lakers and Hornets was rejected by the league office.
That trade would have put forward Pau Gasol in a Rockets uniform, while shipping guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and center Luis Scola to the Hornets.
Instead, those players remain in Houston, where they'll look to put any hurt feelings behind them and try to guide the Rockets into a better position in the standings this season. Martin and Scola led Houston in scoring last season, putting up 23.5 and 18.3 points per game, respectively.
The Rockets, though, remain well back in the pack at Bovada's online sportsbook on the NBA futures chart, as they sit at 75/1 odds to win the championship in this lockout-shortened season. The Magic are at 28/1 odds to claim the title.
Houston is also at +1000 to win the Southwest Division title this year, behind each of the Mavericks (-110), Grizzlies (+300), and Spurs (+325). The Hornets, who ended up shipping Paul to the Clippers instead of the Lakers, are at +3500 to win the division.
Orlando is the second-favorite to win the Southeast Division this season, but at +750 they're well back of the -1500 Heat on that list. The Magic finished fourth overall in the East with 52 wins last year, but could end up dealing Dwight Howard and suffering in the standings as a result.
The Magic, who started their season on Christmas Day on the road in Oklahoma City, return home to host the Rockets on Monday night.
Get these and all your NBA odds at Bovada.
The Rockets tried to bring in some serious reinforcements this season to try and squeeze into the West's top eight, but they were rebuffed when their proposed three-way 'Chris Paul' deal with the Lakers and Hornets was rejected by the league office.
That trade would have put forward Pau Gasol in a Rockets uniform, while shipping guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and center Luis Scola to the Hornets.
Instead, those players remain in Houston, where they'll look to put any hurt feelings behind them and try to guide the Rockets into a better position in the standings this season. Martin and Scola led Houston in scoring last season, putting up 23.5 and 18.3 points per game, respectively.
The Rockets, though, remain well back in the pack at Bovada's online sportsbook on the NBA futures chart, as they sit at 75/1 odds to win the championship in this lockout-shortened season. The Magic are at 28/1 odds to claim the title.
Houston is also at +1000 to win the Southwest Division title this year, behind each of the Mavericks (-110), Grizzlies (+300), and Spurs (+325). The Hornets, who ended up shipping Paul to the Clippers instead of the Lakers, are at +3500 to win the division.
Orlando is the second-favorite to win the Southeast Division this season, but at +750 they're well back of the -1500 Heat on that list. The Magic finished fourth overall in the East with 52 wins last year, but could end up dealing Dwight Howard and suffering in the standings as a result.
The Magic, who started their season on Christmas Day on the road in Oklahoma City, return home to host the Rockets on Monday night.
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We all can stop panicking now, the L.A. Lakers have won their first game.
Kobe Bryant, swelling wrist and all, was able to score 26 points, while Pau Gasol scored 22 as the dynamic duo lead the Lakers to a 96-71 win. The Lakers were listed as -5.5 favorites.
The Lakers avoided an 0-3 start with a impressive third quarter, going on a 27-8 surger coming out of halftime. If there’s one thing the Lakers have shown since Dec. 25 is their activity on defense, it was on display Tuesday night.
“We’re a very active team,” Bryant said. “This is a blue-collar team. We’re a scrappy bunch. You saw that. We’re going to fight and scratch and claw for everything, as it should be. That’ll get us by.”
NBA odds are available right now in the Bovada Sportsbook!
Betting Analysis: But is it enough to get by against the spread? Since Gasol arrived to the Lakers, L.A. has been known to go on tears throughout the season, paying bettors who jumped on the bandwagon at the right time. Unfortunately, with a new offense, lack of depth, an injured star and aging point guard these Lakers just don’t seem capable. The days of blindly picking the Lakers to win and cover are over, and now will be dependent on matchups, specifically those that involve star point guards.
The return of Andrew Bynum might change things, though it has never really affected wagers in the past.
Kobe Bryant, swelling wrist and all, was able to score 26 points, while Pau Gasol scored 22 as the dynamic duo lead the Lakers to a 96-71 win. The Lakers were listed as -5.5 favorites.
The Lakers avoided an 0-3 start with a impressive third quarter, going on a 27-8 surger coming out of halftime. If there’s one thing the Lakers have shown since Dec. 25 is their activity on defense, it was on display Tuesday night.
“We’re a very active team,” Bryant said. “This is a blue-collar team. We’re a scrappy bunch. You saw that. We’re going to fight and scratch and claw for everything, as it should be. That’ll get us by.”
NBA odds are available right now in the Bovada Sportsbook!
Betting Analysis: But is it enough to get by against the spread? Since Gasol arrived to the Lakers, L.A. has been known to go on tears throughout the season, paying bettors who jumped on the bandwagon at the right time. Unfortunately, with a new offense, lack of depth, an injured star and aging point guard these Lakers just don’t seem capable. The days of blindly picking the Lakers to win and cover are over, and now will be dependent on matchups, specifically those that involve star point guards.
The return of Andrew Bynum might change things, though it has never really affected wagers in the past.
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The Miami Heat still fizzles down the stretch but have grabbed two big wins over championship squads.
