TheSpread.com

NBA Betting News and Notes
By Covers.com

Each week, we look back on the NBA betting scene and give you the best –and worst – basketball bets, as well as some spots to keep an eye on with the upcoming schedule.

For the week of Dec. 23-29

Hottest ATS team

Golden State Warriors (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)

The Warriors swept the board last week, posting victories straight up and against the spread over Utah, Philadelphia and Boston. Harrison Barnes has stepped up in the absence of big man Andrew Bogut (ankle) and David Lee and Stephen Curry continue to lead the charge for the Warriors, who have a tough home-and-home set with the Clippers this week.

Coldest ATS team

Orlando Magic (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS)

The Magic have dropped five straight contests, going 1-4 ATS in the process. Injuries to Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis and E’Twaun Moore have certainly been a factor in the downslide. Orlando is allowing 103 points per game during the losing skid and will have to tighten the screws on defense this week against Miami, Chicago and New York.

Best over team

Atlanta Hawks (3-0 SU, 3-0 over/under)

After playing under the total in their previous three games, the Hawks averaged 112 points per game over their next three contests against Detroit, Cleveland and Indiana. Devin Harris, Anthony Morrow, and Josh Smith are all dealing with injuries and are questionable Monday at Houston.

Best under team

Boston Celtics (1-2 SU, 0-3 over/under)

The absence of PG Rajon Rondo (thigh) Saturday night had a devastating impact on the Celtics offense. Boston only mustered 83 points against a Golden State squad that is mediocre defensively. The Celtics are averaging just over 84 points per game over their last three contests, nearly 12 points lower than their season average. Rondo is questionable Sunday at Sacramento.

Scouting the schedule:

The Philadelphia 76ers continue their daunting eight-game road trip this week, with stops in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The Sixers are just 1-3 SU (2-2 ATS) on the first half of the trip.

The Toronto Raptors have picked up victories in seven of their last eight games (6-2 ATS) and now have a chance to really build some momentum with a six-game homestand beginning Wednesday when Portland visits the Air Canada Centre.