After taking out the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, the Heat took out the always challenging Boston Celtics with a 115-107 win. Heat rookie point guard Norris Cole sealed the win from the foul line with 9.3 seconds while chants of “M-V-P” came from the stands.
“You grow up and live for moments like that,” Cole said.
We doubt an MVP award is coming in 2012, but Cole did have an impressive game. Cole scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, showing that the Heat didn’t have to rely on the “Big 3” in order to get win. Scary.
***
Get your NBA odds in the Bovada Sportsbook!
***
Betting Analysis: The Heat didn’t cover the 9.5-point spread versus the Celtics, but we’ve still been impressed by Miami thus far. And it’s not just Cole or more cohesiveness, it’s LeBron James finally realizing he needs a post-up game.
In the NBA having a presence in the paint can equal high-percentage opportunities, especially late in the game when defenses tighten up. And if you have a superstar that can dominate in the paint in crunch time, you have a dominant wager on your hands. Michael Jordan learned that, Dirk Nowitzki learned that, Kobe Bryant learned that and now James is figuring it out.
If he develops a Bryant or Jordan type of post game expect it to pay dividends against the spread.
After taking out the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, the Heat took out the always challenging Boston Celtics with a 115-107 win. Heat rookie point guard Norris Cole sealed the win from the foul line with 9.3 seconds while chants of “M-V-P” came from the stands.
“You grow up and live for moments like that,” Cole said.
We doubt an MVP award is coming in 2012, but Cole did have an impressive game. Cole scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, showing that the Heat didn’t have to rely on the “Big 3” in order to get win. Scary.
***
Get your NBA odds in the Bovada Sportsbook!
***
Betting Analysis: The Heat didn’t cover the 9.5-point spread versus the Celtics, but we’ve still been impressed by Miami thus far. And it’s not just Cole or more cohesiveness, it’s LeBron James finally realizing he needs a post-up game.
In the NBA having a presence in the paint can equal high-percentage opportunities, especially late in the game when defenses tighten up. And if you have a superstar that can dominate in the paint in crunch time, you have a dominant wager on your hands. Michael Jordan learned that, Dirk Nowitzki learned that, Kobe Bryant learned that and now James is figuring it out.
If he develops a Bryant or Jordan type of post game expect it to pay dividends against the spread.
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The big story in the NBA right now is the saga involving talented but temperamental Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. The former Kentucky star, the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft, demanded a trade from the team and was sent home and missed a game against the Hornets over the weekend.
Get all your NCAA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
There certainly would be a strong market if the Kings were to trade Cousins. The 21-year-old was averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes per game this season. His upside is tremendous. The Kings were hoping he would show improved maturity after a strong rookie campaign that also had its share of temper tantrums and blow-ups. He was disciplined at least four times -- there were more, but only four became public -- by the team last year, including for a shouting match with coach Paul Westphal and a locker room fight with teammate Donte Greene. Cousins’ attitude and work ethic were questioned coming out of UK and were a big reason he slipped to No. 5; he probably should have gone No. 2 .
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that hours before Westphal ordered Cousins to stay away from Sunday’s game against the Hornets, Cousins had yet another shouting match with Westphal in the coach’s office. Before the Kings’ 96-80 victory over the Hornets, Westphal told reporters that Cousins requested trades on Dec. 24 and again after Saturday night’s loss to the Knicks. Westphal said he ordered Cousins to stay away from that evening’s game against New Orleans because Cousins “continually, aggressively, lets it be known that he is unwilling/unable to embrace traveling in the same direction as his team.”
Sacramento officials say they have no intention of trading Cousins, and there’s no way that the Kings would get equal value back for him now anyway (that hasn't stopped teams from calling). Many believe that instead the Kings might fire Westphal instead and replace him with a coach who is more of a disciplinarian to try and get Cousins in line. Back in 2001, Westphal was fired by the Sonics after his relationship with point guard Gary Payton became too strained and the team began to unravel. Cousins will join the Kings on their road trip to Memphis and Denver, so it seems likely he could play as early as Tuesday against the Grizzlies.
Get all your NCAA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
There certainly would be a strong market if the Kings were to trade Cousins. The 21-year-old was averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes per game this season. His upside is tremendous. The Kings were hoping he would show improved maturity after a strong rookie campaign that also had its share of temper tantrums and blow-ups. He was disciplined at least four times -- there were more, but only four became public -- by the team last year, including for a shouting match with coach Paul Westphal and a locker room fight with teammate Donte Greene. Cousins’ attitude and work ethic were questioned coming out of UK and were a big reason he slipped to No. 5; he probably should have gone No. 2 .
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that hours before Westphal ordered Cousins to stay away from Sunday’s game against the Hornets, Cousins had yet another shouting match with Westphal in the coach’s office. Before the Kings’ 96-80 victory over the Hornets, Westphal told reporters that Cousins requested trades on Dec. 24 and again after Saturday night’s loss to the Knicks. Westphal said he ordered Cousins to stay away from that evening’s game against New Orleans because Cousins “continually, aggressively, lets it be known that he is unwilling/unable to embrace traveling in the same direction as his team.”
Sacramento officials say they have no intention of trading Cousins, and there’s no way that the Kings would get equal value back for him now anyway (that hasn't stopped teams from calling). Many believe that instead the Kings might fire Westphal instead and replace him with a coach who is more of a disciplinarian to try and get Cousins in line. Back in 2001, Westphal was fired by the Sonics after his relationship with point guard Gary Payton became too strained and the team began to unravel. Cousins will join the Kings on their road trip to Memphis and Denver, so it seems likely he could play as early as Tuesday against the Grizzlies.
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With mixed results over the first week of the season the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking for some consistency starting on Tuesday night when they host the Houston Rockets on the NBA betting lines.
Get these and all your NBA odds at Bovada.
The Lakers lost their first two games of the season to the Bulls and Kings, then bounced back with consecutive victories over the Jazz, Knicks, and Nuggets.
On Sunday, though, Los Angeles was sent back into the loss column by the Nuggets, as they dropped the back end of the home-and-home set by a 99-90 score in Denver.
Pau Gasol had a team-high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Los Angeles in that loss, while Andrew Bynum was good for 18 points and 16 boards. Kobe Bryant shot just 6 of 28 from the floor in the defeat, ending up with 16 points.
The Rockets are 2-2 on the year, alternating losses to the Magic and Grizzlies with wins over the Spurs and Hawks. Against Atlanta last time out on Saturday Houston rolled to a 95-84 win behind a 27-point performance from Kevin Martin.
Luis Scola was good for 21 points for the Rockets in that contest, and Jordan Hill picked up 11 points and 15 rebounds. Chase Budinger chipped in with 17 points.
The Lakers won their last meeting with the Rockets, picking up a 114-106 home victory as an 8.5-point favorite back in February. Los Angeles has seven straight-up wins in their past 10 games against Houston, covering the spread in four of those contests.
Each of the last four matchups between the Rockets and Lakers were OVER results.
Get these and all your NBA odds at Bovada.
The Lakers lost their first two games of the season to the Bulls and Kings, then bounced back with consecutive victories over the Jazz, Knicks, and Nuggets.
On Sunday, though, Los Angeles was sent back into the loss column by the Nuggets, as they dropped the back end of the home-and-home set by a 99-90 score in Denver.
Pau Gasol had a team-high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Los Angeles in that loss, while Andrew Bynum was good for 18 points and 16 boards. Kobe Bryant shot just 6 of 28 from the floor in the defeat, ending up with 16 points.
The Rockets are 2-2 on the year, alternating losses to the Magic and Grizzlies with wins over the Spurs and Hawks. Against Atlanta last time out on Saturday Houston rolled to a 95-84 win behind a 27-point performance from Kevin Martin.
Luis Scola was good for 21 points for the Rockets in that contest, and Jordan Hill picked up 11 points and 15 rebounds. Chase Budinger chipped in with 17 points.
The Lakers won their last meeting with the Rockets, picking up a 114-106 home victory as an 8.5-point favorite back in February. Los Angeles has seven straight-up wins in their past 10 games against Houston, covering the spread in four of those contests.
Each of the last four matchups between the Rockets and Lakers were OVER results.
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The Atlanta Hawks can pull off one of the most impressive back-to-backs in the NBA this season if they can win in Chicago a night after stunning the Heat in Miami. However, Chicago is a 9.5-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball lines.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
Atlanta (4-1) stymied Miami with a zone defense on Monday night and won 100-92 to give the Heat their first loss. Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 21 points, with Al Horford adding 16 and Jeff Teague 15. Veteran Tracy McGrady was strong off Atlanta's bench with 16 points, including three key late 3-pointers. The Hawks held Miami to a season-low in points and lead in the NBA in points allowed per game at 87.6.
Chicago (4-1) last played Sunday, crushing Memphis 104-64. Carlos Boozer had his best game of the season for the Bulls with 17 points and 11 rebounds. They are off to their best start since the 1996-97 team won its first 12. Chicago played Sunday without guards Richard Hamilton and C.J. Watson, and it appears that Watson, the backup point guard to Derrick Rose, will sit again with an elbow injury. Hamilton (sore groin), the starting shooting guard, could play. Ronnie Brewer would start again if Rip sits – Brewer had 17 against the Grizzlies.
The Bulls are getting out and running more, which is smart considering Rose may be the fastest player in the NBA. They have posted 33 fast-break points in two games already. Last season, they surpassed 30 fast-break points just three times in 82 games. The Bulls dispatched the Hawks from last season's Eastern Conference semifinals in six games. In the last regular-season meeting, Rose had 30 points in a 114-81 road blowout on March 22. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the past four meetings in this series.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
Atlanta (4-1) stymied Miami with a zone defense on Monday night and won 100-92 to give the Heat their first loss. Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 21 points, with Al Horford adding 16 and Jeff Teague 15. Veteran Tracy McGrady was strong off Atlanta's bench with 16 points, including three key late 3-pointers. The Hawks held Miami to a season-low in points and lead in the NBA in points allowed per game at 87.6.
Chicago (4-1) last played Sunday, crushing Memphis 104-64. Carlos Boozer had his best game of the season for the Bulls with 17 points and 11 rebounds. They are off to their best start since the 1996-97 team won its first 12. Chicago played Sunday without guards Richard Hamilton and C.J. Watson, and it appears that Watson, the backup point guard to Derrick Rose, will sit again with an elbow injury. Hamilton (sore groin), the starting shooting guard, could play. Ronnie Brewer would start again if Rip sits – Brewer had 17 against the Grizzlies.
The Bulls are getting out and running more, which is smart considering Rose may be the fastest player in the NBA. They have posted 33 fast-break points in two games already. Last season, they surpassed 30 fast-break points just three times in 82 games. The Bulls dispatched the Hawks from last season's Eastern Conference semifinals in six games. In the last regular-season meeting, Rose had 30 points in a 114-81 road blowout on March 22. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the past four meetings in this series.
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Coming off a win on Monday afternoon the Phoenix Suns will be looking to make it two in a row on Wednesday night as they take on the Dallas Mavericks in NBA betting action at Bovada's online sportsbook.
Get all your NBA odds and future stoday.
The Suns improved to 2-3 on the season on Monday with a 102-91 home win over the Golden State Warriors, getting 21 points and nine assists from Steve Nash in that victory. Nash had entered the contest averaging just 8.2 points per game this season.
Markieff Morris picked up 16 points off the bench for Phoenix in that contest, while Channing Frye chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jared Dudley was good for 15 points on the day.
Phoenix, though, should expect to be in tough against the Mavericks on Wednesday night, as they've been tagged with the loss in each of their last five games against Dallas – and in eight of the past 10 meetings between the clubs.
The Mavericks have also managed to pay off for their supporters on the NBA betting lines when they've faced the Suns lately, going 7-3 against the spread in those past 10 games. The OVER/UNDER was 5-5 in those matchups.
Dallas, however, has struggled to win basketball games so far this season, causing them to slip to 15/1 on the NBA futures list at Bovada's online sportsbook to win a second consecutive league championship in the spring.
That has the Mavericks tied with the New York Knicks and trailing the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers on the title odds list. The Suns are well back at 150/1 odds to win the NBA championship this year.
Get all your NBA odds and future stoday.
The Suns improved to 2-3 on the season on Monday with a 102-91 home win over the Golden State Warriors, getting 21 points and nine assists from Steve Nash in that victory. Nash had entered the contest averaging just 8.2 points per game this season.
Markieff Morris picked up 16 points off the bench for Phoenix in that contest, while Channing Frye chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jared Dudley was good for 15 points on the day.
Phoenix, though, should expect to be in tough against the Mavericks on Wednesday night, as they've been tagged with the loss in each of their last five games against Dallas – and in eight of the past 10 meetings between the clubs.
The Mavericks have also managed to pay off for their supporters on the NBA betting lines when they've faced the Suns lately, going 7-3 against the spread in those past 10 games. The OVER/UNDER was 5-5 in those matchups.
Dallas, however, has struggled to win basketball games so far this season, causing them to slip to 15/1 on the NBA futures list at Bovada's online sportsbook to win a second consecutive league championship in the spring.
That has the Mavericks tied with the New York Knicks and trailing the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers on the title odds list. The Suns are well back at 150/1 odds to win the NBA championship this year.
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A game against the Orlando Magic hasn't been good news for the Washington Wizards lately, but they'll get a chance to end a skid against them on Wednesday night.
Get your NBA odds for the bout with Bovada.
Orlando has won six straight games against Washington dating back to March 2010, covering the posted spread in all but one of those contests. Totals bettors saw the OVER/UNDER go 4-1-1 in those six games.
And the rest of the league has won five straight against Washington so far this season, as the Wizards are off to an ugly 0-5 beginning to the 2011-12 NBA campaign.
Washington's latest loss came on Monday night, when they fell 100-92 on the road to the Boston Celtics. Andray Blatche led the way with 28 points for the Wizards in that losing cause, while John Wall picked up 11 points and eight assists on the night.
The Magic are coming off a loss as well, falling 89-78 on the road in Detroit on Monday night. Dwight Howard picked up 19 points but was held to seven rebounds for Orlando in that contest, and Ryan Anderson pitched in with 13 points and six boards.
That defeat dropped Orlando to 4-2 on the season, and they trail the Miami Heat in the Southeast Division standings.
On Bovada's NBA futures list the Magic are well ahead of the Wizards at 30/1 odds to win the league's championship this season; Washington is near the bottom of the list at longshot 200/1 odds to claim the title.
Get your NBA odds for the bout with Bovada.
Orlando has won six straight games against Washington dating back to March 2010, covering the posted spread in all but one of those contests. Totals bettors saw the OVER/UNDER go 4-1-1 in those six games.
And the rest of the league has won five straight against Washington so far this season, as the Wizards are off to an ugly 0-5 beginning to the 2011-12 NBA campaign.
Washington's latest loss came on Monday night, when they fell 100-92 on the road to the Boston Celtics. Andray Blatche led the way with 28 points for the Wizards in that losing cause, while John Wall picked up 11 points and eight assists on the night.
The Magic are coming off a loss as well, falling 89-78 on the road in Detroit on Monday night. Dwight Howard picked up 19 points but was held to seven rebounds for Orlando in that contest, and Ryan Anderson pitched in with 13 points and six boards.
That defeat dropped Orlando to 4-2 on the season, and they trail the Miami Heat in the Southeast Division standings.
On Bovada's NBA futures list the Magic are well ahead of the Wizards at 30/1 odds to win the league's championship this season; Washington is near the bottom of the list at longshot 200/1 odds to claim the title.
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The game of the night in the NBA on Wednesday is pretty clearly from south Florida when the Miami Heat, off their first loss of the season, host the Indiana Pacers in the only matchup between teams with winning records. The Heat opened as 9-point favorites on Bovada’s NBA odds.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
Miami looked nearly invincible heading into Monday at 5-0 and the best start in franchise history. But the Heat were stunned 100-92 at home by Atlanta. Teams have resorted to using zone defenses against Miami and that’s a scheme that the Hawks were in practically all night. The Heat led the league in fast-break points (25.4), points in the paint (49.2), and points off turnovers per game (26.4). But against the Hawks they fell well short of their season averages in each of those categories: 10, 38 and 13, respectively. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said not only was the zone effective on the court, he admitted it got into Miami's heads as well. Dwyane Wade, for example, was just 4-for-17 from the field.
Indiana (4-1) enters off a 108-94 blowout win over the New Jersey Nets on Monday as the Pacers shot a season high 52.6 percent from the field. Indiana shot 62 percent from 3-point range, also a season high. The Pacers have the No. 3 scoring defense in the NBA matched up against Miami’s No. 1 offense.
And the Heat have generally struggled with big, deep frontcourts and the Pacers have that in David West, Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough. Between the three of them, they average 37 points and 26 rebounds a game (plus reserve Jeff Foster might make his season debut). The Hawks torched the Heat for 50 points in the paint. Miami allows 35.7 points per game in the paint, sixth-most in the league.
Miami has won six of the past seven in this series. The road team has covered in the past four meetings. The Heat are just 1-4 ATS in past five at home overall.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
Miami looked nearly invincible heading into Monday at 5-0 and the best start in franchise history. But the Heat were stunned 100-92 at home by Atlanta. Teams have resorted to using zone defenses against Miami and that’s a scheme that the Hawks were in practically all night. The Heat led the league in fast-break points (25.4), points in the paint (49.2), and points off turnovers per game (26.4). But against the Hawks they fell well short of their season averages in each of those categories: 10, 38 and 13, respectively. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said not only was the zone effective on the court, he admitted it got into Miami's heads as well. Dwyane Wade, for example, was just 4-for-17 from the field.
Indiana (4-1) enters off a 108-94 blowout win over the New Jersey Nets on Monday as the Pacers shot a season high 52.6 percent from the field. Indiana shot 62 percent from 3-point range, also a season high. The Pacers have the No. 3 scoring defense in the NBA matched up against Miami’s No. 1 offense.
And the Heat have generally struggled with big, deep frontcourts and the Pacers have that in David West, Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough. Between the three of them, they average 37 points and 26 rebounds a game (plus reserve Jeff Foster might make his season debut). The Hawks torched the Heat for 50 points in the paint. Miami allows 35.7 points per game in the paint, sixth-most in the league.
Miami has won six of the past seven in this series. The road team has covered in the past four meetings. The Heat are just 1-4 ATS in past five at home overall.
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In the battle between Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and head coach Paul Westphal it appears Cousins has won. The Sacramento Kings fired coach Westphal Thursday after two-plus seasons and a 2-5 start. NBA odds have the Kings listed as +2.5 underdogs versus the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
***
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***
“I want to thank Paul for all of his effort on behalf of the Kings,” said Geoff Petrie, Kings president of basketball operations. “Unfortunately, the overall performance level of the team has not approached what we felt was reasonable to expect. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Westphal finishes with a 51-120 record, although it falls way below expectations from an NBA standpoint, Westphal wasn’t exactly given a wealth of superstar talent.
“I would like to thank the Maloof family for the incredible opportunity they gave me to participate in the attempt to bring the Sacramento Kings back to prominence,” Westphal said. “While the job is far from finished, I am proud of the strides we were able to make.”
Betting Analysis: Expect a boost from the play of disgruntled center Cousins. Unless the Kings clean house and trade him Cousins will likely come out firing to show he’s still capable of playing at an all star level.
There is also the possibility of a post-coach boost for the rest of the Kings as it tends to happen when there’s coaching or GM turnover, the Kings are +2.5 underdogs tonight versus the Milwaukee Bucks and will be out to prove they’re a better squad in the post-Westphal era.
***
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***
“I want to thank Paul for all of his effort on behalf of the Kings,” said Geoff Petrie, Kings president of basketball operations. “Unfortunately, the overall performance level of the team has not approached what we felt was reasonable to expect. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Westphal finishes with a 51-120 record, although it falls way below expectations from an NBA standpoint, Westphal wasn’t exactly given a wealth of superstar talent.
“I would like to thank the Maloof family for the incredible opportunity they gave me to participate in the attempt to bring the Sacramento Kings back to prominence,” Westphal said. “While the job is far from finished, I am proud of the strides we were able to make.”
Betting Analysis: Expect a boost from the play of disgruntled center Cousins. Unless the Kings clean house and trade him Cousins will likely come out firing to show he’s still capable of playing at an all star level.
There is also the possibility of a post-coach boost for the rest of the Kings as it tends to happen when there’s coaching or GM turnover, the Kings are +2.5 underdogs tonight versus the Milwaukee Bucks and will be out to prove they’re a better squad in the post-Westphal era.
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Kobe Bryant will be looking to turn in another big performance on Thursday night as his Los Angeles Lakers head out on the road to take on the Trail Blazers in Portland in NBA betting action.
Get all your NBA odds for the week at Bovada's online sportsbook.
The Lakers got 37 points from Bryant in their 108-99 win at home over the Rockets in their last game on Tuesday night, and he added eight rebounds and six assists for good measure. On the season Bryant is now averaging 25.9 points per game.
Andrew Bynum had a big game as well on Tuesday, scoring 21 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in the victory. Pau Gasol chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds.
That win pushed Los Angeles' record to 4-3 both straight up and against the spread on the season. Portland heads into Thursday's matchup at 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread, getting past Oklahoma City 103-93 in an upset road victory on Tuesday.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 30 points for the Blazers in that win, while Wesley Matthews added 16 points on the night. Gerald Wallace picked up 13 points and 10 rebounds that day for Portland.
Portland upset Los Angeles 93-86 as a 3-point home underdog when the teams last met last April, putting them at 5-5 straight up and 6-4 against the spread in the last 10 matchups between the teams. Five of those 10 games were OVER results.
As far as NBA futures go, the Lakers enter Thursday's game at 7/1 odds to win the NBA championship this season; the Trail Blazers are back at 35/1 odds to claim the title.
Get all your NBA odds for the week at Bovada's online sportsbook.
The Lakers got 37 points from Bryant in their 108-99 win at home over the Rockets in their last game on Tuesday night, and he added eight rebounds and six assists for good measure. On the season Bryant is now averaging 25.9 points per game.
Andrew Bynum had a big game as well on Tuesday, scoring 21 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in the victory. Pau Gasol chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds.
That win pushed Los Angeles' record to 4-3 both straight up and against the spread on the season. Portland heads into Thursday's matchup at 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread, getting past Oklahoma City 103-93 in an upset road victory on Tuesday.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 30 points for the Blazers in that win, while Wesley Matthews added 16 points on the night. Gerald Wallace picked up 13 points and 10 rebounds that day for Portland.
Portland upset Los Angeles 93-86 as a 3-point home underdog when the teams last met last April, putting them at 5-5 straight up and 6-4 against the spread in the last 10 matchups between the teams. Five of those 10 games were OVER results.
As far as NBA futures go, the Lakers enter Thursday's game at 7/1 odds to win the NBA championship this season; the Trail Blazers are back at 35/1 odds to claim the title.
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Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics (Flickr Creative Commons)
Winners of four games in a row, the Boston Celtics will be trying to keep the victories coming on Friday night as they play host to the Indiana Pacers in an NBA betting matchup at Bovada's online sportsbook.
Get all your NBA odds and futures today.
The Celtics kept their winning streak alive in their last game on Wednesday night, beating the New Jersey Nets 89-70 in Boston with Paul Pierce scoring a team-high 24 points in the contest.
Kevin Garnett picked up 14 points and 12 rebounds for Boston in that win, while Rajon Rondo was good for eight points and 12 assists. Ray Allen sat out with an illness.
That result put the Celtics at 4-3 straight up and 5-2 against the spread through their first seven games of the year, with their OVER/UNDER mark at 4-3. The Pacers are 4-2 straight up and 3-3 against the spread, with their OVER/UNDER at 3-3.
Despite their winning record, though, the Pacers are coming off an ugly 118-83 loss in Miami to the Heat on Wednesday night, giving up 33 points to LeBron James that day.
Roy Hibbert led the Pacers' offense with 16 points and 12 rebounds in that defeat, and Tyler Hansbrough contributed 14 points off the bench. Danny Granger was held to just six points in the loss; he's averaging 15.2 points per game so far this season.
The Celtics have beaten the Pacers in eight of their past 10 meetings, going 5-5 against the spread in those contests. Indiana, though, managed to beat Boston 107-100 at home as a 1.5-point underdog when they last played last season.
Winners of four games in a row, the Boston Celtics will be trying to keep the victories coming on Friday night as they play host to the Indiana Pacers in an NBA betting matchup at Bovada's online sportsbook.
Get all your NBA odds and futures today.
The Celtics kept their winning streak alive in their last game on Wednesday night, beating the New Jersey Nets 89-70 in Boston with Paul Pierce scoring a team-high 24 points in the contest.
Kevin Garnett picked up 14 points and 12 rebounds for Boston in that win, while Rajon Rondo was good for eight points and 12 assists. Ray Allen sat out with an illness.
That result put the Celtics at 4-3 straight up and 5-2 against the spread through their first seven games of the year, with their OVER/UNDER mark at 4-3. The Pacers are 4-2 straight up and 3-3 against the spread, with their OVER/UNDER at 3-3.
Despite their winning record, though, the Pacers are coming off an ugly 118-83 loss in Miami to the Heat on Wednesday night, giving up 33 points to LeBron James that day.
Roy Hibbert led the Pacers' offense with 16 points and 12 rebounds in that defeat, and Tyler Hansbrough contributed 14 points off the bench. Danny Granger was held to just six points in the loss; he's averaging 15.2 points per game so far this season.
The Celtics have beaten the Pacers in eight of their past 10 meetings, going 5-5 against the spread in those contests. Indiana, though, managed to beat Boston 107-100 at home as a 1.5-point underdog when they last played last season.
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Back on track after a sluggish start to the season, the New York Knicks will be looking for a win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night when the teams hit the floor in an NBA betting matchup at Bovada's online sportsbook.
Get your NBA futures today!
The Knicks squared off their record at 4-4 over the weekend with a 99-96 victory in Washington on Friday night and a 103-80 pasting of the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday.
Amar'e Stoudemire led the way on offense for the Knicks against the Pistons, pouring in 22 points and adding eight rebounds in the contest. Carmelo Anthony was held to just 13 points in that game, with Tyson Chandler picking up 10 points and nine boards.
The Knicks are just 2-6 against the spread so far this season, while the Bobcats have covered the posted spread in just three of their eight games this year. One of those ATS wins for Charlotte, though, came against New York last Wednesday night.
The Bobcats won their matchup with the Knicks 118-110 in New York last Wednesday despite entering the contest as an 11-point road underdog. The combined score of the game was an easy OVER result for totals bettors.
Boris Diaw poured in 27 points for Charlotte in their win in New York, with Gerald Henderson adding 24 points on the night. D.J. Augustin picked up 14 points and 10 assists in the victory.
Anthony had a game-high 32 points for the Knicks in that losing cause, with Stoudemire good for 25 points and 12 rebounds. Iman Shumpert scored 18 points off the bench on the night.
Overall, New York is 4-6 straight up and 3-7 against the spread in its last 10 games against Charlotte, with the OVER/UNDER going 5-5 over those 10 contests.
Bet on NBA action this week at Bovada's online sportsbook.
Get your NBA futures today!
The Knicks squared off their record at 4-4 over the weekend with a 99-96 victory in Washington on Friday night and a 103-80 pasting of the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday.
Amar'e Stoudemire led the way on offense for the Knicks against the Pistons, pouring in 22 points and adding eight rebounds in the contest. Carmelo Anthony was held to just 13 points in that game, with Tyson Chandler picking up 10 points and nine boards.
The Knicks are just 2-6 against the spread so far this season, while the Bobcats have covered the posted spread in just three of their eight games this year. One of those ATS wins for Charlotte, though, came against New York last Wednesday night.
The Bobcats won their matchup with the Knicks 118-110 in New York last Wednesday despite entering the contest as an 11-point road underdog. The combined score of the game was an easy OVER result for totals bettors.
Boris Diaw poured in 27 points for Charlotte in their win in New York, with Gerald Henderson adding 24 points on the night. D.J. Augustin picked up 14 points and 10 assists in the victory.
Anthony had a game-high 32 points for the Knicks in that losing cause, with Stoudemire good for 25 points and 12 rebounds. Iman Shumpert scored 18 points off the bench on the night.
Overall, New York is 4-6 straight up and 3-7 against the spread in its last 10 games against Charlotte, with the OVER/UNDER going 5-5 over those 10 contests.
Bet on NBA action this week at Bovada's online sportsbook.
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Will we get to see more offensive fireworks on Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Phoenix Suns in NBA betting action at Bovada's online sportsbook?
Weigh in with the basketball odds today. :dirol
The last time the Lakers and Suns met on the hardwood last March Kobe Bryant and company pulled out a 139-137 home victory in triple overtime as a 7-point favorite on the NBA betting lines.
Bryant was good for 42 points for Los Angeles in that win, and he also picked up 12 rebounds and nine assists for good measure. Now-departed Lamar Odom tossed in 29 points for Los Angeles in that contest, and Pau Gasol added 24 points.
Steve Nash scored 19 points and had 20 assists for the Suns in that losing cause, with Channing Frye scoring a team-high 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the contest.
That result continued the trend of the Lakers beating the Suns, as Los Angeles has seven wins in its past 10 games against Phoenix. The Suns, though, managed to cover the posted spread in six of those 10 contests.
Phoenix also covered a spread in their last game on Sunday night, as they rolled to a 109-93 home win over the Bucks behind 10 points and 17 assists from Nash. Marcin Gortat had a team-high 18 points for Phoenix in that win over Milwaukee.
The Lakers last played on Sunday night as well, beating the Grizzlies by a score of 90-82 at home. Bryant tossed in 26 points to lead the Lakers in that contest, while Gasol and Andrew Bynum grabbed 15 rebounds apiece.
Weigh in with the basketball odds today. :dirol
The last time the Lakers and Suns met on the hardwood last March Kobe Bryant and company pulled out a 139-137 home victory in triple overtime as a 7-point favorite on the NBA betting lines.
Bryant was good for 42 points for Los Angeles in that win, and he also picked up 12 rebounds and nine assists for good measure. Now-departed Lamar Odom tossed in 29 points for Los Angeles in that contest, and Pau Gasol added 24 points.
Steve Nash scored 19 points and had 20 assists for the Suns in that losing cause, with Channing Frye scoring a team-high 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the contest.
That result continued the trend of the Lakers beating the Suns, as Los Angeles has seven wins in its past 10 games against Phoenix. The Suns, though, managed to cover the posted spread in six of those 10 contests.
Phoenix also covered a spread in their last game on Sunday night, as they rolled to a 109-93 home win over the Bucks behind 10 points and 17 assists from Nash. Marcin Gortat had a team-high 18 points for Phoenix in that win over Milwaukee.
The Lakers last played on Sunday night as well, beating the Grizzlies by a score of 90-82 at home. Bryant tossed in 26 points to lead the Lakers in that contest, while Gasol and Andrew Bynum grabbed 15 rebounds apiece.
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Do not expect to see either Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade or Golden State’s Stephen Curry on Tuesday night when the Heat face host Golden State for the only time this season.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook. :dirol
Wade has missed the past three games with what the team had termed a bruised left foot and is questionable for the remaining three games of Miami’s five-game road trip. Asked Monday if Wade could possibility be suffering from plantar fasciitis, a far more debilitating ailment, neither coach Erik Spoelstra nor Wade could rule it out. Yet Spoelstra also would not rule out the possibility of Wade playing Tuesday, although that’s highly unlikely. Wade was injured two weeks ago against the Charlotte Bobcats, when he said a player stepped on his foot. Point guard Mario Chalmers also missed practice on Monday but should play tonight.
As for Curry, he has already missed three games after having sprained his right ankle three times over a 15-day stretch. He left the team after Saturday night's 88-87 home loss to the Jazz to have the ankle examined by a specialist in Charlotte. Curry had surgery on that ankle during the offseason but sprained the same ankle in the Warriors' final preseason game on Dec. 18, then again on two different occasions during the regular season, most recently Wednesday in San Antonio. He hasn't played since. And center Andris Biedrins is unlikely to play tonight as well with an ankle injury that has kept him out the past two games.
The Heat have the NBA’s best record at 8-1 and are the league’s only remaining unbeaten team on the road. Miami has won six in a row in this series, including the last three in Oakland. The Warriors enter on a five-game losing streak, idle since Saturday's loss to Utah. After averaging 103.4 points last season, the Warriors are scoring just 89.9 per game this year. The road team is 4-0-1 ATS in past five in this series.
Get all your NBA basketball odds at Bovada’s online sportsbook. :dirol
Wade has missed the past three games with what the team had termed a bruised left foot and is questionable for the remaining three games of Miami’s five-game road trip. Asked Monday if Wade could possibility be suffering from plantar fasciitis, a far more debilitating ailment, neither coach Erik Spoelstra nor Wade could rule it out. Yet Spoelstra also would not rule out the possibility of Wade playing Tuesday, although that’s highly unlikely. Wade was injured two weeks ago against the Charlotte Bobcats, when he said a player stepped on his foot. Point guard Mario Chalmers also missed practice on Monday but should play tonight.
As for Curry, he has already missed three games after having sprained his right ankle three times over a 15-day stretch. He left the team after Saturday night's 88-87 home loss to the Jazz to have the ankle examined by a specialist in Charlotte. Curry had surgery on that ankle during the offseason but sprained the same ankle in the Warriors' final preseason game on Dec. 18, then again on two different occasions during the regular season, most recently Wednesday in San Antonio. He hasn't played since. And center Andris Biedrins is unlikely to play tonight as well with an ankle injury that has kept him out the past two games.
The Heat have the NBA’s best record at 8-1 and are the league’s only remaining unbeaten team on the road. Miami has won six in a row in this series, including the last three in Oakland. The Warriors enter on a five-game losing streak, idle since Saturday's loss to Utah. After averaging 103.4 points last season, the Warriors are scoring just 89.9 per game this year. The road team is 4-0-1 ATS in past five in this series.
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The Clippers and New Orleans Hornets finalized their long-rumored deal on Wednesday, with L.A. giving up a lot for Paul: star shooting guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, young forward Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round pick to the Hornets for Paul. The Clippers will also receive two future second-round picks.
The only big loss there is Gordon, who averaged 22.3 points last year. He was the one player L.A. was reluctant to put in the trade and why it was called off earlier this week. Kaman was a goner after this season as he has been replaced in the middle by DeAndre Jordan, and Aminu would have been a role player at best because the team signed Caron Butler to play small forward. It’s likely that the Clips slide recently added Chauncey Billups, normally a point guard, over to shooting guard in the interim, although it’s certainly possible another move could be coming (trading backup point guard Mo Williams). Randy Foye also will play shooting guard.
The Clippers could be arguably the most exciting team in the NBA this season with Paul throwing alley-oops to Blake Griffin and Jordan. Paul, 26, due to earn $16.3 million this season, informed the Clippers that he will pick up his option for the 2012-13 season at $17.7 million. The hope inside the Clippers' front office is that Paul will want to sign a long-term extension after playing alongside Griffin.
Ironically, the Clippers play their two preseason games – with the opener Monday – against the Lakers, the team that originally had traded for Paul before the NBA voided the deal.
Does this trade make the Clips better than the Lakers this season? Probably not, but the Clippers’ odds to win the NBA title skyrocketed from 50/1 to 15/1 on Bovada’s NBA futures odds. Certainly it looks as if the Clippers are a playoff team now.